In the distant past, food and other products were consumed locally, negating the need for packaging. However, as civilizations took shape and populations grew, the need to safely store and transport consumables became apparent. Natural materials like leaves and animal hides were the preferred choice of packaging, with later technological advancements seeing a shift toward things like fabrics, pottery, and metals. The Ancient Chinese pioneered the concept of paper packaging, with the first papermaking processes invented almost 2,000 years ago.
Packaging technology wouldn’t undergo any major changes until the Industrial Revolution. During this period, access to and demand for consumer goods grew considerably. However, material prices meant that packaging was reserved for premium products and luxury goods. The early 20th century saw the arrival of many packaging innovations that are still in use today, namely metal cans, cellophane, and the humble cardboard box.
By the middle of the century, increasing globalization and international trade called for a new breed of packaging. To accommodate large volumes of consumer goods and raw materials, industrial packaging was upscaled considerably. Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), otherwise known as bulk bags, became a supply chain staple, with these packaging solutions offering unrivaled storage capacities, cost-effectiveness, and plenty of scope for customization.
Since the discovery of plastics, these materials have continued to play an important role in the evolution of packaging technology. With newly-discovered polymers more lightweight and durable than ever before, more robust packaging can be produced with considerably less material. This not only brings immediate cost savings to consumers but helps companies commit to a more sustainable way of business.
In general, eco-friendly packaging is becoming the norm. At a consumer-facing level, there’s been a shift to refillable and recyclable packaging solutions. This is particularly true of cosmetic packaging. Meanwhile, biodegradable packaging offers consumers an easy way to remain eco-conscious, even when recycling facilities aren’t readily available. At an industrial scale, advancements in recycling technology have meant that polymer materials like polypropylene can be more easily recycled, with many FIBC containers made up of a substantial amount of recycled material.
Along with becoming more sustainable, packaging is also getting smarter. So-called smart packaging refers to any type of packaging that’s been equipped with electronic devices like sensors to increase functionality. Such sensors can be used to enhance traceability and maintain optimal storage conditions, along with increasing efficiency across the entire supply chain.
When we talk about packaging technology, we’re referring to more than the materials used to create packaging products themselves. In addition to materials, packaging technology can include the design and overall construction of packaging solutions, along with the machinery and equipment used to load and handle them.
Although not the only aspect of packaging technology, materials are arguably the most important. While packaging materials of yesteryear were limited, rapid advancements in plastic fabrication and fabric technology have resulted in a far more diverse range of material options.
Paper and cardboard packaging remain some of the more sustainable packaging options around, scoring well for biodegradability and recyclability. However, even materials like plastic, traditionally seen as an unsustainable option, are today more recyclable than ever before.
Historically, metal and plastic have been go-to choices for bulk material packaging. However, rigid metal containers aren’t particularly cost-effective, with a large physical footprint that raises storage and transportation costs and complicates logistics. However, plastic is a far more practical choice. Advancements in plastic fabrication have produced materials that are both exceptionally lightweight and incredibly durable.
Offering a flexible and cost-conscious alternative to more traditional materials, plastic packaging is favored by many industries. It’s a popular choice for pharmaceutical packaging and the chemical sector, but can also be used to store and transport hardware and serve as electronic packaging. Permeable plastic containers can also be used as food packaging, provided the material has been deemed food-grade and adheres to the strictest safety and compliance regulations.
Choosing the right packaging material for your business needs is a multifaceted decision. For starters, consider packaging compatibility with products. Certain materials like perishable items require permeable materials with optimal airflow, while airtight solutions with flame-retardant credentials are the preferred choice for storing and handling materials like flammable powders.
Finally, you need to consider how compatible a certain type of packaging is with your supply chain model. Certain types of machinery can limit your options when it comes to packaging, while specific types of packaging require expensive pieces of equipment to handle.
The construction of packaging can have a major impact on the materials it is used to store. Materials like metal typically produce bulky packaging with little scope for flexibility. By contrast, materials like plastic polymers allow for far more diverse packaging. Materials like polypropylene fibers have an exceptionally high tensile strength, resulting in incredibly strong industrial packaging. This means that less material is needed to produce containers with high storage capacities, while the ultra-lightweight of the material reduces overheads further.
Packaging machinery typically refers to things like pallets and cranes, with certain types of packaging better suited to this equipment than others. However, it can also be used to refer to filling and discharging stations, as well as any piece of equipment that interacts with your packaging and the materials within it.
FIBC containers have been around for decades, and remain one of the most popular choices of bulk packaging. Preferred for their storage capacities, durability, and versatility, they’re the go-to across many industry sectors.
The main draw of FIBCs is their versatility. With their flexible design and large storage capacities, they’re an effective choice for bulk packaging requirements. What’s more, they’re relatively inexpensive, making them ideal for companies looking to make an instant saving.
FIBCs are also easy to handle, allowing for seamless integration into supply chains. They can also be heavily customized, making them compatible with all manner of packaging technology and equipment. Finally, FIBCs are, generally speaking, an environmentally-friendly choice. Depending on the application, they can be reused numerous times before needing to be replaced. What’s more, the material used to construct FIBCs can be partially recycled, reducing demand for virgin materials.
