Packaging and Packing :

Packaging in Agricultural Marketing :



Packaging for any consumable goods is an essential part of marketing functions. Packaging for rural produce is very economical and ordinary compared to the off-shelf the sale of consumables seen in big stores of cities. The packaging size for rice, wheat, jowar and other groceries were in bags of 100 kg each for a long time.

Packaging in Agricultural Marketing Contd. :



However, since the last two to three decades, there are changes and now we see bags of 50 kgs and 25 kgs in general. For high value goods like Basamati Rice, even 10 kg and 5 kg bags with brand names and price printed on them are available. Different goods are sold in different types of packages.

Packaging in Agricultural Marketing Contd. :



For example, milk is carried in plastic pouches, processed food is carried in aluminum foils and then kept in tins. Fruits are packed in wooden crates or carton boxes, vegetables are carried to the market in thin gunny cloth wrappings. Some packagings are for short duration and some for longer duration. Packaging has to take care of handling, transportation, durability of goods and easy to store and sell.

Packing in Agricultural Marketing :



Packing is a collection of things wrapped or tied together. It is making a lot or size. For example, it is decided to pack 60 match sticks in each box and now we can understand '60 matchsticks' is a packing set and 'box' is package or cover to hold the packing material.

Packing in Agricultural Marketing Contd. :



Packing has a broader meaning which covers compiling, making lots and packaging. Different commodities are packed in different size of boxes, sets and packaging to suit handling, transport and sale to traders and consumers.

Advantages of Packing And Packaging :



Packing has more relevance to handling, movement, quantity and quality identification and storage. There are other factors which are discussed next :

Advantages of Packing And Packaging :



Market sale quantity (to traders, consumers) is taken care in packing.



For example, a general stores keeps rice, wheat and dal in 100 or 50 kg bags. As and when a consumer comes, he will make smaller packages of 20, 10, 5 and 2 kg etc. as per consumer's order.

Advantages of Packing And Packaging Contd. :



Packaging controls volume.



For example, cotton, wool and cotton waste has to be compressed and packed or else it will be too voluminous to handle and transport.

Packaging protects material from spoilage, leakage, breakage and pilferage.

Advantages of Packing And Packaging Contd. :



Packaging helps to read, know or feel the quantity, quality and type of materials. Packaging is very convenient in handling for bulk transport as well as for consumers to carry with them. Packaging is made convenient to organize in shelf for off the shelf commodities.

Advantages of Packing And Packaging Contd. :



Packaging, its colours and prints help easy identification of different products, brands and class to which they belong.


For example, KSDL (Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd.) makes Sandal soap 'Gold', 'Mysore Sandle Soap' and "Jasmine' etc. The first one is high priced, second one medium priced and third one is low priced. Their packaging, print, paper and style including colour indicates that they are meant for different class of consumers.

Advantages of Packing And Packaging Contd. :



Packing enables equivalent comparison of prices since quantity and size of packing is uniform for specific commodities.


For example, mangoes are packaged in baskets containing 2 dozens (big sizes) or 3 dozens (small sizes). Since quantity is uniform, the prices of different traders are easy to compare.

Advantages of Packing And Packaging Contd. :



Packaging is also aimed to take care of cleanliness, protection from transport damages, and to retain its freshness as far as possible.


For example, vegetables are carried covered in thin gunny bag package. This enables the vegetable vendors to sprinkle water periodically to keep it fresh to the extent possible.

Advantages of Packing And Packaging :



On many smaller packaging like processed foods, fruits and vegetables, labels are printed and pasted with instructions on the method of use, storage, date of manufacture and date of expiry etc. This gives a good guideline to consumers from the timely usage of commodities. Packaging is designed to protect different products from weather conditions, especially for fast perishable goods Packaging gives extra boost to sales in terms of presentation, size and branding.

