PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY

In the context of consumer revolution, packaging has become as important as the production and preservation of consumer goods .Good packaging enhances the attractiveness of the product ,advertises it's quality and protects it from the damage.

Good packaging is not only essential for food products but also for electronic goods, stationary, consumer durables, toilet preparations, cosmetics ,industrial goods, textile ,medicine etc. A variety of packaging material is used including the traditional wood, paper ,glass ,plastic ,laminates ,thermocole ,aluminum foil, tin, paper boards ,cloth, blister packaging etc. With the growing eco consciousness, eco friendly packaging and biodegradable materials are being increasingly emphasized.

The profession:
The design and development of adequate packing methods to suit the product ,evaluating the compatibles of the product with packing material, testing the efficiency & quality of the packing system, analyzing the economics of the packing system ,creating environment friendly packing system etc. are some of the areas of performance of the packing technologist.

Job market:
Jobs are also available in manufacturing side in the production of he packing material and packing system .Reach labs also employ packing technologist in order to research new and effective packaging system in order to meet the industrial demands. The food and beverages industry employ skill packaging personal in order to enhance the quality ,reliability and shelf life of the product.

Courses offered:
Science and engineering graduates are offer a two year post graduate diploma programme in packaging technology.

Eligibility:
The candidate should have completed the degree programme with any two of the following subjects
Physics/chemistry/mathematics/electronics/microbiology/engineering /technology-from a recognized university with 50% marks.

Selection is on the basis of all India entrance examination consisting of written test. Physics, chemistry, maths) and an interview. Preference is given to industry sponsored candidates. A two year distance programme is also offered by some institutions. Graduates and undergraduates with the fairly long stint of industry experience are also considered. Apart from this a 3 month certificate course in packaging technology is available for graduates in any discipline. A 6 month women entrepreneurship development programme in packaging is also offered exclusively for women graduates who wish to start a small scale industry.

Future prospectus:
There is likely to be much growth in this sector in the years to come. Particularly ban on certain kinds of packing materials like plastic are need for viable alternatives has to be met. Also the competitiveness of the consumer market has led to packaging becoming very important 
marketing tool and an ostensible value addition. Packaging industry is definitely the potential area for growth in the near future.
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