ambalaj

Ambalaj, the Turkish term for packaging, refers to the materials, components, and processes used to protect, store, transport, display, and market goods from production to consumer. It includes primary packaging in contact with the product, secondary packaging that groups units, and tertiary packaging for logistics. It also covers active packaging that interacts with contents and intelligent packaging that provides information via sensors or indicators.

The main functions are protection against physical damage, contamination, and spoilage; preservation of quality, safety, and hygiene; containment and portion control; facilitation of handling, storage, and transport; and provision of information on labels. Packaging also supports branding and consumer appeal and helps ensure regulatory compliance.

Common materials include paper and cardboard, plastics, glass, metal, and composite laminates. Material choice depends on product properties, required barrier protection, temperature and shelf life, cost, weight, and end-of-life options. Design must consider tamper evidence, food safety, compatibility with contents, user friendliness, and recyclability or disposal.

Environmental aspects are increasingly emphasized. Packaging represents resource use and waste, so there is a push toward recyclability, reuse, and compostability. Life cycle assessments compare options, and regulations often require separate collection, labeling, and recycling targets. Industry practices aim to reduce material use and design for disassembly to support a circular economy.

The packaging industry involves producers, suppliers, brands, retailers, and waste managers. Standards and labeling schemes address safety, information accuracy, and environmental claims. Trends include lighter weight designs, reusable packaging systems, and advances in smart packaging.