Compression means putting things in such a way that they occupy less space. If you do that, the things thus placed are subject to greater pressure because in a relatively small place, too many things are stored one upon another.

Warehouses generally function as place of parcel distribution. In warehouses, packages are stored and these packages meant for transportation are stacked in transport vehicles which travel long distances. During transport, there is a possibility the stacked packages may be subject to compression with vibration.  Moving vehicles make the compression inside a dynamic force as against passive force while not on travel. The packages must be so built that they must be able to withstand the compression

It is said the average density of loads in long-haul vehicles will be about 12 pounds or so per cubic foot. The design of the package must be so kept that the dynamic forces on the load do not impact so as to damage the product inside.

The carriers local delivery vans will have interior shelves to hold packages. In these shelves, compressive forces will be much less.  But all the same, the vibration will be there.  Despite low dynamic forces, the possibility for damage cannot be totally ruled out because of vibration.

Atmospheric Conditions

Atmospheric conditions do affect both packages and the products. High temperature, for example, may affect the plastic products making them weak; high altitudes affect air-conditioning.

Packages must be so designed that they protect the products inside from atmospheric impact. Summer temperature, the temperature inside closed vehicles and containers, humidity, altitude of 20,000 feet—all these affect the packaging and products inside the packages.

Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP), highly sensitive and complex subject, deals with different products with different kinds of packaging suitable for the product to be shipped. Dairy products, bakery, meat products, fruits and vegetables require modified atmospheric packaging.

This Modified Atmospheric Packaging gives the bread packed 40 days shelf life.

Packaging protects the products from becoming changed, say, in colour, odour, flavor and texture. In other words, packaging acts like an effective barrier between the products and the external environment.

On packaging, a modern growing subject, we have looked into the very basics of it.