High quality and attractive design have long been matters of concern in the Republic of China's efforts to promote its world trade. Now a new factor, packaging, is emerging as being of comparable importance in expanding sales. Not only does quality packaging enhance the appearance of a product, but it also protects it during its transit to a foreign country. This latter factor is of particular importance as Taiwan turns out increasingly precise and high-value products.

To ensure progress in this vital field, the Packaging Research Laboratory was established in July 1981 by the Executive Yuan to act as both "nurse" and "make-up assistant" for Taiwan's exports. Goods with well-designed packaging, particularly in matters of shape and appearance, color, convincing wording and eye-catching brand name, stimulate the desire to buy.

In the past 30 years, the Re public of China's economy has progressed rapidly, and industrial and consumer commodities have been exported in increasingly large quantities. Many foreign buyers, however, expressed dissatisfaction with packing techniques, and manufacturers lost sales as a result. The term packaging covers the dual functions of packaging design and engineering design. The newly established packaging laboratory provides several services for companies, including physical tests on materials, simulated transportation of packaged goods, experiments on samples of corrugated board boxes, and improving packaging design.

The original staff of four engineers was increased to eight in August. Facilities at the laboratory include such items as high and low temperature, and humidity chambers, packaging material chamber, testing device for simulated transportation, and a workshop for making corrugated board boxes. Today, Taiwan's markets worldwide include countries with climates ranging from tropical humidity to frigid aridity. Test facilities at the laboratory make sure the goods will withstand all conditions.

Choice of materials is a particularly important factor in packaging. The material testing chamber at the laboratory is specially designed to test the strength of containers. Because such long distances and constant loading and unloading are involved in transporting Taiwan's exports, the simulated transportation chamber is used to test the effects of dropping, vibration and climatic conditions on goods and packaging.

Since the establishment of the Packaging Research Laboratory, some 30 manufacturers have been calling in for information and advice every day. This shows that Taiwan's industrial leaders are beginning to realize that "packaging is part of the product." Although the Republic of China still lags behind the United States and European countries by about 10 or 20 years in its packaging concepts, the establishment of the Packaging Research Laboratory is regarded as a good starting point to develop the facility.

[Picture Caption]

The Packaging Research Laboratory was established to act as the "nurse" and "make-up assistance" for Taiwan's exports. 1. A revolving drum which tests protection given by packaging when an object is dropped. 2. This drop tester shows the damage done to packaged goods weighing 70 kg falling 400 to 1500 mm. 3. Elmendorf tester for tearing. 4. Vibration tester. 5. Electronic tensile strength testing machine, which measures the tensile and compression strength of packaging materials. 6. A drop testing release hook used to test the extent of damage done when an article of 70 to 200 kg falls to the ground. 7. Impact tester.

1. This packaging for Tatung electric fans won the 1981 "most outstanding packaging design award." It excels in utilizing fully the product's structure, packaging materials and small volume to reduce transportation costs. 2. This attractive packaging tempts children to buy non-sharpening pencils. 3. Packaging for men's hair beauty aids stresses color and attractive appearance.

This drop tester shows the damage done to packaged goods weighing 70 kg falling 400 to 1500 mm.

Elmendorf tester for tearing.

Vibration tester.

Electronic tensile strength testing machine, which measures the tensile and compression strength of packaging materials.

A drop testing release hook used to test the extent of damage done when an article of 70 to 200 kg falls to the ground.

Impact tester.

This packaging for Tatung electric fans won the 1981 "most outstanding packaging design award." It excels in utilizing fully the product's structure, packaging materials and small volume to reduce transportation costs.

This attractive packaging tempts children to buy non-sharpening pencils.