What does it mean to be a socially responsible company? This can take many forms, so I think it is easier to first discuss what makes a company not socially responsible. A company that does not care for its employees, community, and shirks its social responsibilities falls into this category. This is seen in many different ways, like poor working conditions for employees or false advertising to consumers. Many types of companies can have these issues, but it is especially common to see them in companies that manufacture products. In the clothing industry a large portion of clothes are still produced in factories with poor working conditions [6]. The packaging industry falls into the category of manufacturing, which means it is crucial that these companies are aware of what socially responsibility is, its importance, and why it is beneficial. Over the past 20 years many packaging companies have been working hard towards producing their packaging in socially responsible ways.

Humans began packaging products over 3,500 years ago in Egypt. This early on their sole purpose was for transporting food and beverages. They were made of natural products, like leaves, animal skins, or coconut husks. With time this developed and the Egyptians started using glass containers in 1500 BC. It wasn’t until Napoleon in the early 1800’s when tin cans were finally developed. From then packaging development began to speed up with the invention of paper bags in 1850, cartons in the 1870’s, cardboard containers in 1906, cans in 1935, and plastic containers in the late 1940’s. In the early days containers were mostly unbranded, designed solely for functionality, and lacked aesthetic appeal. 

Over the last decade biodegradable packaging has become a viable alternative to plastics. Biodegradable materials are made out of biopolymers, which are polymers made of naturally occurring molecules. They are often used in conjunction with metal containers to help seal perishables, like food and cosmetics. When used with metal containers they typically are found in the form of films, coatings, and bags.

The most commonly used material for packaging is plastic. Plastic is easy to make, but comes with a slew of environmental consequences, like long decomposition rates and damage to natural ecosystems. A great alternative to plastic packaging are metal containers made of tin and aluminum. These containers remove a lot of the issues created by plastic packaging. When metal containers are used for food and other perishables they often still require a plastic film, seal, or coating to completely protect the contents from coming into contact with air. In recent years biodegradable non-plastic packaging and films have begun to immerge as an alternative to standard plastic packaging. Biodegradable packaging is produced using biopolymers, which are molecules often found in living organisms, like cellulose and proteins. This means they can be safely consumed, degrade quickly, and often be created from waste plant products [4].

Aluminum packaging was first introduced in the late 1950’s. Over the last 60 years the metal packaging market has skyrocketed and now encompasses over $100 billion in yearly production with a projection of reaching $136 billion by 2020 [1]. Metal cans and containers are one of most consumed forms of packaging in many industries and are becoming more common in others, like food and cosmetics.

Product packaging plays a role in nearly all purchasing consumers do. In 2016 the packaging market was valued at over USD 221 billion. The majority of this was packaging used for food and beverage, with over 75% of it being made of plastic [5]. Many consumers now know that plastic is generally a very unsustainable material because it has a high energy cost for production, takes a long time to degrade, and can be challenging to recycle. Even though plastic remains the most common material used in packaging, it’s percent of the total packaging market is slowly declining. This slow decline can be attributed to increased public awareness of its issues and increasing popularity of sustainable packaging.

At one time not much thought went into packaging food products other than whatever it took to keep food from spoiling and provide the longest possible shelf life. But in recent decades, marketers have been diving deeper into psychological research that helps connect visual stimulation with consumer behaviour. Here are unique ideas for modern food packaging.

The food packaging industry has gone through many changes since the rise of the first metal packages. Industrialization was the driving force behind metal being an early choice of material for the mass commercialization of food products. Here are key turning points in history since the industrial revolution that have led to the current state of increasing demand for packaging made with aluminum and other metals.

Smart packaging includes modern technology such as RFID chips that communicate with manufacturers, warehouses and retailers. The addition of wireless heating in containers has provided new opportunities for food marketers to sell modern conveniences. Smart technology is helping reduce waste, track products more closely and provide longer shelf live.

