Packaging products is done in order to protect them from damage when moving them around from one location to another. Additionally, some products, such as food stuff, are packaged in order to protect them from becoming contaminated by heat, germs, or even moisture, so that they can remain edible. No matter what the packaging is used for, there are many different materials out there that can be used for the purpose of protecting the contents. Some of the most common ones of these are listed below.
Glass
Made from carbonate, washing soda, and silica, commercial grade glass is used for a wide range of product packaging applications. Some of the compounds that are often added to the material in order to add an extra dimension to it include sparkle, colour, and even shock / heat resistance.
The reason why it is popular with some manufacturers is because it is an impenetrable barrier for both gas and moisture, thus keeping food and liquids fresher for longer. It can also be easily molded into any shape and can also be easily recycled. One of the main downsides to glass is the fact that it is so fragile and can easily smash.
Plastic
A common material for product packaging, plastic is something that is very difficult to be eliminated, which is why more and more people are moving away from using it. The reason why plastic tube packaging became popular in the first place is because it is strong, lightweight, and cheap to produce on mass. For some manufacturers, plastic is used as an alternative to glass, cardboard, and other packaging materials.
Cardboard and Paper
The reason why these materials are so commonly used is because they can be easily decorated, are great at holding their shape, and best of all, are low cost. When paper is used for packaging, it is typically made from the fibre that comes from wood that has been pulped. However, it can also be made from various other materials, such as hemp, sisal, straw, and cotton – all of which are recyclable.
Cardboard and paper are typically identified by their calliper or weight. Where the material weighs less than 250 grams per square meter, it is considered to be paper, and any material that weighs more than that is considered to be cardboard. In order to provide it with an extra layer of strength and some protective properties, paper can be laminated. The finish achieved from this process can be embossed, matte, or gloss, depending on the desired outcome.
Metal
All forms of metal are recyclable, which is good for its green credentials. For food stuff, metal, in paractular tin, is the most common packaging material used. For liquids, such as fizzy drinks or alcohol, aluminium is the metal of choice. It is also used to make tubes, tubs, trays, closures, and clasps on a wide array of packaging. Foil is a metal that is often used in the multi layer construction of product packaging, to seal containers, and even for bubble packs.