Materials For Packing :



The use of packaging materials is a dynamic subject and there will be continuous improvements and changes in this activity. In consumer goods, packaging has revolutionized marketing by coming out with the most attractive, innovative and protective packaging. So much so that many consumers prefer to retain the packages after they start using the commodity they have bought.

Materials For Packing Contd. :



In the case of agro-products, most of the packaging materials are re-usable and some are used for different purposes. For example, gunny bags are used even after they are torn for different household purposes. Cost of packaging is an important consideration in deciding the packaging material and preparations.

Materials For Packing Contd. :



The cost should be absorbed by the market. The thumb rule is that higher value goods can have higher value packaging. The packaging for ghee, processed fruits, juices, cashew, basmati rice and processed foods are having better materials, good printing and hence costlier.

Materials For Packing Contd. :



On the contrary, papads and other low cost preparations are packed in just good enough and economical packaging. Slowly there is a trend to have fancy and better packaging for rural products which then was only for consumer products. Basically the packaging materials should be eco-friendly, economical and retain the utility and freshness of the product for a longer time.

Materials For Packing Contd. :



Major functions of packaging are as follows. (i) Protection:



The main function of the packaging material is to protect goods from wastage, spoilage, damage, breakage and pilferage. Accordingly different commodities are packed in different packaging materials.

Materials For Packing Contd. :



(ii) Attraction/Aesthetics:


Some of the ready to use products, processed goods, food items and eatables need to be packed in decent and handy packaging with materials like plastics, paper carton, aluminum foils. This will capture the interest and attention of customers and lead to more business.

Materials For Packing Contd. :




(iii) Convenience:
The size of packing and the type of material used for packing should not only suit the materials but also should be convenient for consumers to carry and use.




(iv) Costs:
The cost of packaging materials should be affordable by the ultimate consumer. Also as far as possible, the packaging should be reusable. For example, good quality plastic carry bags are used again to carry some other materials in household usage.

 

Materials For Packing Contd. :



(v) Safety:


The materials used for packing should be safe for the product as well as for human beings to avoid risks from chemical effects and should be within the standards of safety.

Types Of Materials Used :




Jute:
Jute is very commonly being used for centuries to package food grains and sugar. This material is considered to be very convenient to load, unload, store and handle at transshipment. The drawback is rodents who very easily cut this material and consume the grain.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



For a long time, even cement was packed in jute bags. Now, they use synthetic packaging materials for cement. Other varieties of jute are


(a) hessian cloth mostly used for cotton packaging and (b) combination of jute and synthetics to have toughness. These are useful for package of fertilizers and pesticides.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



Standard gunny bags used for rice, sugar and wheat are re-used and continue to be used until holes are formed. Even after they are term, poor people and rural people use them as carpet for sitting and sleeping. It fetches resale value till the end.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :




Packaging for Fruits:

Characteristic of fruits are


(a) fast perishables (b) transport related damages chances are high (c) segregation of quality, size, ripeness is essential and (d) fruits like apples are sent long distances.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



Commonly used packaging are as follows: (i) Wooden Crates:



This method is used wherever a product has to go long distances and to maintain the shape of the fruits. Apple is normally sent in wooden crates.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(ii) Carton Boxes:



Carton boxes which can carry 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg are used for packing and transport. This is used for fruits like grapes, oranges etc.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(iii) Bamboo-Basket:


These are very popular in the mango season. Normally baskets to carry 2, 3 and 4 dozens mangoes are made. The top cover is closed by jute thread. This basket arrangement enables the mangoes to become ripe inside.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(iv) Synthetic Materials:



These days plastic papers, fibre bags, plastic nets and plastic boxes are used as gift packages and normally used in elite stores. These packages improve aesthetics.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



Packaging for Vegetables :



Vegetables have a short life and hence its packaging should cost very less compared to fruits and food grains. The commonly used packaging materials are as follows :

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(i) Jute Bags and Jute Cloth:



Items like potato, onion, lemon etc. are carried in jute bags. Leafy vegetables are filled in thin jute cloth so that water can be sprinkled on it during journey for retaining freshness.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(ii) Bamboo Baskets:



Commonly used to carry all the types of vegetables. Convenient to transport and handle as the maximum weight per basketful materials will be around 20 kgs.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(iii) Corrugated Boxes, Plastic Bags:



These are used for export of vegetables and for sending to longer distances.