Food packaging is much different today than most of the 20th century. It has gone through a metamorphosis from plain, simple and utility-based packaging to more elaborate and creative designs. Metal is steadily gaining favor over plastic for sustainability reasons, as consumers are becoming increasingly more aware of environmental issues. Here's a deeper look at important food packaging trends heading into the 2020s.

The packaging of biscuits and confectionary involves creativity, as well as paying attention to safety regulations and consumer behaviors. Here's a deeper look at what a food packaging designer should be aware of when deciding on suitable materials.

More and more producers and manufacturers in search of environmentally packaging are using aluminium as it is one of the most recycled metals. 75% of aluminium that has so far been mined is still in use. It therefore fits well with European ambitions to move towards a circular economy. In this context it is important to find out the extent to which the coatings in aluminium impact its eco-friendly image.

As online shopping increases, people view products digitally before making a decision to buy. The photographic quality of digital printing which uses the RGB colour model has an important role to play.

The European Union wants a circular economy that is sustainable and environmentally friendly, and is promoting recycled packaging materials as one of the means to achieve this objective. Aluminium and tinplate are considered ideal due to the various environmental and economic advantages they have over ubiquitous plastic containers.

The colour separation technique or CMYK printing, which made colour prints possible, has been around for more than a century. Since the 1990s, it is possible to print with the eight-colour-process with a single pass.

Printing on circular and round objects is often a very challenging task. When an image designed for a flat surface is placed on a curved object it can become distorted. This can be seen on maps of earth. This article explains how anamorphic correction can produce compelling results. 

Waste of all kinds has become a pressing issue in today’s modern world. One of the most prevalent forms of waste we see on a daily basis is packaging waste: often from food, drinks, or other perishables.

The amount of packaging waste created has been steadily increasing and the EU is currently at the staggering yearly per capita rate of 167 kg [6].

The popularity and demand for metal packaging is growing, spurred by economic and social factors as well as environmental awareness around the world. The main sector driving the demand is the food and beverage industry.

Tinplate is one of the eco-friendly packaging materials that are available. Tinplate is steel sheets that are coated on both sides by tin. This combines the strength of steel with the resistance to corrosion and solderability of tin.

Food safety measures are aimed at ensuring that the food that is canned has no microbiological contamination or toxins. The canning process can differ based on the food, container and contamination involved.

People associate tastes, aromas and flavours with packaging shape, name and sound, according to a study from the University of Oxford. Understanding of this mix of sensory perceptions can help product packaging designers improve communication with consumers.

A majority of shoppers of private label products take packaging design into account in shaping their purchasing decisions, according to a University of Ulster study in Northern Ireland.  How can private label manufacturers materialize on this?

The COSMetic Organic Standard is an important add on for private label cosmetics manufacturers. It can give even a lesser known brand credibility and a competitive edge, especially versus products that do not carry this organic or natural signature on packaging. Here are reasons why a private label cosmetics maker should consider adhering to this globally-recognized standard.

A recent study by researchers in The Netherlands raised questions how packaging design affects consumer perceptions of taste and price expectations.

The COSMOS standard is sought globally by cosmetics companies to verify the organic or natural ingredients of associated products.

The COSMOS Organic Certificate and Signature is followed by cosmetics brands aiming to reach a market that values eco-friendly solutions. In order to use the organic signature a company must be approved by the certification body prior to the launch of the product. Here's a summary of what designers and marketers should keep in mind about compliance with the COSMOS Organic Signature requirements.

The COSMOS standard provides  international industry guidelines for organic and natural products to cosmetics producers  or marketer and certifies compliance.

Packaging for conventional cosmetics products needs to be both attractive and practical. The same concept applies to private label cosmetics, especially for items that are promoted for quality as well as affordability. Major brands usually have a built-in advantage due to wider exposure in the market. A private label can gain an edge by using more sustainable and durable packaging materials.

Packaging, cosmetics and design industry professionals will gather at the 2018 PCD Conference in Paris, France from January 31 through February 1. The annual event focuses on perfume cosmetics with presentations by experts on topics such as regulations, sustainability and printing technology. Here are important reasons for cosmetics vendors to attend this two-day conference programme.

