The origins of packaging design can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where materials like clay and leather were used for storage and transport. Over the centuries, these functional designs evolved into more decorative and branded solutions, reflecting cultural shifts and consumer preferences.
In the 20th century, the rise of mass production and consumerism led to a significant transformation in packaging design. Innovations such as plastic and cardboard revolutionized the industry, allowing for more versatile and attractive packaging options.
The latter half of the century saw a growing emphasis on branding, with packaging becoming a crucial element of marketing strategies. Companies began to invest in unique designs that not only protected products but also communicated their brand identity effectively.
Today, sustainability has become a major focus in packaging design, with designers striving to create eco-friendly solutions that minimize environmental impact. This evolution reflects a broader societal shift towards responsible consumption and environmental awareness.
As we move forward, the integration of technology in packaging design—such as smart labels and interactive packaging—promises to further revolutionize the industry. The future of packaging is not only about aesthetics and functionality but also about enhancing consumer engagement.
Product Coding: From Hand Stamps to Thermal Inkjet
One thread running through the entire history of packaging is the need to mark products with production information — dates, lot numbers, batch codes, expiration dates. For most of the 20th century this was done with hand stamps, hot coding wheels pressed into film, or offline label applicators.
The shift to inline coding began with continuous inkjet (CIJ) systems in the 1970s and 1980s — fast but messy, requiring solvents and daily maintenance. Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers emerged as a cleaner alternative: no solvents, no warm-up, replaceable cartridges. Today, TIJ 2.5 cartridges — including the widely-used Kao Collins Max 3 and Super Fast Black — are the standard for operations that need reliable date and lot coding without the overhead of a full CIJ system.
The evolution continues: cartridge costs have dropped, ink formulations have expanded to cover more substrates, and the same TIJ head used on a Videojet or Wolke printer can now be sourced from multiple compatible-cartridge vendors — giving manufacturers more control over their consumable supply chain.