Packaging is an art, science and technology of protecting or enclosing goods for transfer, storage, distribution, display, consumption and disposal. The term packaging therefore refers to the entire process of developing, analyzing, designing and creating individual packages. All the processes need to be based on sound principles and practices in order to ensure maximum protection of the product from external harm and to maintain its quality while in transit. Packaging therefore involves a variety of processes which involve design, development, manufacture and testing.

Packaging therefore is a primary requirement and therefore has to meet specific requirements. The primary requirement is convenience for the end user i.e. the consumer or the person responsible for receiving the item for personal or business purposes. The end user may be a family member or an individual who visits the store daily or weekly to purchase something which he or she uses every day or week.

The second primary requirement for packaging is safety for the consumers or the individuals handling the goods. Consumers require safety while handling products that they intend to purchase. Packaging therefore also provides a sense of security and safety to the consumers. Consumers are more prone to accept risks when they have the guarantee of handling goods that are packaged with adequate packaging. Consumer confidence in packaging also plays a vital role in the decision making process. Consumers demand safety and trust others who are handling similar products.

Thirdly, packaging may protect the manufacturer or the exporter of the item from external hazard exposure. Packaging therefore has a wide range of application and the most common application is for shipping containers. Containers have been used since time immemorial for shipping purposes and there are various reasons due to which the container has been chosen as packaging material. The most important reason is portability of the container. Since the containers can be opened and closed again without the need of a replacement, this saves the time, effort and cost involved in shipping shipping. Hence, container packaging has become an inevitable requirement for most businesses engaged in shipping.

Fourthly, packaging provides a sense of safety to the consumers. The fact that the container is made up of durable and strong plastics means that there is no fear of the container breaking or coming apart. Moreover, the fact that the container is delivered to the destination safely assures the consumer that the product or the item has been delivered in good condition and therefore there is no need to worry about the safety of the item.

On the other hand, there are many other benefits associated with packaging. One such benefit is convenience to the buyers. Buyers are more likely to accept offers from business when the offered package comes with convenience. For example, if you offer a discount on all the contents of the package, your business will be able to increase its sales and thereby the profits and you will be able to make a net profit.

Fifthly, packaging helps in protecting the items. Plastic containers are not easy to break. Hence, the sellers can protect the products by wrapping them in attractive and durable packaging. Also, the buyers will be more likely to accept offers from sellers that provide convenient packaging.

On the whole, packaging can be considered as an indispensable part of the e-commerce. For example, when you order something online, the packaging may well determine whether you get the package on time or even before it arrives. The package may also have brand value associated with it. Therefore, if you want to enhance your brand image or improve the sales prospects of your goods and services, the packaging of your products should be done in a way so that it makes a good impression on the buyers and thus promotes your business.