Packaging has always been a debated issue. People opt for various kinds of packaging materials when going to shift to a different city, different house or even for sending and receiving items. Moving to a new house is no doubt a happy moment which is filled with doubt, anticipation and of course a fair amount of stress too. But these days at least we have well researched and meticulously manufactured packaging materials which will help you in a safe and secured transportation of all your items. All you have to do is to pack the items and send them in transit. But, have you ever thought about what would be the situation in the days when the packaging supplies in the UK were not invented? How did people transport their items? How tough was the life and the stress of relocating? In the next few paragraphs, we will be discussing about those days in detail and let’s see how have the table turned.
The Pre-Industrial Era: Basic Packaging Solutions
Before the packaging items were manufactured, there were certain basic natural items which were being used for the transpiration of the items from one place to the other. These materials, though simple, were ingenious solutions crafted from nature and common household items.
Wooden Crates and Barrels:
Usage: In the olden days, before the industrial revolution began, wooden crates and barrels were considered to be the basic tools which were used for the transportation of various household items including the delicate and the fragile ones too. These containers were sturdy and could be made into in various shapes and sizes.
Baskets and Woven Containers:
Usage: For carrying small items which may easily get displaced, the woven container and baskets made from jute, willow leaves were extensively used. They were naturally made with the help of the dried leaves from the willow trees and were considered to be strong and flexible enough.
Cloth Wrappings:
Usage: Clothes are just fantastic packaging materials and were use for centuries for gathering huge number of items in old sheets and fabrics. For carrying items in clothes, people simply had to put all kinds of items in a single place and then tie knots around the materials to ensure that the items do not fall. Although delicate items could not be transported in this way but huge items could be easily carried in this way.
The Industrial Revolution: The Birth of Modern Packaging
The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in manufacturing and material science, leading to the development of new packaging solutions.
Corrugated Cardboard:
Invention: It was in the 19th century when these corrugated cardboards were granted the patent and then they quickly became the most popular and easily accessible packaging material. It is so useful that even to this day it is used in the form of postage bag and corrugated paper roll that helps in securing the items placed inside.
Glass and Metal Containers:
Usage: The technique of glass making evolved during this era and this led to the making of glass bottles and containers on a huge scale. This revolution and the technological advancement gave way to the extensive usage of this packaging material which was although fragile but could be used for various thing such as bringing and delivering food items specially those which had the liquid consistency.
Post-Industrial Era: Innovative Packaging Materials
As technology progressed, the need for more sophisticated packaging solutions became evident, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and global trade.
Plastic Packaging:
The production of one of the most heavily used packaging material- the plastics came to be used in the 20th century. The invention of this packaging material was a boon to the planet and people could easily transport all kinds of items from one place to the other in the packaging materials made from them. It was only in the 21st century when people realised that this packaging material was non- biodegradable and therefore was a huge source of pollution for the environment.
Advanced Paper Products:
New types of paper and cardboard, such as reinforced and laminated varieties, were developed to offer better protection and durability. Double wall cardboard boxes and wardrobe boxes are being used these days for the transportation of various items. These products are the backbone of transportation these days and can be easily used for various purposed that too without posing a single threat to the environment.
