Answer:
Packaging performs five basic functions: 1) Protection 2) Containment 3) Information 4) Utility of use 5) Promotion
1) Protection:
One of the major functions of packaging is to provide for the ravages of time and environment for the natural and manufactured products. The protection function can be divided into some classes viz.
2) Containment:
This involves consolidation of unit loads for shipping. It starts with spots of adhesives on the individual shippers that stick them together, straps of steel and plastic, entire shrouds of shrinkable or stretchable plastic films and paper or corrugated wraps that surround an entire pallet of product.
3) Information:
The packaging conveys necessary information to the consumers. The common information that packaging provides include general features of the product, ingredients, net weight of the contents, name and address of the manufacturers, maximum retail price (MRP).
4) Utility of use:
The convenience packaging has been devised for foods, household chemicals, drugs, adhesives, paints, cosmetics, paper goods and a host of other products. This type of packaging includes dispensing devices, prepackaged hot metals, disposable medical packaging.
5) Promotion:
Companies use attractive colours, logos, symbols and captions to promote the product that can influence customer purchase decision.