Private label cosmetics are sold under a retailer's brand name and may be created by the retailer for exclusive marketing purposes. 

Private labels have grown enormously in recent decades for a variety of reasons, but this growth can generally be tied to the overall economy. During economic booms a nation's market share of private label brands, including cosmetics, usually declines while during economic downturns it increases. Here's a deeper look into how business cycles affect private labels.

Market access is one of the primary reasons to engage in private label cosmetics. When small firms that cannot afford to export beauty products go out of business, it creates opportunities for players that are able to capitalize on private label cosmetics and exports. Here are considerations for weighing between variety and quantity of cosmetics.

The success of selling private label cosmetics depends heavily on the reputation of the store's brand and the degree it attracts loyal support. Some retailers looking into this field may wonder what it takes to inspire customer loyalty over national brands, while others may assume they can't compete with national brands due to their size, advertising budget and market reach.

When a retail store sells cosmetics through a private label channel, they need to understand the most important purchase motivators for these type of products. The ideal mix depends on the geographical and social target market. Consumers can be divided into various personas such as salaried professionals, self-employed entrepreneurs, students and home makers.

Private labels (PLs) are generic products designed to be sold as flexible brands for those vendors that invest in the marketing. It's a concept that extends across multiple industries, including cosmetics. That means any retailer can market various generic products under its own branding. Here are more details and the benefits of private label cosmetics.

Food packaging is based on psychological studies on how people judge brands. Here are details about the purposes of food packaging and how it helps gain a competitive edge. Packaging has evolved since the late twentieth century to become more creative and engaging. 

Packaging of luxury food products and cosmetics involves appealing to multiple layers of emotional meaning. Designers must understand how to embed these emotions in their packaging designs. Here's a deeper look at how knowledge of the five dimensions of product emotion can create a more attractive and appropriate package.

The packaging of human impulses is what drives food brands, especially in the gourmet sector. With 40,000 choices at typical supermarkets, U.S. consumers often can't decide what they want and buy products on impulse.

Luxury foodstuffs comprising psychoactive ingredients and taste that stimulates a mood. Exotic versions of tea, coffee and spices fall into this category. The packaging of luxury foodstuffs must be as intriguing as the taste. Here are ways to connect with an affluent target market willing to pay more for higher quality. 

Luxury branding is a cornerstone to reaching a high-end market, whether it involves chocolate, confectionery or other products such as fashion merchandise. The key to luxury branding success revolves around the concept of special qualities and exclusiveness.

The success of luxury brand building for chocolate and confectionery products comes down to ten factors, as identified by researcher K.L. Keller in 2009. The following provides summaries of each of these critical factors that determine luxury branding success.

At one time through the first half of the twentieth century, products such as chocolates were packaged and marketed based on their utility and intrinsic value. Then in the second half of the century researchers began to suggest that products could also be sold for their symbolic value. Now in the new millennium the symbolic paradigm is increasingly becoming a primary packaging focus.

Packaging designers understand the importance of graphics and color in metal packaging. Visual stimuli drives emotions and can play a pivotal role in product purchasing decisions among consumers. Color alone can account for up to 90% of an individual's decision as to whether he or she likes a product, according to a 2006 study by Singh. Here are important considerations for designers in their focus on graphics and color.

Even long before packaging design became a focus among marketers, there has always been a sense that aesthetics has had something to do with why people are attracted to certain products. Now in the new millennium a growing body of evidence confirms that visual stimuli is a huge factor in purchasing choices at physical stores. Here's a deeper look at how consumers respond to packaging design.

The psychology of packaging design has become a top concern of marketers, as evidence accumulates that visual aesthetics play a major role of a product's success. Research shows that aesthetic package design leads to an increase in the time consumers spend on making decisions. In fact, the more aesthetics offered by the package, the better chance it has of being chosen over name brands that come in standardized packages, regardless of price.

Food items have more impact on the environment than the packaging that contains them, by comparison. Even though the most important purpose of a food package is that it protects the food, sustainability has become a major strategy to help protect the environment.

