Define Non-Conventional Energy Sources

This article was created by a professional writer and edited by experienced copy editors, both qualified members of the Demand Media Studios community. All articles go through an editorial process that includes subject matter guidelines, plagiarism review, fact-checking, and other steps in an effort to provide reliable information.
Contributor

By Jay Leone, eHow

Print this article

People use a number of different types of non-conventional methods to supply themselves with electricity. Producing energy is not limited to burning coal and eliciting nuclear power; forces on Earth are capable of producing extraordinary power. Man will continue to use these non-conventional energy sources to supply people around the world with their energy needs.

1. Types
o
People in the 21st century are increasingly interested in finding new and innovative ways to power their lives. Tidal, geothermal, solar, wind and biomass energy are nonconventional energy sources that have the most practical use.

Water Energy
o
Hydroelectric power, tidal power and wave power use water to produce electricity. Energy can be produced by tide water passing through turbines. Hydroelectric energy is harnessed by the use of dams, which can be very expensive operations. Energy also can be derived from waterfalls that are forced through turbines. Waves also can produce power, but it is difficult to tap into this particular energy source.

Geothermal Energy
o
Geothermal energy is known for being a cleaner source of energy. It can be used to produce heat as well as electricity. This type of energy is produced by radioactive decay from the Earth's core. According to the Geothermal Education Office, "Steam, heat or hot water from geothermal reservoirs provides the force that spins the turbine generators and produces electricity. The used geothermal water is then returned down an injection well into the reservoir to be reheated, to maintain pressure, and to sustain the reservoir."

Solar Energy
o
Solar energy is collected from the sun. Electromagnetic waves released from the sun can be used as solar heating for homes and other buildings or as solar electricity to power appliances and other electronics. Energy gathered from the sun is stored in batteries because the sun does not shine anywhere on Earth constantly all year around. Some countries like India are in geographically ideal locations to collect solar energy. India can have from 250 to 300 sunny days in a given year.

Wind energy
o
Wind has kinetic energy that can turn turbines and be converted to usable power. However, the amount of energy that can be derived depends on the speed of the wind. Wind power is one of the most cost-efficient forms of non-conventional energy.

Biomass Energy
o
Burning plants and wood releases energy--the heat given off can be used to raise the temperature of water and move turbines. Plants must be grown and collected before they can be burned, which is the only downfall of this method. Biofuels can be derived from manure when burned. Burning ethanol also can produce energy. Ethanol is produced from corn or other crops through a multistage process. Corn, for example, is ground up and the starch is converted to sugar. Microbacteria feed on the sugar, and ethanol is produced. This ethanol is then refined until it is the desired consistency.

Siemens answers:

www.siemens.com/answers

Efficient energy supply - Answers for the environment.

Arcade Controls

www.ultimarc.com www.MeeFog.com/Gas_Turbine

Worlds Favorite Source for Advanced Controls and Interfaces

Gas Turbine Inlet Cooling

Improve Gas Turbine Output Download Our Whitepaper Today!

Keeping up on Green Tech?

trove.com

Trove lets you personalize news. Sign up and build your homepage!

Ads by Google

Read more: Define Non-Conventional Energy Sources | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5426759_define-nonconventional-energy-sources.html#ixzz1VZ5BeLtz

Conventional & Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Mark Kennan is a freelance writer specializing in finance-related articles. He has worked as a sports editor for "Ring-Tum Phi" and published articles on a number of online outlets. Kennan holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and politics from Washington and Lee University.
By Mark Kennan, eHow Contributor

Print this article

Conventional energy sources are typically fully developed, nonrenewable resources, while nonconventional sources may be functional but are still undergoing development and use renewable resources.

1. Types
o
Conventional sources of energy usually include fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil as well as nuclear power. Nonconventional sources include solar power, hydropower and wind power.

Benefits
o
Fossil fuels are inexpensive and require established technologies that can produce energy around the clock. Nonconventional energy sources have a much smaller environmental footprint and are renewable.

