PACKAGING THROUGH TIME

Abstract

Packaging can be briefly defined as a science, method and technology for product preservation.^{1, 20} The function of packaging is to protect the product that is packed in it and to protect the environment from the content inside the packaging. As a result, the products can be gaseous, liquid or solid³. The packaging must be suitable for use, i.e. handling, transport and distribution. It should inform the potential and the actual buyer and it should “sell the product”. ²

An important part of the packaging design is the material from which it will be made. The basic conditions that packaging must meet are the following: strength on material pressure, elasticity, plasticity, toughness, resistance to train, toughness, mechanical endurance and printing.²

Packaging must be protected from oxidation, moisture, odor, chemical agents and microbes. To meet these requirements, polymer materials and nanotechnology are now being used.^4,18   

Packaging can also be made according to the materials, purpose in traffic, durability and function.³⁰  

Distribution according to materials: wood, paper, cardboard, fabric, clay, glass, metal, polymers, multilayer materials.

Distribution according to the traffic purpose: sales or primary, group or secondary, transport or tertiary.

Distribution according to durability: return, non-refundable (onetime).

Distribution according to function: warehouse transport, sales, use.^{5, 6, 36}