Cost is also a major issue with new product design, and companies often seek a way to overcome the expensive side of development.

CAPE Systems has developed CAPE PACK. This is claimed to combine innovative graphics technology while being user friendly. It has been created to evaluate product packaging design, pallet loading and product distribution.

The overall aim of the development is to help companies to design packaged products that are price conscious, fit into price-sensitive outer case sizes and can be stored and transported effectively.

Marketing Director Peter Ayling said: "The software has been designed to significantly affect profitability by reducing the cost of distribution, eliminating unnecessary handling and addressing environmental concerns."

He continued: "Hundreds of companies around the world are now using this type of software to analyse packaging design, case counts, arrangements within the case, outer case design and pallet loading."

He estimates that three to four thousand companies around the globe use the software including market leaders such as Cadbury's and Heinz. With the continual development of systems like these, the stages of packaging development will become a more streamlined process.

Companies will be able to get what they want in a short space of time and have the crucial opportunity of viewing packaging on screen and the different options that can be combined with it. The industry will become more aware of the benefits that systems like these have to offer because it helps to get packaging concepts direct from the brain and onto a computer screen.