Disadvantages
o
Conventional sources of energy have a limited supply because eventually the nuclear elements and fossil fuels will be used up. In addition, burning fossil fuels release significant amounts of greenhouse gases and contribute to acid rain. Nonconventional energy sources are still expensive and are often limited to producing energy only under certain circumstances such as sunny days for solar plans and windy days for windmills.

Size
o
Fossil fuels provide about 85 percent of the energy in the United States, and oil provides almost all of the energy for automobiles.

Potential
o
Even though there are significant environmental costs associated with fossil fuels, the U.S. Department of Energy expects their usage to increase of the next 20 years because nonconventional energy sources will not develop quickly enough to meet the growing energy demands.

Read more: Conventional & Non-Conventional Sources of Energy | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5522988_conventional-nonconventional-sourcesenergy.html#ixzz1VZ5yNYr7

The Uses of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Rob Callahan lives in Minneapolis, where he has written and performed professionally since 2006. He is a regular contributor to "The Rake Magazine," "l'etoile" magazine and "Minnesota Microphone" and is also a published novelist. He graduated from Saint Cloud State University in 2001 with a degree in philosophy.
By Rob Callahan, eHow Contributor updated April 11, 2011

Print this article

Conventional fuel sources have a limited supply, and cause pollution.

In the early part of the 21th century, the need for alternative energy sources became clear. As traditional fossil fuels were depleted and the development of mainstream renewable energy via wind, solar, hydro-electric and geothermal generators only fulfilled some of the world's energy demands, researchers and engineers began to seek other methods of energy production.

1. Methane Power Plants

o
Large amounts of methane gas are produced by certain industries, such as coal mining, and it is problematic because methane is 20 times more potent that carbon dioxide, another greenhouse gas. In an effort to make use of what was otherwise a waste product, engineers in China looked to the Australian model of adapting methane as fuel, and developed a method to repurpose the troublesome gas. One model of methane repurposing involves bringing methane up from the mine via a pumping station, then using it to power a Caterpillar engine. This system produces 120 megawatts of continuous power, which is enough to power 82,000 American homes.

Hybrid Cars That Utilize Compressed Air

o
Hybrid cars that merge gas and electric propulsion are one means of combining power systems, but others exist. Air hybrid engines have been developed that use compressed air to reduce fuel consumption and boost a conventional engine's power. These hybrid systems had achieved a 65 mpg efficiency rate and a 30 percent reduction in emissions as of 2011, but had not yet become widely available to consumers. Additional advances in this technology, such as those at Brunel University's School of Engineering and Design, adapted the regenerative braking concept from conventional hybrid cars and implemented a system by which the engine and brakes replenish some of the compressed air supply to extend the vehicle's range.

Solar-Powered Computers
o
Both Apple and Motorola have filed patents concerning the integration of solar cells within their mobile devices. Hoping to use solar energy to power iPods and MacBooks, Apple planned to add photovoltaic panels to various parts of their computers, which include display and input devices, coated materials and materials from which the logo is etched. Motorola's patent specifically involved building solar cells into the display screen, which would make use of a large amount of available surface area to house solar cells.

Nanogenerators Powered by the Human Heartbeat

o
Nanogenerators make use of zinc oxide nanowires, which generate an electric current when strained or flexed. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology made use of this property to develop piezoelectric devices, which produce small amounts of electricity in response to motion. Although these devices were only in early development in 2011, researchers believed that they would be able to stack nanogenerators together in small arrays to boost output. By doing so, they hoped to produce battery chargers and small electronics that could be powered by walking, rolling tires, wind or even the wearer's own heartbeat.

Read more: The Uses of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8202252_uses-nonconventional-sourcesenergy.html#ixzz1VZ6rfNZB

Types of Non-Conventional Energy Sources

Mark Kennan is a freelance writer specializing in finance-related articles. He has worked as a sports editor for "Ring-Tum Phi" and published articles on a number of online outlets. Kennan holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and politics from Washington and Lee University.
By Mark Kennan, eHow Contributor

Print this article

Non-conventional energy sources are being researched to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels that pollute the environment and leave the United States dependent on foreign countries for resources. Though many non-conventional energy sources are functional, they are not yet as cost effective as fossil fuels.

