The following are the important functions of packaging: 1. Protection: The packaging is intended to give protection to the product against the following: (a) Damage by machine handling
(b) Product loss from spilling and evaporation
(c) Pilferage
(d) Contamination
(e) Moisture
(f) Heat
(g) Light exposure
(h) Insect or fungus attack
(i) Rain
(j) Chemical transformation
(k) Loss of freshness
2. Convenience: (a) Convenience of storage in warehouses, shops and house-shelves
(b) Convenience in use
(c) Convenience in handling
(d) Convenience in opening
3. Identity of the Product, Firm and Brand: Package helps to identify the products, through colour, lettering, size, shape, material and text.
4. Package acts as the Carrier of Message: It provides product information. Wherever possible some message or information is printed or embossed on the package.
5. Re-use or Scrap: Packages are prepared in such a way that can be used for storing other articles. Some packages are so designed that refills can be bought at an economic price and the same product can be used in the original container. Even if the package cannot be re-used very well, it can be used as a scrap.
6. Reduces Transport Cost: The most important factor in packaging is the cost. Bulky cotton or fabrics are compressed into bales. By the use of light weight and at the same time strong materials for packing, transport cost can be reduced. So package must be strong enough to undertake the strain of the journey.
7. Product Differentiation: Products with narrow differences can be differentiated easily with the help of packing. Washing soaps like 555, Rin, Wheel, Henko, etc. can be identified only with the help of the wrapper. Changing the package is the easiest and inexpensive way to practice product differentiation.
