CHAPTER FOUR

Labeling and packaging

Labeling and Standardizing Products

 A label is a piece of paper, polymer, cloth, metal, or other material

affixed to a container or article, on which is printed a legend,
information concerning the product, addresses, etc.

 A label may also be printed directly on the container or article.

Labels have many uses: product identification, name tags,
advertising, warnings, and other communication.

 Special types of labels called digital labels (printed through a digital

printing) can also have special constructions such as RFID tags,
security printing, and sandwich process labels.
Con…

 The label gives information to customers about the

type of product and how it is used, but it also gives
an image of the product to the customer.

 A well designed label can give an impression of high

quality or exciting taste, whereas a poor label can
suggest low quality or a cheap product that is only
eaten by people who cannot afford anything better.
 Con…

 Producers may wish to have a ‘logo’ to help customers identify their

products from those of competitors when on display in shops.

 However, the package and particularly the label must compare favorably
with the others before customers will choose it.

 In general, a simple image on the label is better than a complex design.

 The brand name or the name of the company should stand out clearly.

 If pictures are used, they should accurately show the product or its main
raw material.
Con…

 In some countries there are legal requirements on the design of the

label and the information that is included, with the following being
the minimum required in most countries:
– Name of the product

– List of ingredients in order of weight

– Name and address of the producer

– Net weight of food in the package

– • A ‘use-by’, ‘best-before’ or ‘sell-by’ date

Con…

 The producer may also include:

– Any special instructions for preparing the product

– Storage information or instructions of storage after opening

– Examples of recipes in which the product can be used

– A bar code for sales to a larger supermarkets

 Standardization of Products
 Standardization is the process of developing and implementing technical
standards.

 The goals of standardization can be to help with independence of single

suppliers (commoditization), compatibility, interoperability, safety,
repeatability, or quality.

 A standard is a document which provides, inter alia, requirements, rules,

and guidelines, for a process, product or service.

 These requirements are sometimes complemented by a description of

the process, products or services. Standards are the result of a
consensus and are approved by a recognized body.
 Standardization of Products
 Standards aim at achieving the optimum degree of order in a given
context.

 The process of formulating, issuing and implementing standards is called

standardization.
Aims of Standardization:
Following are the primary aims of standardization:

 Fitness for Purpose:

 Fitness for purpose is the ability of the process, product or service to
fulfill a defined purpose under specific conditions.
 Any product, process or service is intended to meet the needs of the
user.
 Sometimes the expectations of the users may be at variance with the
actual purpose.
 Standards help by identifying the optimum parameters for the
performance of a process, product or service (e.g. product
standards) and the method for evaluating product conformity (such
as test method standards and quality control standards).
Aims of Standardization:
Following are the primary aims of standardization:

 Interchangeability:
 The suitability for a process, product or service to be used in place of
another to fulfill a relevant requirement is called interchangeability.
 Through a deliberate standardization process, it is possible to make
processes, products or services interchangeable, even if they are created in
different countries.
 Variety Reduction:
 Variety reduction is one of the aims of standardization for the selection,
inter alia, of the optimum number of sizes, ratings, grades, compositions
and practices to meet prevailing needs.
 Balancing between too many and too few varieties is in the best interest of
both manufacturers and consumers.
Aims of Standardization:
Following are the primary aims of standardization:

 Compatibility:
 Parallel developments of processes, products or services, which are
required to be used in combination, pose problems if they are not
compatible.
 One of the aims of standardization is compatibility, namely, suitability of
processes, products or services to be used together under specific
conditions to fulfill the relevant requirements, without causing
unnecessary interaction.
 Guarding against factors that affect the health and safety of consumers:
 Safety of the process, product or service is of great importance if, under
certain conditions, the use of the process, product or service may pose a
threat to human life or property.
Aims of Standardization:
Following are the primary aims of standardization:

 Environmental Protection:
 Environmental protection is an important aim of standardization: the focus
here is on preserving nature from damage that may be caused during the
manufacture of a product or during its use or disposal after use.
 For example, the domestic use of a washing machine should generate only
a minimum of pollutants.
 Better Utilization of Resources:
 In manufacturing organizations, it is this aspect of standardization of
materials, components and production methods that makes it possible to
reduce waste and to carry out mass production in an economic way.
Aims of Standardization:
Following are the primary aims of standardization:

 Better Communication and Understanding:

 Whenever the transfer of goods and services is involved, standards spell
out what means of communication are to be used between different
parties.
 Since standards contain information that is recorded in a precise and
documented form, they contribute towards better communication and
understanding in a large variety of settings.
 Transfer of Technology:
 Standards act as a good vehicle for technology transfer. Since standards
incorporate the results of advances in science, technology and experience,
they reflect the state of the art in technical development.
 As standardization is a dynamic process, standards are updated as new technologies
are developed.
Aims of Standardization:
Following are the primary aims of standardization:

 Removal of Trade Barriers:

 Restrictions on the export of processes, products or services by the
introduction of some technical barriers to trade, such as arbitrary product
requirements, are being viewed with great concern.
 Standards prevent such non-tariff barriers to trade by harmonizing
requirements in a manner that promotes fair competition.
 Purchasers can be convinced about the quality level of a product that has
been manufactured according to a recognized standard.
Benefits of Standardization:

 Standards provide benefits to different sectors of society. Some of the

benefits of standardization are as follows:
 For manufacturers, standards:
 Rationalize the manufacturing process.
 Eliminate or reduce wasteful material or labor.
 Reduce inventories of both raw material and finished products.
 Reduce the cost of manufacture.
 For customers, standards:
 Assure the quality of goods purchased and services received.
 Provide better value for money.
 Are convenient for settling disputes, if any, with suppliers.
Benefits of Standardization:

 For traders, standards:

 Provide a workable basis for acceptance or rejection of goods or
consequential disputes, if any.
 Minimize delays, correspondence, etc., resulting from inaccurate or
incomplete specification of materials or products.
Attributes of a Standard

 A standard generally has three attributes:

 Level: such as at the company, national or international level.
 Subject: such as engineering, food, textile or management.
 Aspect: such as specification, testing and analysis, packaging and
labeling (more than one aspect may be covered in a single standard: a
standard may include specification of items such as the product, its
sampling and inspection, related tests and analysis, packaging and
labeling).
Packaging and Quality Control

 Packaging has been defined as a socio scientific discipline which operates

in society to ensure delivery of goods to the ultimate consumer of those
goods in the best condition intended for their use.

 The Packaging Institute International (PII) defines packaging as the

enclosure of products, items or packages in a wrapped pouch, bag, box,
cup, tray, can, tube, bottle or other container form to perform one or more
of the following functions: containment, protection, preservation,
communication, utility and performance.
 If the device or container performs one or more of these functions, it is
considered a package.
Package, Packaging, Packing:

 It is important to distinguish between the words "package," "packaging"

and "packing.
 " The package is the physical entity that contains the product.
 Packaging was defined above and in addition, is also a discipline.
 The verb "packing" can be defined as the enclosing of an individual item
(or several items) in a package or container.
Levels of Packaging:

 A primary package is the one which is in direct contact with the contained
product.
 It provides the initial, and usually the major protective barrier. Example:
Metal cans, paperboard cartons, glass bottles and plastic pouches, aerosol
spray can, Beverage can, cushioning envelopes, plastic bottles, skin pack.
 A secondary package contains a number of primary packages.
 It is outside the primary packaging perhaps used to group primary
packages together.
 It is the physical distribution carrier and is sometimes designed so that it
can be used in retail outlets for the display of primary packages. Ex.
Corrugated case, Boxes
Levels of Packaging:

 A tertiary package is made up of a number of secondary packages.

 It is used for bulk handling. Example being a stretch-wrapped pallet of
corrugated cases.
 A quaternary package is frequently used to facilitate the handling of
tertiary packages.
 This is generally a metal container up to 40 m in length which can be
transferred to or from ships, trains, and flatbed trucks by giant
cranes.
 Certain containers are also able to have their temperature, humidity and
gas atmosphere controlled.
 This is necessary in particular situations such as the transportation of
frozen foods, chilled meats and fresh fruits and vegetables
Levels of Packaging:
1. Promoting and Selling the Product

2. Defining Product Identity

3. Providing Information

4. Expressing Customer Needs

5. Ensure Safe Use

6. Protecting the Product

Attractive, colorful, and
visually appealing packages
have promotional value

A well designed package is a

powerful selling device
because it helps the
product stand out from its
competitors
Mixed Bundling – packaging
different products or
services together
 Usually the bundle price is
cheaper than buying them
individually

Price Bundling – two or

more similar products
are placed on sale for
one package price
Packaging is sometimes used to
promote an image such as
prestige, convenience, or status

Can be a crucial part of the

marketing strategy, particularly
in advertising
 Gives customer useful
information on:
 directions for using the
product
 its contents
 product guarantees
 nutritional value
 potential hazards
When designing packages, companies analyze
customer lifestyles and create packaging that
meets their needs for size and convenience

Packages often come in various sizes

 Family size
 Single serving
Proper packaging helps to eliminate
potential injuries or misuse of a
product
 Formerly glass containers are now

plastic
 Childproof caps

 Tamper resistant packages

 Blisterpacks – packages with preformed

plastic molds surrounding individual
items arranged on a backing
 Must protect during shipping, storage, and
display
 Prevent or discourage from tampering
 Prevent shoplifting
 Protect against breakage and spoilage
Packaging of Agricultural Products
Packaging of Agricultural Products

 Packaging is the act of wrapping or enclosing agricultural

products in a suitable material that will protect them when
they are being transported from farms to markets and
displayed in shops for people to buy.
Choice of Packaging Materials
Characteristics of packaging material
Quality Control
Quality Control
The dimensions of Quality:
Quality Control Techniques
Quality Control Techniques
The end!
Thanks!!
Quiz

1. Differentiate Package, Packaging and Packing?

2. Explain Levels of Packaging?
3. Explain Functions of Packaging?
4. Elaborate aims of Standardization?
5. What is standardization?