1. Types
o
Non-conventional energy sources include biomass, hydropower, wind power and solar power.

Limitations
o
Non-conventional energy sources that rely on weather cannot be counted on to supply energy around the clock because wind speeds could be low or the weather could be cloudy for several days.

Geography
o
Some non-conventional energy sources are limited based on geographic features. Hydropower cannot work where there is now a downhill flow of water, and wind power works best in the plains because of the high wind speed.

Benefits
o
Non-conventional energy sources emit less pollution into the air than fossil fuels, which reduces global warming and acid rain. They are also renewable resources unlike fossil fuels, which will eventually be depleted.

Potential
o
Renewable energy accounted for about 9 percent of electricity generation in the United States in 2008 and is expected to continue to grow as oil and natural gas prices rise.

The Objectives of Non Conventional Sources of Energy

Solar panels produce energy where conventional sources cannot.

Though non conventional energy sources, such as solar and wind power, make up a small part of the overall market, they offer benefits not found in traditional sources. Solar plants produce energy with no carbon emissions. Non conventional sources relieve U.S. dependency on foreign oil and they can provide reliable energy in remote locations where conventional energy sources do not reach.

1. Energy Independence
o
Although petroleum yields many useful fuels and substances, the supply of cheap overseas oil contributes to the U.S. trade imbalance. This also complicates foreign policy, as a country dependent on foreign resources has less international political leeway. Since wind, solar and other non conventional sources produce energy locally, they promote the domestic economy and the worthwhile goal of energy independence.

Renewable Energy
o
Fossil fuels burn easily and provide decent amounts of energy, but their supplies are limited. Estimates vary, but known coal reserves will last between about 50 and 120 years. Petroleum has similar limits. After these sources run out, they are gone forever. Nature, however, replenishes solar, wind and other non conventional energy sources. Biofuels come from crops produced every growing season. Civilization must wean itself from fossil fuels in order to continue.

Reduced CO2 Emissions

o
Under pressure by political and environmental groups wanting to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, traditional power utilities are considering adding carbon removing equipment to their plants. Solar and wind technologies, unlike coal and oil, do not involve combustion for producing energy, so their operation emits no CO2 or other greenhouse gases. Although you burn biofuels to make power, the crops harvested for these fuels consume CO2, so this source tends to be carbon neutral, removing as much carbon dioxide as it makes.

Energy Access
o
Some non conventional energy sources provide reliable power where conventional ones cannot. Communications satellites used some of the first solar cells for power, as they operate far from any traditional power source. The sun shines continuously in space, so solar panels make an ideal choice. On Earth, solar panels also see use in areas miles from the nearest power line. A solar panel can charge batteries, providing reliable power for emergency lighting and communications.

The Importance of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Martin Laing has been writing professionally since 1980. He is an experienced journalist whose work appears in a variety of newspapers and magazines, including "The Herald," "The Scotsman" and "Prestige" magazine in southeast Asia. Laing earned a diploma in journalism from Napier University, Edinburgh.
By Martin Laing, eHow Contributor updated April 30, 2011

The development of hydroelectric power will be important for the future.

Flag this photo

As the world's finite supplies of traditional fossil fuels are consumed at a voracious rate by a continually industrializing world, the development and use of non-conventional sources of energy is becoming ever more important for the future of the planet. Some research has shown that fuels such as oil and gas, and even nuclear, have a remaining lifespan of as little as 70 years.

1. Green Energy
o
There is considerable debate about the efficiency of "green", or non-conventional, energy and its ability to supply the world, particularly the developed countries, with enough electricity or fuel for their ever increasing needs. Despite campaigns to encourage people to the principle of the "three Rs" -- reduce, reuse and recycle -- to minimize the consumption of energy and natural resources, the rate at which fossil fuels are consumed continues to rise and, consequently, damage the environment.

