understanding of their survival needs, sensory perceptions, strength, capabilities
and limitations is required. For microbes, an understanding of microbiology
and methods of preservation is necessary (see Table 1.8).
Other factors that need to be considered when designing packaging for distribution
purposes include, convenience in storage and display, ease of handling,
clearly identifiable and secure. There are trade-offs among these factors. These
trade-offs concern the product and distribution system itself. For distributors,
the package is the product and they need characteristics that help the distribution
process (see Table 1.9). Any change in distribution requirements for
certain products affects the total performance of the pack.
Identifying the optimum design of a packaging system requires a cost–benefit