What IS the main purpose of packaging?

For several weeks, we have been polling our CPS Blog readers on what they think the MAIN purpose of packaging is. Admittedly our universe for this poll is small, only 22 votes. But, even a small sampling can give us some ideas.

Fifty percent believe that the main purpose of packaging is to encourage purchase. Protection came as second most important, a necessary evil came as third, and education is last. What can we glean from this data?

Packaging is your best salesman. We've cited several times in this blog that studies show that you've got less than three seconds to persuade the customer to buy your product. Our responders, at least, believe that packaging makes that decision easier. A good package catches the eye, says what it does, makes you a promise, and you have to decide if you can live without it.

Evolution of containerandpackaging.com

Please indulge me for just a moment. We were looking through some of our archives a couple of days ago and found some old screen shots of our website. We built our first iteration of the website almost 8 years ago. By today's standards it is an abomination. Back then ... it was pretty awesome (see video).

We got a bit better at it as the years went by, adding functionality and finesse. The website has evolved over the years into something that we're actually quite proud of. Our current iteration is just about 1 year old. I'm sure a decade from now we'll look back and chuckle, just like we're doing now.

Also, while I have your attention, this is our first video! We've just added video to our bag of tricks so keep your eyes open as we bring you in-depth videos on product demos, features, benefits and so on. Enjoy our first CPS Video and the evolution of containerandpackaging.com.

CPS University: Packaging Expertise at your Fingertips

Packaging is a big industry. Nearly everything you buy is packaged in something. Choosing the right kind of packaging for your product can be very difficult. Will my product interact poorly with this container? Is this plastic the right kind of plastic? What is the difference between a boston, imperial, industrial, and modern round?

Answers to these questions and more can be found here at CPS University -- an area of our website dedicated to helping you become a packaging expert.

Periodically we add articles to the CPS Blog that merit the CPS University label. This helps us and you continue our learning of this vast field. At CPS University you will find several courses:

Bottleology 101
Learn the different shapes and styles of bottles. What are the differences between a Boston, Imperial, Industrial, Sunset, and Modern Round?

Plasticology 101
Learn more about the properties of the different plastic types or resins. What are the 6 major plastic resins? Which will work best with your product?

Terminology 101
Learn more about the industry terminology in general. What is an HIS liner? Paneling? Fluorination?

Website Navigability 101
Learn more about the capabilities and tools built into this website. Learn how to use our website so you can get what you need as quickly as possible.