Packaging influences storage conditions in the processes of warehousing raw materials, materials, and finished products that have been packed into them – starting from unit packaging, through collective, and ending with transport packaging. Packaging is expected to fulfill the following functions:
• marketing
• protective
• informational
• logistical.
Each of these functions has a greater or lesser impact on the storage conditions of the goods inside. The role of the protective functions of packaging is to secure:
• the contents – against the negative impact of various environmental factors
• the environment – against the negative impact of the packaging contents in case of damage
• the user – against unwanted or inadvisable contact with the product, as illustrated in Figure 1.
The basic protective requirements for packaging result from the presented protective functions. According to [1], these are:
• low sensitivity to temperature changes
• tightness
• corrosion resistance
• resistance to grease penetration
• chemical neutrality
• flame retardancy
as well as derivative requirements related to transport and storage:
• shape stability
• resistance to impact, tearing, and static pressure
• stackability
• shock resistance
• dimensions allowing for effective use of storage area and space
• the ability to create load units and mechanize transport and storage processes.
• providing relevant information about the contents of the packaging
• protecting goods in packaging against the effects of improper handling during movement
• protecting the environment and the user against the negative impact of the packaging contents due to improper handling
• unambiguous identification of the shipment in individual links of the transport chain.
Placing appropriate informational markings on transport packaging with contents is of great importance for ensuring proper storage conditions. Among these markings, the following groups of signs should be distinguished:
• Principal marks – ensuring the identification of the contents, recipient, and destination of the transport packaging
• Informational marks – informing personnel handling the supply chain about certain features of the transport packaging contents, such as weight, overall dimensions, etc.
• Handling marks – indicating to the supply chain staff how to handle the packaging and its contents during movement, storage, and transport.
Among these signs, one can distinguish signs related to the conditions of moving loads in transport packaging (Figure 2) and the conditions of their storage (Figure 3), which basically concern the contents (load), but one should not forget about the packaging itself. For some products, damage to the packaging means they become substandard.
• Danger signs – defining the characteristics of contents that are dangerous to people or the environment, requiring appropriate precautions during handling operations and correct storage and movement conditions. These signs have been defined by legal regulations (e.g., ADR requirements).
Basic requirements regarding signs, their placement, and method of execution are presented in detail in the standard PN-85/O-79252 Transport packaging with contents. Signs and marking. Basic requirements. The logistical functions of packaging are closely related to the presented protective and informational functions, because from a logistics point of view, issues related to transport and storage processes, such as receiving, storing, picking, issuing, or moving, become important for the packaging and the product. Poorly designed and/or manufactured packaging, as well as poorly formed pallet load units, can also lead to changes in the quality and/or functional properties of the assortments inside. In order to eliminate the resulting threat, transport packaging with contents should also be subjected to tests that allow for the determination of functional properties, because during the implementation of distribution processes, including warehousing, they are subjected to stresses that may cause damage. In this situation, Polish standards are very useful. However, one must be aware that according to current legal regulations, all Polish standards are non-mandatory technical documents intended to support manufacturing processes.