Kemas

Kemas is a term used in Malay and Indonesian that relates to packaging and the act of packing goods. In practice, the noun often appears as kemasan in reference to packaging materials or containers, while kemas as a verb means to pack or prepare for shipment. The concept covers both the physical packaging and the information it conveys.

Functions include containment, protection during transport, product information, and marketing. Packaging types are organized in tiers: primary packaging directly contains the product (a bottle, a pouch); secondary packaging groups multiple units (a carton); tertiary packaging supports handling and distribution (pallets, crates).

Common materials: paper and paperboard, plastics, glass, metal, and composite laminates. Design considerations include barrier properties, shelf life, tamper evidence, ease of use, and readability of labels, barcodes, and regulatory markings. Recyclability and compatibility with the product are key concerns.

Environmental aspects have grown in importance. Many producers pursue lightweight designs, recyclability, and reusable packaging to reduce waste. Regulations in many regions require clear labeling, material disclosures, and compliance with safety standards and food-contact guidelines.

Historically, packaging evolved from simple containers to sophisticated systems that protect products and enable international trade. Innovations include glass bottles, metal cans, and flexible films, with ongoing developments in biodegradable materials and circular economy models.