As packaging design has quickly evolved this century, it is becoming increasingly part of brand design. Just like a brand, packaging communicates messages to its target audience through various senses. That's why designers and product managers must examine how packaging is perceived by consumers. Here's a look at how tastes and packaging design need to be consistent.

Effective marketing strategies depend on shape of packaging and semantics that associate with the product. Tests have shown relationships between packaging and brand attributes, which can benefit packaging designers who base their solutions on sensory marketing. While these semantic associations are unique for each individual, this knowledge is still important for marketers to understand. Here's a deeper look at how the shape of packaging conveys meanings to consumers.

Food consumption is a multisensory experience, meaning that people judge food with all five senses, as studies increasingly show. A 2011 study called "Influence of Package Design on the Dynamics of Multisensory and Emotional Experience" by N.J. Schifferstein, Anna Fenko, Pieter M.A. Desmet, David Labbe and Nathalie Martin confirmed that people's emotions change throughout the four major stages of consumption (buying, opening, cooking and eating).

Studying the emotions and dynamics of the buyer journey can help marketers better understand packaging for chocolates, biscuits and confectionery.The various stages in which these emotions are strongest involve opening the package, cooking the food, eating it and rebuying the package. Here are ways to adapt packaging based on how people react to these stages.

When the purchase of chocolate candies and other grocery items is not part of a regular shopping list, it tends to be a spontaneous act. So marketers of such food need to understand the mechanisms that lead to impulsive purchasing.A study reported by Jesper Clement of Copenhagen Business School in Denmark shows that purchasing can be affected by five in-store stages. Here are the findings and conclusions of this eye-track experiment on consumer purchasing behaviour.

Packaging of food for children has increasingly become a marketing vehicle since it is commonly displayed at point of sale locations.

Food packaging serves multiple purposes, allowing it to be transported long distances safely and stored for long periods of time. It is important for manufacturers to balance between safety issues and other factors such as costs and keeping an eco-friendly perspective. Many consumers are paying closer attention to environmental issues that are involved with packaging technology. 

Two of the most favored materials for the packaging of chocolates, biscuits and confectionery are aluminum and tinplate. These materials are efficient and safe forms of packaging that meet international safety standards.

The three roles of packaging are communication, functionality and environment, as defined by Jesper Clement.

Food names and environmental sounds may play a role in people's perception about chocolate, biscuits and confectionery. Hearing auditory cues while viewing food names can influence people's impressions of food tastes, according to researchers. Just like songs, which tap into emotions that affect other senses, the combination of words and sounds can paint pictures in the mind. Here's a look at evidence that suggests a relationship between food names, sounds and taste.

Consumers make purchases on chocolate, biscuits and confectionery based on multiple factors beyond how the food tastes. Since it's not always possible to sample these treats before purchasing, artistic visual presentation of the packaging plays a significant role in luring people to purchase the food. Factors influencing taste testing results include density and price expectation. Here are reasons why package designers should pay close attention to the effects stimulated by visuals and other sensory considerations.

Satisfying one's appetite is one of the primary goals of the industry that makes chocolate, biscuits and confectionary. In order to meet that challenge, marketers must explore parameters beyond the food itself that appeal to multisensory perceptions. An important element of how people judge food that is often overlooked is weight of the product and the container. Here's a deeper look at how product or container weight can influence people's perceptions and purchasing decisions about food.

Food marketers are paying increasingly closer attention to how products are packaged following compelling studies about how consumers perceive items based on how they are presented. Various studies have shown that people perceive the same food differently if it's served on different colored plates. More comprehensive research, however, must be conducted before drawing conclusions that point to a consistent pattern in behavior. Here are reasons why marketers of chocolate, biscuits and confectionery can benefit from color analysis.

Consumers like to touch certain products before buying, studies have shown since the eighties (Holbrook, 1983; cf. Heslin & Alper, 1983). Touch can have a dramatic impact on purchasing decisions, as it can add emotional value to the experience, since skin is directly related to emotional responses. Consequently, marketers of chocolate, biscuits and confectionery need to come up with creative packaging that evokes emotion through touching.