(iv) Plastic Nets:



Used for carrying leafy vegetables.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



It is important to note that in case of vegetable packaging in gunny bags, nets etc. cleanliness and hygiene is not well attended to. This problem is more during the rainy season. For proper marketing and customer satisfaction, controlling cleanliness and hygienic condition in packaging, transport, handling and storage is important.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



Packaging of Food Items:



Processed food, juices and pickles, must be packed with extreme care for the durability and retention of food values. Some of the commonly used methods are as follows :

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(i) Aluminum Foils :



These are known to help retain the flavour, freshness and originality of feel for food items like ghee, butter, eatables or fried eatables. This packaging gives protection from contaminants, moisture and dust. This gives a good appearance to the product. Details of product can be printed on aluminum packages.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(ii) Glass Bottles:



They are popularly used for pickles, juices, jams and other beverages. Normally, colourless (natural) glass bottles are used so that the packed products are easily visible. For this purpose, the printed sticker is made such that half portion is only covered by it. Bottle closure has to be air and water tight to keep the product fresh for a longer time and are safe from any side effects.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(iii) Tin Containers:



The steel sheets with tin coating are used for making tin boxes of various sizes and shapes. Tin boxes for l/2 kg to 16 kg variety are very common. Tin packaging is very common for edible oils, coconut oil, rasgulla, ghee, dalda, refined oils, biscuits, chocolates etc. Transport, handling and storage is convenient. The quality of product is retained for a long time.

Types Of Materials Used Contd. :



(iv) Polyethylene:


This is used in large scale. The bags are in different thickness and size varieties. They are light, flexible and easy to carry. Many fried eatables, pickles and some fruits are packaged and sold in polyethylene bags.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material :




Jute Bags.

Advantages


Protection against tearing is good Stack compression good Convenient to handle Can be used once, twice or even more

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Jute Bags Contd..

Advantages Contd.


Easy marketability Use for other domestic purposes Easily repairable if torn during handling or storage Dimensions, specifications easily alterable to suit requirements.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Jute Bags Contd..

Disadvantages.


Protection against moisture absorption is nil Protection against rodents and insect penetration is nil Protection against contamination is very poor Not suitable for fine grains.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Cotton Bags.

Advantages.


Protection against tearing is fair. Protection against compression is good. Convenience of handling and distribution good.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Cotton Bags Contd.

Disadvantages.


Protection against moisture absorption is nil Protection against insect penetration is nil Protection against contamination is poor

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Plastic Films.

Advantages.


Protection against stack compression is fair Protection against moisture absorption is good unless damaged Protection is good against insect penetration Protection against contamination is good unless damaged.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Plastic Films Contd.

Disadvantages.


Inconvenient in stacking and handling Badly affected by ultraviolet light (ultraviolet light often used in processing plants for sterilization). Environmental problems.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Plastic Bag.

Advantages.


Protection against tearing is very good, if closely woven Protection against stack compression is very good Protection against moisture is very high Protection against contamination is good Convenience of handling and distribution.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Plastic Bag Contd.

Disadvantages.


Badly affected by ultraviolet light (ultraviolet light often used in processing plants for sterilization) Difficult to stack Environmental problems.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Paper Bags.

Advantages.


Protection against stack compression is fair Protection against contamination is fair Consistency of quality is good.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Package Material Contd. :




Paper Bags Contd.

Disadvantages.


Protection against tearing is poor. Protection against moisture is very poor unless moisture proof layers are included Protection against insect penetration is very poor Stacking is inconvenient Can not carry heavy load.