Structural design: ITC advises enterprises regarding the optimization of product-packaging to ensure best performance (preservation, protection) from the point of view of functionality and cost. In the food and processed food area, packaging optimization is analyzed from the post harvest, through the processing, to transport and distribution. ITC advises exporters, packaging suppliers and transport & distribution companies about how to optimize structural designs at minimum cost. Structural design advisories cover the primary packaging (directly in contact with the product), the secondary packaging (grouping) and the tertiary packaging (packaging for shipment), ranging from individual packs to bulk containers. Considering specific requirements (e.g. dangerous goods, perishable foods, others) during the manufacturing and packaging process is key. Merchandizing considerations and end user convenience (retail, catering, further processing) are also important in structural design.
Graphic design: ITC advises on graphic design options, including printing, in order for exporters to develop packages that differentiate and sell their products. Many exporting SMEs have limited means to promote and communicate. ITC takes special care by linking the other elements of the marketing communication mix with packaging design execution, to guarantee a seamless continuation of product communication initiatives.
Design courses target packaging producers, packaging users, transportation companies, as well as design agencies. Customized programmes are set up with ITC’s partner organizations, typically two weeks long, and involve a combination of technology courses and practical work using design software. As a result, participants better understand the constraints of the entire packaging supply chain and are able to conceive packaging options that are sound from a cost and performance view.
Packaging Clinics
Packaging clinics are customized technical assistance programmes provided to business clusters in sectors with high export potential. Following a packaging diagnostic conducted at enterprise and sector level, exporters, packaging producers and shipping companies come together to share issues. Key challenges are identified, and packaging experts from ITC’s international packaging network work with the group to provide practical solutions. The clinics are followed up by one-to-one consultations at the exporters’ site.
This service has proven extremely useful as it enables exporters to discover their common challenges. They understand the need to come together to define packaging standards jointly, as well as possibly creating joint purchasing groups that provide opportunities for cost optimization. Export markets often require investment in expensive high output fillers. In that case, SME export clusters may decide to invest in co-packing operations, individually, or together with the packaging industry support. These clusters are also a good access point for national standard boards hoping to engage with the private sector in defining packaging standards.
Set-up Technical institutes
ITC has been instrumental in setting up several technical institutes, including packaging information centers and packaging technical testing centers. ITC work with developing countries to define the terms of reference, prepare requests for proposals, and can provide technical assistance during the selection process. Once investment decisions are made, ITC assist countries and businesses implement programmes, including training of technical staff and the development of sustainable strategies to ensure these centres are self sustainable in the long run.
Setting up technical institutes represents significant investments. From its knowledge of packaging supply chains in developing countries, ITC takes a holistic view and considers such investments at regional level. ITC advises investors (donors, governments, other) on the most suitable approach to these large investments, inviting local stakeholders to think regionally and globally. This sometimes leads to a common understanding that developing a regional hub is a strategic approach to guarantee returns on investments and long term sustainability of the services offered.