Every technology has a history of evolution that increases its efficacy and usability. Printing and packaging is no exception as there is a history of this technology with difficulties and advancements. To understand how this technology brought ease to lives, you should look through the annals of history. As printing started in the 15th century, there is a lot to tell about its evolution, and the same is with packaging. The packaging had more evolution in the 18th century with the industrial revolution in the west. Moreover, the development of this industry is still an ongoing process that anyone can witness. In this article, you will read the most salient and prominent factors and figures that influenced this technology.
1: The Beginning of Printing and packaging:
The packaging appears to be modern technology, but it has a long history. Certain ancient people who started doing it were Egyptians and Chinese. This was followed by medieval packaging techniques that involved wood and other materials. There was no concept of card box packaging till that time, which could replace the older methods. Moreover, there detailed established history of ancient packaging, but there are a lot of modern advancements.
As printing started in the 15th century, the inventor of this technology was Johannes Gutenberg. He began with press printing that he got the idea of after writing Bible several times by hand. With the advent of printing, there was a revolution in information sources with printed books and newspapers. In the other parts of the article, there will be more information about the evolution of this technology.
2: Packaging with Cardboard and Tin:
The industrial revolution in Europe led to the rise of different products with better packaging technologies. There are certain reasons for this evolution, like:
- The need for better packaging for products after the industrial revolution
- Napoleon’s initiative for food preservation technologies
- Demand for most affordable packaging
- The transportation and storage needs of industrial goods
· The Rise of Tin: Tin is still one of the most used materials for food packaging, which was introduced by an Englishman. After the invention, this technology remained the most used technology for the purpose. This situation continued for 20 whole years till the rise of cardboard.
- Cardboard Boxes:
Although cardboard was an old invention taken from Chinese people, this invention led to packaging a long time after. The most famous use of this material was corrugated in 1871, which started the rise with box packaging.
- The 1800s and early 1900s:
The packaging technology was evolving in the 1800s and 1900s as there were three new technologies brought in:
- Paper bag
- Carton
- Plastic bag packaging
- Modern Era Packaging:
Box printing is the new norm that allows more beauty and portability for almost all sorts of products. There is no one specific group of packaging being done in the modern era. There are different printing and packaging technologies, like:
- Bubble wrap
- Pop tab packaging
- PET Plastic Bottles
More technologies are coming into this industry, like custom packaging boxes and different designs and coloured packaging that also involves printing.
3: Printing History:
Printing has a relatively shorter history than packaging that starts with:
- Woodblock Printing:
The first form of advanced technology of printing was the Woodblock printing in 200Ad by Chinese people. It was basically a technology that involving carved designs on wood for printing.
- The Printing Press:
Some people consider Gutenberg the most critical person who contributed to the printing evolution. The impact of the first printing press invented by this man has had implications to this day. This invention was the most crucial step towards more rapid printing options.
- The Impact Printing Press made:
The printing press was the best way books could be published at that time in the 15th century, which lead to a rise in information. Then there were books published that led to the rise of Europe to the renaissance and uprise of western nations. The impact of the printing press grew big enough to make the new industrial revolution that took the knowledge from the press-made books. As there were quick ways to print books before the printing press, this technology was revolutionary. This technology led to the best speed printing methods, advents and attention towards new printing methods possible.
- Picture Printing in the 16th century:
Chiaroscuro woodcut was invented in 1507, a technique for printing pictures using one or more blocks. The images made with this technique were colourful, which had lacked earlier.
- Lithography:
Lithography, one of the printing ideas still used, was invented in 1796. This printing technique helps in the printing of paper and other materials that may be suitable. This type of printing involves wax, oil image, and limestone plate that can be effectively used for the process. The printing ink for this process has oil-based ink and water as well. This type of printing is considered helpful for artwork printing too.
- The Rotatory Press:
The printing press was followed by the rotatory press as one of the best printing methods of that time. As it was invented in 1843, there were not many options for printing at that time. Therefore, this invention was one of the most critical evolutionary procedures developed for this purpose.
- Offset Printing:
Offset printing has not changed much over time, and its efficacy is seen in different types of printing. For example, lithography is combined with this technique to make posters, large prints and magazines.
- Screen Printing:
This technology is mainly used for the printing of garments and has a history of ancient Chinese times.
- The Modern Times:
In the 20th and 21st century there are different types of printing options available for printing companies. Some of them are for bulk production, and some work for smaller projects. The smaller level projects can be filled with:
- Laser printing
- Inkjet printing
For more accessible printing solutions came digital printing, and the most advanced technology in printing today is 3D printing. All of these technologies offer printing and packaging solutions that excel in this field.
- Customization in Print and Pack:
The new trend in the industry is the customization of printed boxes and other packing materials. This trend is coupled with eco-friendly packaging materials good for the earth.
- The Future is Bright:
If you are looking to go into the printing and packaging business, the future of this field is wide and bright. This technology has numerous things to offer as end products that are going to improve over time. And, this technology is going to continue making marks unless there is some electronic revolution ahead in this field. There will be more advancements and new technologies coming, one of which is 3D printing. As 3D printing has excellent potential for customized printing and packaging solutions, it can really change the world we know.
Conclusion:
Printing and packaging are intermingled technologies that give solutions for manufacturing needs. In the corporate sector, there are several types of printing projects that need the best technologies. These technologies are going to improve in the future as there are more needs for advancements. For different types of printing projects, promotional print and packaging are on the rise with the customization of products. More detailed designs of printing and packaging will show up and continue to change this field. Many of the above-mentioned types and technologies of printing are used these days. You just need to sit back and watch the technologies coming.
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