From the idea to the packaging
A study proves that inappropriate packaging causes a damage of approx. 300 mio. Euro only on the trade sector in Germany every year. That shows clearly the economic importance of appropriate transport packaging. Corrugated board is the ideal material for this purpose as it meets the requirements of the product, it is economical and gives optimum protection.
Packaging development in four steps
1. Consultation
2. Design of a prototyp
3. Finalising additional information
4. Production of the "designer outfit"
First Step: Consultation with the corrugated board packaging manufacturer
In a first discussion with a sales representative or a technician all details for the development of the new packaging are fixed. All of the details for the development of the packaging are decided during this initial conversation. The customer explains his individual requirements, what the packaging is to withstand, and the salesperson will then suggest the appropriate quality and procedure. The transport and storage situation, for example, must at all costs be included in the planning and production procedure in order to create the correct packaging.
Second step: Design of a prototype
Based on the information supplied, it is then possible for the packaging technician to enter all data into the computer, CAD (computer aided design). This enables the customer to immediately see a model of the required packaging, which appears on the computer screen. A further customer service is the making of a prototype. In this case a model based on the computer data is cut out of a corrugated board sheet by a plotter.
Third step: Finalising additional information
Which information has to be shown on the packaging?
- Transport instructions such as "Caution Glass"
- EAN-Codes (barcodes), containing information on production and storage (quantity, weight, place of storage, price) allow automatic recording
- Instructions for use
All additional information and advertising messages (colours, logo, text) that shall be printed on the packaging have to be discussed as well.
When all these details are cleared up, the customer receives a printed sample which is then given his or her release
Fourth step: The production of the "designer outfit"
After the customer has given his okay to the packaging suggestion, all of the information is transferred directly through a data cable to the corrugated board plant via CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing). Corrugated packaging is subject to permanent, strict quality control during production.
The customer receives the finished packaging in a flat form to make transport and storage more efficient. The customer's packing department then sets up the corrugated board box and the product is placed in the "designer outfit."
