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While you work on creating the package of a product, you need to focus on two major aspects.
The first one is the design of the package.
The second aspect is the material that you are going to use for the construction of the package.
No matter how good your design is, you will not be able to get the best out of your package if you have used the incorrect material for the construction.
That’s why it is important for you to understand the different materials used in packaging design.
Then you can figure out what the best packaging material available for packaging design is and you will be able to go forward with it accordingly.
Here’s a list of some of the most prominent types of packaging material that are used for the construction of packages in today’s world.
Paper and cardboard for Packaging
Low cost is the key reason why people tend to go ahead with this option.
In addition to that, you will be able to easily decorate it and you can make sure that it holds its shape for a longer duration of time.
The paper and cardboard used for commercial packaging are obtained from pulped wood.
However, it is also possible to make that from many other materials, which include hemp, sisal, straw, and cotton. All these material types are recyclable.
Therefore, people who are focused on making their products environmentally friendly tend to proceed with paper and board.
The weight of paper and board is usually measured with the help of a scale. On the other hand, dimensions are measured by a scale. All the materials that have a weight of under 250 grams per square meter will be considered as paper.
The packaging material used that is above 250 grams per square meter will be called as cardboard or paperboard.
Depending on the product, manufacturers are provided with the chance to pick any opt-out of these two and go ahead with it.
It is also possible for you to find some of the manufacturer’s laminating paper and board.
This is one of the most effective methods available for you to enhance the strength of packaging.
After laminating, there is a possibility to introduce either a matt finish or a gloss finish to the packaging. The packaging can also be embossed in an effective manner.
The packaging types produced with the help of paper and board include leaflets, labels, cartons, rigid boxes, and tubes.
Glass for Packaging
The glass that you can find commercially available in the market is made out of silica, calcium carbonate, and sodium carbonate.
However, other custom packaging material is added during the production process in order to provide them with sparkle and color.
These materials are also in a position to deliver enhanced resistance against shock and heat to glasses. Plenty of reasons have contributed to the popularity of glasses as a packaging material.
One of the biggest reasons for them is that glass is inert. In addition to that, glass can act as a barrier to gas and moisture. Glass is resistant to pressure up to a certain degree as well.
On top of that, you are provided with the opportunity to mold glass into a variety of shapes. This can help you to end up with a unique and a of kind package.
The transparency properties offered by the glass also play a major role in packaging. That’s because you will be able to make the product visible to customers with it.
Glass is an environmentally friendly packaging material as well.
That’s because glass is recyclable and we will be able to find glass recycling facilities in all parts of the world. The biggest drawback associated with glass is fragility.
In addition to that, broken glass is dangerous.
In case if the product you manufacture is degraded by light, the level of transparency offered by the glass would become an issue as well. You need to be mindful about these factors before you start using glass as a packaging material.
Metals for Packaging
Metals that are used for packaging are derived from aluminum or tin-plate. You will be able to find them in the form of packaging in a variety of products. They include tubes, aerosol cans, drink cans, and many other products. Metals can also be recyclable. Hence, it is another great option available for glass. In fact, people who are looking for a rigid and less fragile packaging material prefer to go ahead with metals.
When it comes to food can packaging, tin-plated steel is being used. On the other hand, there is a possibility to use in without any coatings as well.
Likewise, you will be able to see manufacturers using aluminum as a material for the production of trays, closures, drink cans, tubes, and tubs.
It is possible to laminate the constructions and have them as multi-laminate constructions. This can deliver unique and effective results with packaging as well.
The strength and rigidity are key reasons why metals are used for the production of packaging. They are in a position to act as a barrier to moisture and glass as well.
Therefore, you will be able to successfully overcome the negative effects that moisture and gas create on the product.
One of the best properties of metal is that it is pressure and temperature-resistant. If metals are applied with appropriate coatings, they are in a position to showcase corrosion resistance capabilities as well.
That’s the main reason why coatings have been applied in the food cans.
The metal packaging is fully serializable.
Therefore, people don’t need to worry about anything when they are purchasing foods that are available in metal cans. Manufacturers are also able to decorate and label metal in a colorful manner to grab attention from customer groups effectively.
