Material Use Categories
A trade item consists of one or more product parts and additional product packaging.
So every part of a Trade Item is from one of the four material use categories:
- Product
- Consumable (Require recurrent replacement because they are used up or transformed in their use)
- Durable (Can exist for a long time without significant deterioration in quality or value)
- Disposable (Intended to be thrown away after use)
- Packaging (Designed to protect or contain a product during transport, handling, and storage, often temporary and discarded once the product is used)
Consumable
Definition: Parts that are used up over time and need regular replacement or replenishment.
- Recipe based consumables, like drinks, dairy products, soups, pet food, feed, et cetera.
- Formula based consumables, like lipstick, shampoo, dishwash tabs and adhesives.
Characteristics:
- Essential for the product to function but deplete with use.
- Typically have a limited lifespan.
- Replacement frequency can range from daily to yearly, depending on the product.
Examples:
- Coffee beans for a coffee maker.
- Strawberry ice cream
- Printer ink for a printer.
- Shampoo
- Glue
Durable
Definition: Parts of a product that are meant to last for an extended period, often for the entire life of the product.
Characteristics:
- Typically made of strong, resilient materials.
- Often contribute to the primary function of the product.
- Typically not meant to be replaced regularl
Examples:
- The metal frame of a bicycle.
- The plastic body of a kitchen appliance.
- The ceramic body of a coffee mug.
Disposable
Definition: Components designed for short-term use. After serving their purpose, they are discarded.
Characteristics:
- Often designed for single or limited use.
- Generally cheaper to produce.
- May pose environmental concerns due to waste.
Examples:
- Razor blades in a disposable razor.
- The paper filter in a coffee maker.
- Ink cartridges in some types of pens.
Packaging
Definition: The materials used to encase, protect, and present the product.
Characteristics:
- Can be both functional (protecting the product) and promotional (branding and marketing).
- Often discarded after opening, though some packaging is designed to be reusable.
- Environmental impact and sustainability are growing concerns in packaging design.
Examples:
- The cardboard box containing a new pair of shoes.
- The plastic wrapping around a bag of nuts.
- The carton holding 4 candles.
In Conclusion: Understanding the different parts of a product allows designers to make informed decisions about materials, production processes, and sustainability. It also aids marketers in understanding the consumer's experience and lifecycle of the product. As we move towards a more environmentally-conscious era, distinguishing between these components becomes even more critical to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices.
