Is There A Right Type of Packaging For Your Product?

Some products can be identified just by the packaging in which they come. The same can also be true of some industries. A majority of distilled spirits, for example, will be packaged in 750 ml bottles with a cork type closure. Bottled water is an even better example, as almost anyone would imagine a sixteen ounce clear plastic bottle with a simple screw on type cap when the product is mentioned. Oil for automobiles will bring to mind an F-style container with a neck made for easy pouring. A little thought would likely bring other industries to mind for different people. But is going with the norm always the best idea when introducing a new product to the market?

While there are many considerations to make in answering such a question, two of the biggest are brand awareness and convenience. Of course, setting yourself apart from the competition with a unique package for your product can have a positive impact on brand recognition. However, if the new or unique package is not well thought through, such a move can have the opposite effect. As an example, let's look at the bottled water and the auto oil mentioned above.

Customers who drink bottled water have become accustomed to the sixteen ounce lightweight plastic bottle with an easily re-sealable lid. The packaging allows the user easy access and storage while also being, for most purposes, portable. Any deviation from this bottle would need to keep the components of convenience intact to avoid a washout or even the risk of losing customers. For example, a bulky container that holds bottled water would likely not be embraced by those likely to frequently use the beverage. In addition, a larger or smaller bottle opening may cause problems in the gym or the office where many people will refill bottles from larger supplies of water. The same is true for the bottle of auto oil. While a new or different package may make consumers aware of the product, any excitement over the new product will quickly fade if the design makes it more difficult to actually get the oil into the car. So in the end, while there may not be one type of packaging that is always right for any given product, there may be certain characteristics that should always be a part of the packaging in a given industry or for a specific product.

At Liquid Packaging Solutions, we build the equipment for packages both typical and unique. From power conveyors to container cleaning equipment, bottle fillers, capping machines and more, we provide the method used to move, rinse, fill and seal containers of all types and sizes. The bottle, cap, label and other components of a product package can create the need for modified or custom packaging machinery. Along with production demand, customer preference, space available and many other factors, unique bottle shapes and sizes will all be taken in to account prior to the manufacture of equipment. Whether a veteran packager or one new to the industry, LPS is always available to consult on projects and provide information on packaging choices and how those choices will interact with automated or semi-automatic machinery.