Packaging and labeling
Packaging and Labeling
Packaging and labeling (/ˈpækɪdʒɪŋ ænd ˈleɪbəlɪŋ/) is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. It also refers to the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages.
Etymology
The term 'packaging' is derived from the old French word 'pacage', which means 'a bundle'. The term 'labeling' comes from the French word 'label', which means 'a narrow band or strip'.
Related Terms
- Package testing: A physical process by which packages are tested to measure, understand, and qualify their ability to withstand physical shock, vibration, and atmospheric pressure changes.
- Label: A piece of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or product, on which is written or printed information about the product.
- Tamper-evident technology: A preventive measure to tamper or interfere with a product. It involves an indicator or barrier to entry which, if breached or missing, can provide evidence that tampering has occurred.
- Shrink wrap: A material made up of polymer plastic film. When heat is applied, it shrinks tightly over whatever it is covering.
History
Packaging and labeling have been used by humans for centuries. The first packages were the natural materials used to hold and protect items, such as leaves, shells, and animal skins. As civilizations developed, so did their methods of packaging and labeling. The invention of paper and the development of writing systems allowed for more sophisticated packaging and labeling systems.
Modern Packaging and Labeling
In the modern world, packaging and labeling are essential for a wide range of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Packaging protects products from damage, while labels provide important information about the product, such as its ingredients, usage instructions, and safety warnings.
See Also
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