LPT 311: Milk and Milk Products Technology (1+1)

PACKAGING

• Packaging is the technique of using the most appropriate containers and components to protect, carry, identify and merchandise any product. It constitutes a vital link between the manufacturer and eventual consumer for the safe delivery of the product through the various stages of manufacture, storage, transport, distribution and marketing. In order to deliver fresh, sound and convenient form of milk and to minimize the losses protective packaging is necessary to withstand the hazards of climatic changes, transportation, handling etc. The criteria by which a package is judged are usually the following:
  • It must protect and preserve the commodity from the time it is packed to the point of consumption.
  • It must be suitable for the chosen selling and distribution system.
  • It must be attractive to the consumer, easy to open, store and dispose.
  • It must cost no more than the market can bear.
• Definition
  • Packaging means placing a commodity into a protective wrapper or container for transport or storage.
• Functions
  • Package has a three fold functions of containing, protecting and merchandising:
• To contain the product
  • Package should be large one with proper constructional features so as to avoid leakage and spoilage. It should be as compatible as possible with the product and finally it should have enough strength to withstand handling, transportation and storage hazards.
  • To protect the product
  • Protection of the product against contamination or loss and damage or degradation due to microbial action, exposure to heat, light, moisture and oxygen, evaporation etc.
  • To help in selling the product
  • The shape of the package should be favourable to dispensation and reclosure, and to its disposal and reuse.
• Present status of the packaging industry
  • In developed countries packaging industry has met tremendous advances. With newer marketing systems like super markets, self services stores etc packaging technology in these countries has risen to great heights. Newer and better packaging materials, development of packaging machinery and appliances have all advanced in an integrated manner. In developing countries like India, packaging is still in its infancy.