When the term integrity is used, most people interpret it to apply to the character values of the person that is the topic of discussion, not to inanimate objects such as packaging components.

When one speaks of package integrity, some will think of indications of possible product tampering or product counterfeiting. Reality is the integrity of the package is dependent on many factors other than the obvious.

To begin with, the integrity of the package is dependent on the person, persons or organization that designs or develops the package and whether or not improper shortcuts were taken to achieve the desired result – a package that appears to meet the requirements of the package to function during the entire life cycle of the product in a manner consistent with protecting the product and the consumer, while complying with all regulatory requirements.

Package integrity can and does mean different things when viewed for meeting the different requirements each package is faced with, starting with production and ending with recycling or disposal.

How happy would a consumer be if the product were to leak out of the package? What if the package could be entered, adultered and restored to original appearance? What if the product causes the outer container to fail or discolor? What if the carton will support a light weight, but is stacked several units high?

These are all areas where package integrity is lacking, and could have been designed, tested or otherwise modified to meet the requirements of the distribution chain and the consumers expectations.

Areas where crucial decisions or analysis are made that affect the entire package, including the product within are discussed, as well as little known factors that can affect package and product integrity. Examples of the possible disastrous outcomes that can occur are discussed as well as possible solutions to prevent or reduce the potential for a disaster.