Manufacturing businesses are profitable because they provide a necessary service to society. They take raw materials and turn them into finished products that people use daily. This process requires a lot of skill and expertise but has substantial returns.
Regarding manufacturing, the packaging is a crucial step in the production process. That’s why it’s so important to follow best practices in packaging. To be successful, manufacturing businesses must be efficient and compliant with standards.
What are Packaging Standards, and Why are They Important?
Packaging standards are guidelines that help ensure products are safely and securely packaged. These standards vary depending on the product and its intended use. For example, food packaging must meet different standards than medical packaging.
There are many reasons why packaging standards are important. First, they protect consumers from harm. Second, they ensure the quality of the product. And third, they help businesses stay compliant with the law.
Net Content Compliance
One of the most important aspects of packaging is net content compliance. This refers to the amount of product that must be in the package. The net content must be accurate and clearly stated on the label.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology of the U.S. Department of Commerce publishes the NIST Handbook 133, “Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods. This establishes the guidelines for accuracy in the correct net quantity of contents of packaged products in the U.S. While reasonable variations are allowed, it is required that upon inspection, the average content of all packages in a lot must reflect what is claimed on the label. Also, any package must not be filled with less than the Maximum Allowable Variation (MAV).
There are several ways to ensure net content compliance. First, use proper filling techniques. Second, take measures to prevent product loss during packaging. And third, use the right type of packaging for your product.
The Right Packaging for Your Product
In addition to net content compliance, it’s important to use the right type of packaging for your product. The type of packaging you use will depend on the product, its intended use, and the packaging standards.
For example, food packaging must be able to withstand the weight of the product, as well as any liquids or other substances that may be inside. It must also be able to keep the food fresh and prevent spoilage.
Medical packaging, on the other hand, must meet different standards. It must be able to protect the product from contamination and maintain its sterility.
Package Quality Inspection
Once you’ve selected the right packaging for your product, it’s important to inspect the quality of the packaging. This ensures that the package meets all the required standards and specifications.
There are several ways to inspect package quality. First, you can use visual inspection. This is where you look at the packaging to see if there are any defects. Second, you can use measurement inspection. This is where you measure the packaging dimensions to ensure they meet the requirements. And third, you can use functional testing. This is where you test the packaging to see if it meets the performance standards.
Sustainable Packaging
In addition to quality, it’s also important to consider sustainability when selecting packaging for your product. Ensure that the raw material used in your packaging is sustainably and ethically sourced. This means ensuring that the materials used are from renewable sources, did not harm the environment in their production, and did not harm communities.
The manufacturing process for the packaging must not have excessive emissions of greenhouse gases. The packaging should be environmentally friendly and made of reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.
There are many benefits to using sustainable packaging. First, it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. Second, it helps to conserve resources. And third, it helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps mitigate climate change.
Labeling Requirements
In addition to the packaging requirements, there are also labeling requirements that must be met. The label must be accurate and include all the required information.
The required information will depend on the product and the applicable packaging standards. For example, food labeling must include the name of the product, the ingredients, the nutrition facts, the expiration date, and the country of origin.
Medical packaging must also include specific information. This includes the name of the product, the manufacturer, the batch number, the expiration date, and any warnings or precautions.
Your Product Will Be Judged By Its Package
There are many factors to consider when selecting packaging for your product. It’s important to ensure that the packaging complies with all the relevant standards and regulations. It’s also important to select packaging that fits its purpose and meets the quality requirements. And finally, it’s important to consider sustainability when selecting packaging for your product. Remember, consumers will judge your product by its package. So, it’s important to ensure the packaging is up to par.