Based on a popular handbook published originally in the Dutch language, this volume is intended to help package designers and design team members achieve cost-effective and problem-free packages for consumers and distribution. It does so by laying out the many phases of a package’s lifecycle and showing the design elements that must be decided upon at each stage. In this context, the book highlights multiple points where designers and engineers must choose correctly in order to create a visually appealing as well as cost-effective and manufacturable package—and one that is also safe and sustainable. The text delves into materials, machinery, printing, test methods, and regulations and shows how subtle changes in components and processing affect designers’ options. Extensive data is provided to plan barrier films, cartons, cans, jars, bottles, and shipping containers, including closures and labelling.

• Provides practical tips for package designers and design team members to plan cost-effective and problem-free packages
• Spells out design requirements and limitations through all phases of a package’s lifecycle
• Describes the impact of materials, manufacturing, test methods, and regulations on packaging options
• Covers plastics, paper, metal and glass consumer and distribution packaging
• A proven and critical reference for professionals who design and engineer packaging

From the Preface

To ensure that the broadest spectrum of packaging knowledge is brought to bear on the decisions of design, the present book is organized around the concept of the packaging chain extended, which covers not only primary features of a package, but many value-added processes such as printing, selecting special materials, using the right equipment, providing proper barriers, and ensuring intelligent disposal. The authors show how each stage of the chain entails making choices with positive (and negative) consequences for other segments of the chain. Numerous case studies demonstrate how apparently minor choices can lead to attractive and cost-effective packages.