The packaging of chocolate, biscuits and confectionary has a rich history that traces back to the beginning of the industrial revolution. Packaging now consists of containers made of cardbox, metal, plastic or plastic bags. Many times additional wrapping, such as aluminum foil, is needed to preserve the product. Here are details on the most suitable types of materials for packaging chocolate, biscuits and confectionery.

Plenty of imagination and research goes into the packaging of chocolate, biscuits and confectionery products. Since packaging is a huge initial factor in determining a purchase, marketers study trends and envision more creative ways to present food products. Here are five important issues that go into designing the package for items such as chocolate, biscuits and confectionery.

In this article, we will address the guidelines that are required for aluminium and tinplate packaging in the EU that are suitable for food contact.

The United States Congress passed a set of laws known as the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) in 1938. FD&C gave the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to oversee the safety of food, drugs and cosmetic products. The impetus behind passing the FD&C Act was to prevent tragedies, such as the instance of more than 100 patients dying as a result of using diethylene glycol to dissolve a sulfanilamide medication to be used in a liquid form from reoccurring.

New millennium manufacturing and packaging go hand in hand with sustainability. Tinplate and aluminum containers are both eco-friendly and can be recycled, which is why the demand for these materials continues to grow in the cosmetic industry. Here's a deeper look at why tinplate and aluminum containers are useful and favored for packaging for beauty products.

Sustainable solutions are now being widely adopted by small to large businesses so that they can contribute to a safer, cleaner environment. Going green also helps strengthen their image with consumers, who are steadily becoming more concerned about conserving the Earth's natural resources. Walmart, which continued to rank number one on the Fortune 500 in 2016, is leading the charge toward sustainability by implementing eco-friendly cosmetic packaging.

Product information is required on packaging for identification purposes to help both professionals and consumers understand product contents and who to contact for more information. The Fair Packaging and Labelling Act took effect in 1967 after it was passed by Congress the previous year. This federal law supersedes all state laws. Here are details on how this law applies to fair cosmetic packaging.

Packing manufacturers from around the world recently gathered to get a glimpse of upcoming 2017 metal packaging trends at Luxe Pack New York. The two-day event, held at Pier 92 in Manhattan, is considered by industry experts to be the "premier show for creative packaging." The trade show attracted over 240 vendors from the packing industry to learn about the latest developments in beauty, fragrance and other commodities that use attractive packaging for marketing. Here's a breakdown of packaging trends to look for in the coming year.

The beauty industry relies on attractive cosmetic containers as part of its marketing, but it must also pay attention to labelling to meet federal regulations. These regulations, however, are not very comprehensive compared with other common retail commodities. The key is to be straightforward with consumers, which helps build loyalty as well. Here are points that cosmetic vendors should keep in mind when designing labels.

The objective of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 is to establish standards for cosmetic products that are available on the market. Compliance to these standards help ensure the functioning of the internal market, but more importantly, a high-level of protection for the health and safety of citizens of the European Union.

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 supersedes previous Directives that applied to cosmetic manufacturers. All member states are required to abide by the guidelines set by the Regulation as of its effective date.

Procurement managers need to send requests to their suppliers to provide information about their goods or services. The information received from suppliers must be translated into formal contractual terms before contracting can occur. The following explains the three types of information requests as well as the different situations for what and when to request.

American manufacturers spend as much as half their earnings on suppliers for goods and services. Procurement managers determine the best value opportunities for their companies after studying how technical, legal and operational factors will impact their organizations. They must consider internal, as well as external, buying opportunities. Here are key areas of concern for making cosmetic packaging purchases.

Suppliers are the source of raw materials that manufacturers of cosmetic packaging purchase. The terms "suppliers" and "vendors" are often used interchangeably. Eventually vendors may become long term partners if the relationship helps both parties. It's crucial to choose the right supplier if a company is to grow and exceed expectations. Here are ways to evaluate manufacturers, distributors (aka wholesalers), craftspeople and import sources.

