Packaging refers to the practise of enclosing and safeguarding goods before they are shipped, stored, sold, or used. The packaging industry encompasses not only the finished product but also the steps used to create it. A product's packaging is its whole preparation for distribution, storage, handling, retail, and ultimate consumption. Products are contained, protected, preserved, transported, informed, and sold in containers. It is widely used in many nations on a governmental, commercial, institutional, industrial, and individual level.
Written, electronic, or pictorial information on the box or on a distinct but linked label is referred to as labelling (American English) or labelling (British English).