I know that products must display the weight on the packaging, but why does it have to be so big? I bought a packet of washing powder the other day which contained the correct amount of product as per the weight on the box, but when I opened it, the box was only half full. The same applies to any packet of crisps, and all manner of other products. If every manufacturer looked at this, how much would we save in packaging costs, let alone savings to the environment, and ultimately the future of our planet?
2007-02-28 03:55:53 · 9 answers · asked by hedgeybear 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Corporations
I asked someone about this once who worked for a packaging company and the answer was "settling of the product" during shipment. Supposedly air serves as protection for dry powders as well. I have noticed though that while some packaging is not larger, the quantity is less. The savings for re-sizing packaging must not be important to manufacturers but you are right about impact on the environment. It would be great just from less garbage. Several package containers can nearly fill one garbage can and breaking them down saves space but it becomes obvious, small stuff comes in larger than needed packages.
2007-02-28 04:04:37 · answer #1 · answered by Joseph H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The packet size and indeed the amount of packaging in general use throughout all consumer products is to try and ensure that products are noticeable on the shelves and in the shop windows. Consumers are attracted by such slogans as "a big, big, packet for only fifty pence" only to find that the quantity is still the same as the old packet for 30 pence. There is no doubt that a reduction in the amount of packing material would benefit the environment but don't be so sure that it would benefit the consumer. Our defences against a lot of the bacteria that were present on unpackaged food in the past have been bred out of us. If a return to unpackaged food was made so would the bacterial infections return to affect our unprotected digestive systems. Also prices would escalate as the space for manufacturer's advertisements would be reduced.
2007-02-28 12:07:25 · answer #2 · answered by BARROWMAN 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Somethings are packaged heavily in order to survive shipping. The excess air acts as a natural cushion for many products.
There are many products out there that are packaged in a manner that I purely geared towards marketing. A larger package for a lower price will make the consumer more inclined to purchase the product. I tricks them into thinking they are obtaining a better value.
It is up to the consumer to break the trend, look at weights an unit prices and let that determined spending habits. We essentially have to train the corporations.
2007-02-28 12:03:15 · answer #3 · answered by smedrik 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's amazing you ask, that's exactly what my hubby and I were discussing just a couple of days ago. These companies must think were all stark raving mad. What a waste of packaging. Personally I would rather have a smaller packet with a full bag of crisps and the same for washing powder.
2007-02-28 12:00:46 · answer #4 · answered by looby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I completely agree. It's a marketing thing to make you think you are getting more for your money than you actually are. If the box was 30% smaller than the next brand, but they both contained the same amount, you would probably go for the larger box without stopping to check whether you are getting more in one than the other.
I think that excess packaging is one of the most easily solved forms of wastage. The worst are toys and the amount of plastic involved in packaging a toy for the shop window is incredible.
2007-02-28 12:02:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
And another thing is when you order something and they send it in a massive box with loads of packaging! I ordered a swimming hat from la fitness online (using up a voucher) and it came in a tiny little plastic case about 4cmx4cmx1cm. They had packaged it in a box about the size of large cereal box! Filled tight with foamy type padding. Its a swimming hat for gods sake, how much padding does it need!
2007-02-28 12:01:59 · answer #6 · answered by Poppet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is shelf space. The more space a product takes up on the shelf, the better it is able to compete for customers' attention. The amount of shelf space taken up by individual products has risen as the sheer number of products has grown.
2007-02-28 12:01:57 · answer #7 · answered by Catana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought this too. But I think that maybe the contents did originally come further up the box but have settled during transport.
2007-02-28 12:00:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They make the packaging so big to make you think that you are getting more than you actually do!
Less packaging, less waste. less rubbish in my always full bin!
2007-02-28 12:00:44 · answer #9 · answered by magic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