The simple answer is that it is what you use to protect and pack a product.
But if we dig a little deeper, it becomes a whole science!
To begin with, the word packaging itself is a loan word from the French and it has been used in Sweden, at least since the 18th century, with the same meaning as now, materials and products to pack something.
Packing
Many people think as I (the author of this post) did a few years ago, a box is a box, right?
Yes, it is, but also so much more …
A box should be adapted in size to the contents to avoid empty spaces that need to be filled with something, the thickness/quality should be adapted to how fragile the contents are and how they are to be transported, and furthermore, the closure,
should the box be taped, banded, or should it have an adhesive closure?
Should it have lids that can be opened and closed? What colour should it be?
Then you might want to personalise it and have packaging that shows where it comes from.
Imagine an egg carton: if they all looked the same, which one would you choose?
And here’s the thing about most packaging, whatever product you think of, there are a number of options.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to contact us at RAJA because we can guide you all the way from the first question to the finished packaging.
Plastic has always been a big part of packaging and that is understandable. Even plastic comes in lots of variants, it is durable and protects well.
We ourselves have a plethora of different plastic bags, plastic hoses, e-commerce bags, tape, etc. that are made of different types of plastic.
Environmental considerations
But, here’s where things are moving fast, most of our plastic bags are now made from recycled or partially recycled plastic.
And furthermore, you can now get tape and e-commerce bags made of paper and a couple of our latest products are bubble envelopes and paper packing tape (which we use ourselves when we send our customers’ orders).
Environmentalism is something that is always at the forefront of our minds and we are very aware that our customers also appreciate being able to find alternatives to the more traditional forms of packaging.
Protect
Yep, filling and protection products are also packaging.
Most people probably think of bubble wrap when they think of protecting their things during transport.
Or maybe packing chips (if you have a cat, buy a bag of packing chips, guaranteed cat satisfaction).
But even here there are a number of different products to use. Whether you pack 10 parcels a day or 500, we have options for you.
Get in touch with us and we can tell you more!
Shipping
When you have reached the point where your products are packed, it is time to send them, or perhaps transport them yourself.
Even the things you need and use at this point are referred to as packaging.
We are talking here about pallets, stretch film – for pallets or perhaps mini stretch film for small separate packages, consignment note envelopes for your papers, etc.
All so that your products arrive at their destination safely.
So there you have it, in a nutshell, what packaging is and is about. A concept that encompasses a lot, but now you know what to say the next time someone asks: what kind of packaging do you use?
And remember, we here at RAJA Sweden are always available to answer your questions and concerns, so do not hesitate to contact us!