We can observe that the product packaging boxes are marked with different kinds of symbols. These signs serve as a clear reminder of the proper handling, storage, and shipping procedures to adhere to in order to protect the packaging’s integrity.
As they point out the product’s vulnerability inside the container, these indicators serve as a reference. The package handler sketches up their strategy for ensuring the substance’s wellbeing.
In addition to handling, it provides us with numerous details, including the necessary temperature, the surface to be placed on, and the best way of transportation.
On printed cardboard boxes, symbols are frequently used to indicate food allergy symbols, recycling information, and standard safety symbols. Although we are familiar with the safety symbol’s appearance, we are unaware of which safety symbols correspond to particular specifications.
Let’s discuss the many safety symbols to understand them better.
The question often arises of why we need symbols on the packaging box.
The reason behind this is that,
- It helps in handling fragile items.
- Keeps the item in good condition.
- It helps in making the appropriate choices.
- It helps in analysing its longevity.
- Reduces the cost of extra care.
Although these symbols are self-explanatory, we have provided a proper explanation to assist you in understanding each one’s significance and how to utilise it when necessary.
Safety signs and symbols can appear differently depending on the nation or region. Still, their primary purpose is to provide safety information and warning indication that is universally understood and does not depend on a particular language.
Recycling symbols
The universal recycling symbol originated on the first Earth Day in 1970. According to this notice, the material used to make the goods can be recycled.
It should be noted that occasionally it only specifies that a section of the object can be recycled to be reused, not that the entire thing inside the box can be recycled.
We often find this symbol on tv cardboard boxes, fridge cardboard boxes, medicine cardboard boxes, etc.
Product quality symbols
This sign holds the utmost importance on product packaging boxes. This is the equivalent of quality symbols like stars ratings, checkmarks, and thumbs up.
It frequently indicates that a good, service, or experience has achieved a certain quality standard. It helps in assuring the people in response to their safety concerns regarding the standard of the product.
Environmental symbols
These symbols are used to denote a product or service’s environmental impact. In other words, it donates the product’s contribution towards the environment in the manufacturing process.
Environmental symbols can be seen on various printed cardboard boxes. The symbol includes Energy Star certification, the recycling emblem, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark.
Food allergy symbols
These symbols inform customers if a product contains common food allergies, which may affect the people as per their bodies. Examples include the symbols for dairy-free, gluten-free, and peanut-free products.
These signs prevent people from various types of physical unwellness, such as infections, skin allergies, food poisoning, etc.
The most common issues that arise are
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
- Itchy skin with a raised rash.
- Swollen lips, cheeks, and eyes
- Breathing noises
- Itchy, runny, or congested nose.
- Having the flu or feeling ill.
- Stomach aches.
Handling and storage symbols
These symbols on the product packaging convey a product’s proper handling and storage procedures to maintain quality and safety. These symbols are engraved to increase the life expectancy of the product.
Additionally, the product inside the box holds the specific criteria for their survival. Thus to keep the competition intact, these symbols are efficiently helpful.
The “keep refrigerated” symbol, the “do not freeze” symbol, and the “handle with care” symbol are a few examples.
Product certification symbols
These symbols on the packaging boxes serve as a visual cue that a product has been approved as meeting a set of criteria. Examples include the certification marks for organic and fair trade goods and the UL mark for electrical goods.
The certified goods mark ensures the products’ authentication and clarifies their universal usage.
Summary
Therefore, it is evident that packaging symbols are important in ensuring that the product receives the proper handling, transportation, and care.
In addition to safeguarding the fragile items inside the c packaging box, it also benefits users in several other ways, such as ensuring that they take excellent care of the product and themselves (by being alerted to food allergies), safeguarding it from breakage and internal damages, and assessing the product’s effectiveness.
Because each symbol is intended to safeguard the items’ value inside the box, paying attention to the signs printed on the box is essential.
So if you’re receiving any product with custom packaging, it is to ensure that it has been handled in the manner it is printed on the packaging box.
Packaging symbols, while they may appear confusing at first glance, play a critical role in helping us make informed decisions about a product. It is important to be familiar with the most common symbols in order to accurately interpret product packaging.
The first type of packaging symbols are food-specific symbols. While there may be additional symbols located on food packaging, the most common ones are labels indicating whether the food is organic, contains GMO ingredients, is gluten-free, and/or is certified Kosher. Organic foods are produced without the use of pesticides, antibiotics and other chemicals, while GMO (genetically modified organism) labelled foods have been tested for the presence of any GMO content. Most packaged foods will list their ingredients, and those with an abundance of artificial ingredients are often labelled “processed”. Products that are advertised to be “gluten-free” do not contain any gluten, and are often also free from common allergens like dairy, eggs and nuts. Finally, products that have been certified Kosher contain ingredients that have been produced in accordance with Jewish religious laws.
The second type of symbols are generic symbols. These symbols are found on all types of products, and vary in their meaning. The most common symbol is a recycling logo, which indicates that the product or packaging is recyclable. Additionally, products may have an “energy star” emblem, which indicates that the product meets the energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. You may also see icons such as “biodegradable” and “non-toxic”, which indicate that the product will not harm people or the environment. “Vegan” labelled products contain no animal products or by-products, while “cruelty-free” products do not require animal testing.
Finally, you may come across symbols that indicate safety information. These symbols provide specific instructions for how the product should be handled. The most common symbols are for hazardous and poisonous chemicals, fire, and electrical safety. Additionally, symbols indicating the item contains sharp edges, needles, or flammable substances are often present on packaging.
In conclusion, understanding the most common packaging symbols can help shoppers better understand what is in the product before purchasing. It is important to take the time to research each symbol in order to make informed decisions about what is best for your health and the environment.
