How Packaging Has A Role At Every Stage of Product Development

An article written and published by Norkol Packaging (Mesquite, Tex., USA) released late this past month (July 2018) explains how important paper-based & flexible packing is for consumer products.

Marketing professionals and branding experts may naturally place greater emphasis on consumer-facing packaging, but packaging experts know that paper and plastic serves a role at every stage in the realization of a consumer product, from manufacturing and transport, to retail marketing efficacy and shelf-life predictions. Though the breadth of industries served by behind-the-scenes paper and plastic solutions are diverse, their dependency on packaging is not always so obvious.

What types of industries benefit from behind-the-scenes packaging? For one, furniture manufacturing is heavily dependent on innovative paper and plastic packaging during production, storage, and distribution. Industrial packaging, as it’s often called, is necessary for the transport of finished furniture pieces. High-quality pieces that arrive to their destination pre-assembled require shock absorbent plastic, paper wrap, and filler to cushion it from any damage during transit. This durable plastic packaging protects furniture from water damage as well.

Similar to the furniture industry, material handling also relies on industrial packaging to ensure that all goods stored in warehouses, transported in and out of distribution centers, and loaded and unloaded off of trucks can be protected. In some cases, nonwoven sheets are even used when paper or plastic isn’t enough to keep certain materials from being crushed or smashed.

Restaurants also depend on behind-the-scenes packaging when it comes to receiving produce, meats, spices, and other ingredients from distributors. Flexible packaging is often used for the safe transport and preservation of meats and produce because of its ability to maintain the chemical atmosphere inside the package, prolonging the shelf-life of the food inside. Additionally, restaurants will sometimes use coated paper to line plastic food baskets carrying burgers and fries or fish and chips for more than just aesthetics. Though this type of coated paper packaging is seen by the customer, it often goes unrecognized for the technology behind it. Coated paper can not only serve as branding, it absorbs the grease and cooking oils used in food preparation to prevent food from getting soggy from too much oil. However, unlike a napkin, the special coating also prevents any oils from leaching out onto other surfaces. Using paper instead of plates also cuts down on dishwashing and water usage, and is perfect for food trucks, diners, cafes, and other food joints that don’t have the benefit of a large kitchen.

Norkol describes itself as a leader in packaging that understands the needs of the diverse industries they serve. Product lines range from the nonwoven materials used in reusable shopping bags and furniture, to the paper and plastic protecting fast food and convenience items. The packaging needs of an industrial manufacturing company differ greatly from those of the pharmaceutical industry, and it truly takes a packaging industry expert to navigate the technology, cost, and efficacy of an entire slew of materials and designs. Whether your product needs to stand out on a retail shelf, maintain a specific chemical balance, or stand up against heavy wear and tear, Norkol says it will find a solution for you.