Packaging and its significance on the presentation of traditional herbal medicine in Ghana: Kumasi, a case study
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Date
August, 2015
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Abstract
Packaging has been in life since the creation of man onto the earth, the body of human is packed indirectly, to serve as a protective cover to the internal organs from external hazards. Packaging is highly significant because according to Frost, (2005) the package communicates both emotional and functional benefits to the buyer. Since Traditional Herbal Medicines (THM) remain integral part of indigenous health care system in Ghana it is therefore high time that practitioners of the industry presented it safe to the consumer by packaging. Some producers and practitioners of THM do not observe good packaging practices which affect consumer patronage. Hence to guarantee, increase in patronage, and maintain safety, efficacy and quality of THM packaging is paramount. Ghana is a country well-endowed with various natural resources therefore locally available material such as bamboo, clay and paper was used to produce a suitable package for the selected THM (bark of nkotobena, nyinya dry leaves, and prekese power). This research was carried out using Kumasi, specifically railway station in Ghana as a case study. The samples were chosen based on their popularity. A number of research methodologies were employed in gathering data including qualitative research method with questionnaire administration, personal interviews and descriptive method. The descriptive was purposely employed to describe procedures and processes in designing and constructing packages. The purposive sampling was used to assess the sample size. The general design of the pack should be underpinned with functions of a package (protect, preserve, promote, contain and handle), with good surface graphics, attractive but reduced colours, illustrations presenting a true and honest picture of the content, the shape should provide convenience in handling, easy for refilling and the ability to stand or with low support. The choice of packaging material should be planned along the principles of the ‗R‘ in sustainability (reduce, replace, reuse and recycle).
Description
A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasiin partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy in Integrated Art (Product Design), 2015