In the production process chain, packaging is one of the most crucial parts. SMEs’ products will have added value if they are packaged appropriately and attractively. SME actors must also be more careful in selecting packaging, the stages in the packaging process, and the various information that must be presented on the packaging. This is done so that the products that will be marketed are easier to understand and accepted by potential buyers.
Packaging is a container or place to put products and provide protection so that the product lasts longer, facilitates storage, distribution, usage, promotion, and also provides consumer assurance, as well as being environmentally conscious. There are several factors that support good packaging are appearance, protection, function, price, and waste handling. In addition, factors that affect packaging design are able to attract potential buyers, display ready-to-sell products, informative-communicative, and create a sense of need for the product.
Unique and attractive designs can increase consumer interest in purchasing the product. Currently, SME industries are mostly focused on the food sector with packaging designs that are still basic. The obstacle often faced by entrepreneurs is their lack of ability to make product packaging designs.The low knowledge of packaging design and production methods is also a problem for them. With this problem, it has an impact on low product selling values, even though the taste of the product is worthy of being highly valued.
To overcome these problems, the Directorate of Community Service (DPKM) of Gadjah Mada University held a training on packaging for SME food products on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, which focused on basic knowledge about food processing processes that comply with standard rules, packaging types, making packaging designs and labels, and the procedures for registering processed food products. The method used was technical guidance together and followed by evaluating the packaging of products with the hope that participants could apply it. The results of this activity are an increase in knowledge and participants’ ability to make and design product packaging, which is evidenced by each participant’s design plan.
The speakers present at this training were Dr. Ir. Supriyadi, M.Sc. (Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Gadjah Mada University) with the theme of food processing and packaging processes that comply with CPOB and HACCP guidelines, Ir. Endy Triyannanto, S.Pt., M.Eng., Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng. (Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Gadjah Mada University) with the theme of packaging, label making and branding, and Evi Andriyani, S.Farm, Apt, M.Sc. (Central POM Agency of Special Region of Yogyakarta) with the theme of integrated registration procedures for processed food products based on OSS risk. The event was officially opened by Dr. Djarot Heru Santoso, M.Hum. as the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Community Service of Gadjah Mada University.
