Packaging is one of the
most important aspects of delivering a product to market and there are many
considerations that must be evaluated when a particular type of packaging is
being developed. This is especially true when the product is a food item or
anything that is to be consumed internally by the customer. The packaging does
much more than attract the attention of the potential customer, such as done
with breakfast cereals in getting the attention of children. While sales are
very important when success of a product is evaluated, the truth is that one
bad safety issue can change any concept of a successful product. Defective
product lawsuits are expensive for all companies, especially when an
ineffective safety feature of product packaging creates serious injury or
death.
Perishable Food Products
Food products fall into a
class of their own when packaging requirements are applied. While some items
are not necessarily perishable in short order, other products must be handled
with great care. This is especially true for products that can ruin quickly.
Refrigerated containers are necessary for perishable food products, which
increases transportation expense for all transported items. This applies to
fresh fruits and vegetables as well as packaged processed and frozen foods that
are shipped in bulk. Even the hint of a product recall can be very serious for
a manufacturer in terms of lost inventory and sales, along with potential
damage claims from customers sand suppliers. Perishable products that come from
the factory in ineffective or unlawful packaging affects all of the suppliers
along the delivery chain and not just the unfortunate customers. Food products
that have long shelf-life are not always a time priority and can often be
shipped via the most cost-effective mode of transportation.
Manufactured Products
Nonperishable manufactured
product packaging is not as restrictive as perishable consumables for obvious
reasons. That does not mean that there are not challenges and legal concerns
when they are being prepared for shipment to the market. Some products contain
dangerous chemicals and must be protected during shipment as well for the
safety of all handlers and potential customers. Some goods can still be damaged
in transit and not necessarily become a problem other than a write off, but
products that can create contamination if they are released usually must be
handled with safety as a priority as well. The product may not ruin, but damage
can extend well beyond the product when proper packaging and shipment
procedures are not followed. And, just as with perishable products, the extra
care needed to properly transport a volatile product can also increase the
transportation cost even if it is just by the extra necessary manpower.
There are many
manufactured products that can be shipped in the least of protected conditions
other than what is necessary to maintain the product until arrival at the
store. However, there still may be some packaging requirement codes that must
be followed. These items typically are the least expensive to ship unless size
and weight are a factor in determining shipping costs. Large expensive items
often require additional safety measures in transportation, and the time
necessary to transport a major piece of equipment can enhance the shipping cost
as well. The most important factor is to keep safety and legalities in mind
when preparing any product for transport to the ultimate sales destination or
warehouse.