Sometimes companies looking for suppliers forget to focus on reliability. It's understandable that they want to find the best prices, but unreliable suppliers can end up costing more in reputation. It's best to work with vendors that can be counted on to keep supplies moving at a predictable pace. Here are tips for businesses in the cosmetic packaging industry searching for quality suppliers.

Cosmetic Packaging Supplier selection of partnerships involves identifying, evaluating and ultimately contracting with suppliers. This process requires significant financial resources with the expectation of developing an efficient supply chain that yields a return on investment. The key to success is that suppliers must offer high value.

There is a need to maintain a certain level of standards in regards to the manufacturing and packaging of many products that are used in the home or for business. The ISO 22715 standardizes the packaging of cosmetics on a world-wide scale.

Cosmetic Packaging Supplier selection of partnerships involves identifying, evaluating and ultimately contracting with suppliers. This process requires significant financial resources with the expectation of developing an efficient supply chain that yields a return on investment. The key to success is that suppliers must offer high value.

Aluminum is used frequently in the cosmetics industry for packaging. Not only is it a lightweight metal, it is also very strong and durable, making it a multipurpose material. The metal can be used for many applications from cans to tubes. It is also often recycled, creating less strain on the environment than plastic or other materials. Here are ISO standards for containers and other requirements that cosmetic vendors should meet.

Cosmetic prepackages need to meet international standards to reach compliance with regional jurisdiction (e.g., in Europe or the USA). Common denominator of most national or regional regulations are the standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 22715). The following is a summary of what you need to consider for packaging and labelling.

Seasoned communication skills and well planned research are necessary when a buyer is negotiating with a cosmetic packaging supplier. Not only is it essential to make a professional presentation, listening to the vendor's needs is equally as important. Here are three main ways to approach negotiating an agreement with a cosmetic packaging supplier.

Packaging and labelling are two extremely important components to cosmetic marketing. Not only must manufacturers, marketers and supply chain vendors all come together to agree on the most efficient type of containers, they must also be very conscious of government regulations and industry standards. Here's a simplified summary of what cosmetic startups can expect.

Small cosmetic packages are gaining relevance, due to changing consumer behaviour. ISO 22715, section 4.2.1., lays out the basics that you need to know as a cosmetics vendor. This article summarizes what is important for cosmetics manufacturers.

The ISO 22715 is an international standard for cosmetic packaging. This post explains why marketers should follow the packaging and labelling requirements and outlines the important specifications for cosmetic containers.

In Europe cosmetics manufacturers and marketers must comply with the Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products (November 30, 2009). This regulatory framework strengthens safety standards and simplifies procedures for cosmetic products sold in the EU.

When you upgrade your cosmetic packaging, it can have positive effects on your bottom line. Not only can it increase your sales and lower your costs, it can create fresh appeal among shoppers, as more effective retail displays catch their attention. Before making such a bold move, you should consider various cause and effect relationships and how they may impact marketing and company finances.

The cosmetics industry, unlike the food or pharmaceutical industries, does not have to deal with stringent regulations by comparison. Cosmetic companies, however, still must follow rules under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and other consumer laws, but are not required to register or license products. In other words, they still must market safe products. Here are deeper details on regulations that shape cosmetic packaging.

The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act, FFDCA or FDCA) of 1938 established the parameters for cosmetics marketing in the United States. The following explains how the FDA regulates cosmetic products.

The cosmetics industry uses a variety of materials in its packaging, including plastics and metals, with glass being among the oldest packaging materials. The following information provides details on material used for cosmetic packaging.

Packaging in the cosmetic industry is based on deep studies that penetrate the human psyche. Here is a deeper look at the purposes of cosmetic packaging and how it helps gain an edge over competitors.

Cosmetics create images of beauty, which is why packaging must be consistent with attractive presentation. Here are further details why your cosmetic packaging is a important as the product itself and should not be treated as an afterthought.