Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day is observed on August 7. Having our online orders delivered is always exciting, isn’t it? But, have you ever ordered a pack of small batteries or a U.S.B. flash drive online and ended up receiving a package the size of a shoebox? Or, have you ever struggled and even got injured while trying to open heat-sealed clamshell packaging? Unbelievable, right? Those are examples of preposterousness in packaging and what became the reasons Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day is celebrated.
History of Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day
The origin of Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day is unknown, but luckily it’s made a name for itself on the calendar on August 7. For customers, it’s a day to recall annoying moments experienced when dealing with excessive packaging or heat-sealed clamshell packaging that’s sometimes hard to open. For manufacturers, the day can be a reminder to consider using easy-to-open packaging (while still secure) and not add unnecessary material. It’s also an opportunity for packaging manufacturers to market their products, probably offering sustainability and recyclability.
There are several examples of preposterous packaging, including excessive packaging, incorrect branding, unnecessary packaging, and packaging that’s not user-friendly. There are several frustrations around packaging. Number one is over-packaging. This is annoying for some people because they have to dispose of more waste. Number two is incorrect branding. Branding is important for a business as an identity, and when a product comes with misidentified packaging, it’s a no-no. Number three is unnecessary packaging. You might have seen each banana individually wrapped in plastic at a grocery store — such a waste. Number four is indestructible packaging with jagged or sharp edges that’s hard to open, and you even needed a utility knife or scissors to open it — how frustrating.
We believe you know the term ‘wrap rage,’ the common name for intensified levels of anger and frustration resulting from the inability to open a package, particularly heat-sealed clamshells. Although some of us have experienced difficulty opening a package and even got injured in the process, sometimes packaging needs to be difficult to open. This is intentional to prevent unauthorized opening and to be child-resistant. In addition, some packages are purposefully hard to open to prevent pilferage and shoplifting. Let’s use the day to focus on both the pros and cons of packaging.
Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day timeline
The ancient Egyptians develop glass water pots and become the first to industrialize a food or water container.
Paper, referred to today as ‘flexible packaging,’ is used in the form of treated mulberry bark by the Chinese to wrap foods.
A British industrialist Sir Malcolm Thornhill begins producing boxes made from single sheets of cardboard.
Swiss textile engineer, Jacques Brandenberger, experiments in making waterproof fabric, and the idea of cellophane is born.
Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day FAQs
What do packaging companies do?
A packaging manufacturer produces typically one type of packaging, either custom packaging to order or stock packaging to be distributed.
Who produces the most cardboard?
China is the largest producer of paper and cardboard but not the largest exporter.
Who does Amazon buy their cardboard boxes from?
Almost half of the cardboard boxes used by Amazon are supplied by International Paper (I.P.).
Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day Activities
Minimize unnecessary packaging
Excessive packaging means more waste. If by any chance you’re going grocery shopping, remember to buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and don’t forget to bring your own reusable bag.
Buy loose products
You agree that one plastic wrap for one banana is waste, don’t you? So, try to avoid buying pre-packaged fruits and vegetables.
Reuse packaging
You probably cannot completely avoid the usage of packaging. That’s why it’s a good idea to reuse your paper or plastic bags as well as wrapping paper if possible.
5 Interesting Facts About Cardboard Boxes
Not all of them are recyclable
Cardboard boxes must be free from debris — oil or cheese on pizza boxes — to be recycled.
They are not just a packaging material
Some businesses use printed cardboard boxes to increase consumer interest.
A museum dedicated to cardboard
In France, there is a museum dedicated entirely to cardboard packaging, Musée du Cartonnage et de l'Imprimerie.
Fast-growing trees are used
Corrugated cardboard boxes are made of fast-growing pine trees.
Corrugated is made from recycled material
Corrugated cardboard boxes are made from 75% recycled material.
Why We Love Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day
It raises awareness of packaging issues
Not everyone likely knows about the day. However, most of us probably have similar experiences — dealing with over-packaging and hard-to-open heat-sealed clamshells. The day is a chance to share your experiences and try to find solutions to these packaging issues.
It is a cue to use reusable items
Dealing with hard-to-open packaging is one thing. Taking care of the waste from excessive packaging is another. The day is a reminder for us to maximize the usage of reusable bags and bottles or cups.
It is a reminder for manufacturers
Some packaging companies use this day to market their services. For manufacturers in general, the day is a reminder to keep innovating so that packaging can be easy-to-open and secure at the same time. It surely will increase your customer satisfaction.
Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 7 | Thursday |
| 2026 | August 7 | Friday |
| 2027 | August 7 | Saturday |
| 2028 | August 7 | Monday |
| 2029 | August 7 | Tuesday |
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