How does that work?

The www.howstuffworks.com Web site is both interesting and informative, and it offers packaging information.

Jan 31, 2004

I came across the site while conducting a search for UPC (Universal Product Code), and found the article How UPC Bar Codes Work .

The article was utterly fascinating, and told me things about the UPC I’d never known. I never knew how the check digit worked, yet this explains it in five easy-to-follow steps.

Out of curiosity, I typed in "packaging" and found articles including these: "How MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) Work," and "How Offset Printing Works." The latter is a multipage primer filled with images.

The article "Why does lettuce in a bag stay fresh longer than a head of lettuce?" offers links to a number of articles about modified atmosphere packaging. Chock full of pictures, this selection may be helpful for someone in marketing.

There are many more pages for packaging-related things, such as "irradiation," which linked to a 10 different articles on food preservation.

If you’re in production or engineering, skimming through "How Marketing Plans Work" may be enlightening, even if only for the length of this scratching-the-surface summary.

The site is only fractionally as exhaustive in packaging as Packworld.com, for instance, but you may find something useful here. But watch out for getting sidetracked. I confess I searched using the keyword "URL" and found this: "How an Internet Search Engine Works." Gosh, I didn’t know that…

Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics

Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing. Register now & save!

Machinery Basics

A Look into the World of Cartoning Equipment

A Look at Feeding and Inserting Equipment on the Packaging Line

How Products are Loaded and Sealed into Pre-Made Bags and Pouches

Coding And Marking Equipment Package This Video

Coding & Marking Equipment: Why It’s So Important in Packaging

Through the Line: Packaging and Processing

Through the Line: Palm-Sized Carton Delivers 180 Doses of Skin Care

How can skincare and beauty packaging be more sustainable? Nwär Skin’s Seid skin care products are encapsulated in tiny, dissolvable strips packaged in a paperboard carton.

The ‘Polka King of the Midwest’ from 903 Brewers took top honors in Quad’s eye-tracking study, thanks to its bold illustrated face and playful packaging—proving that character-driven visuals can stop shoppers in their tracks and boost shelf appeal.

Beer Label Lessons: A Masterclass in Visual Engagement

Compostable Capsules for Nespresso Original Line Systems

The updated packaging is expected to replace around 600 tons of virgin plastic annually.

Cadbury, Kimberly-Clark, and Greiner Packaging Use Recycled Materials in Packaging

Slurry & Solution Processing System for Accurate Liquid-Solid Blends

Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability

The road ahead for CPGs in 2025 and beyond—<i>Packaging World</i> editors review key findings from a survey of 88 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG readers.

Download Now

Researched List: Engineering Services Firms

Looking for engineering services? Our curated list features 100+ companies specializing in civil, process, structural, and electrical engineering. Many also offer construction, design, and architecture services. Download to access company names, markets served, key services, contact information, and more!

Download Now

Researched List: Engineering Services Firms

Products

How does that work?

Primer

Are You Greenwashing?

Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics

Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing. Register now & save!

A Look into the World of Cartoning Equipment

A Look at Feeding and Inserting Equipment on the Packaging Line

How Products are Loaded and Sealed into Pre-Made Bags and Pouches

Coding & Marking Equipment: Why It’s So Important in Packaging

Through the Line: Palm-Sized Carton Delivers 180 Doses of Skin Care

Beer Label Lessons: A Masterclass in Visual Engagement

Compostable Capsules for Nespresso Original Line Systems

Cadbury, Kimberly-Clark, and Greiner Packaging Use Recycled Materials in Packaging

Slurry & Solution Processing System for Accurate Liquid-Solid Blends

Styrene- and ABS-free Packaging Materials

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Tray

Paxiom to Exhibit with ATS Packaging, Food & Technology Division Companies in Unified Booth at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025

July/Aug 2025

May/Jun 2025

Craft Brew 2025

Mar/Apr 2025

Researched List: Mono-Material, Barrier Pouches

Inspection Detection Innovations Report

Palletizing Innovations Report

Cartoning Innovations Report