Renewable Solutions
o
The contribution of renewable sources of energy to demand and consumption remains small, at around just eight per cent of the total in the United States, for example. However, it is a growing sector and expanding levels of investment in some countries has seen renewables forming a larger share of the supply in those nations. Wind turbines, wave and tidal generators, solar capture, geothermal harnessing and hydroelectric projects are all capable of providing a limitless supply of clean energy.

Clean and Green

o
All over the developed world, the importance of non-conventional energy has been recognized, with international targets for a massive increase in renewable generation output being set. However, almost everywhere these ambitious targets have been missed. For instance, the United Kingdom generates just 6.5 percent of its energy from green or renewable sources so will need a massive increase to achieve the 30 percent of output demanded by the European Union by 2020.

Fuel Types
o
But it is not only in electricity generation that non-conventional energy sources are growing in importance. If we want to continue to drive automobiles, many experts believe we will all need to embrace electric cars or biofuels to power those with more traditional engines. Biofuels are derived from a number of areas, including such as ethanol or diesel from plant materials, methane from animal waste, and liquids made from wood and bark chippings, and straw.

Read more: The Importance of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8329761_importance-nonconventional-sourcesenergy.html#ixzz1VZ8nrWup

Research Topics on the Global Implementation of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Helen Anderson has been writing and editing professionally since 2007. Her work has appeared in scholarly and popular publications, such as "Foreign Affairs" and "The New York Times." Anderson holds a master's degree in public health from Columbia University, where she is currently completing a Ph.D.
By Helen Anderson, eHow Contributor updated April 17, 2011

Print this article

The global implementation of non-conventional energy sources is an important topic of research.

The term conventional energy typically refers to power generated by fossil fuel sources, which are associated with many health, environmental and political problems. By contrast, nonconventional energy is derived from natural resources, such as wind, sun and hydro-electric power. With concerns worldwide over the negative effects of conventional energy, governments and private firms have begun to direct attention and investment toward non-conventional sources. The global implementation of non-conventional alternatives is a rich research topic consisting of several components.

1. Global Demand
o
One area of research on the implementation of non-conventional energy is the global demand for alternatives. Research topics include an examination of the environmental factors driving global need, such as concern over the greenhouse gas emissions and global warming associated with conventional fossil fuel-based sources. In their 2007 assessment report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world's leading scientific and political authority on global warming, maintains that man-made greenhouse gas emissions are the primary cause of global warming. Research topics on global demand also include the health risks to human and animal life associated with conventional sources, and how the use of non-conventional sources minimizes hazard.

Energy Types
o
There are multiple sources of non-conventional energy, most all of which are derived from renewable natural resources, such as sun, wind, hydro-electric power and agricultural biomass. Research on the global implementation of these sources includes examinations of the different varieties currently available, the varieties being tested for future development and implementation, and the history of research and development in this field. Research topics also include the regional variations in non-conventional sources, such as hydro-electric dams in Brazil's Iguazu Falls, wind farms in the American Midwest or the Chinese Seven Gorges project.

Source Comparisons

While non-conventional energy sources offer many benefits in comparison to conventional sources, they have different levels of efficiency and cost. One important topic of research is the examination of the different energy output levels afforded by different sources. The discussion of efficiency is closely tied to available funding, regional resource availability and energy storage issues.

Barriers to Implementation
o
Although governmental and scientific bodies are increasingly aware of the global need to move away from dependence on conventional energy sources, the worldwide implementation of non-conventional sources remains hampered by several barriers. An important topic of research is the examination of existing barriers to implementation. Such barriers include conflict of interest by existing fossil fuel corporations, lack of international consensus, geopolitical resource disputes and limitations in available funding. Another important dimension to the challenges in implementation is the social impact of generating non-conventional energy. While large-scale alternative energy infrastructure can provide valuable services to the public and private sector, these structures can also displace communities or indigenous groups from their areas of settlement, as noted by the World Health Organization.

Read more: Research Topics on the Global Implementation of Non-Conventional Sources of Energy | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8240916_researchimplementation-nonconventional-sources-energy.html#ixzz1VZ9XFA00
Product and process planning are two important management activities undertaken by manufacturing firms. Determining how a product will be financed, produced and distributed are all issues that must be carefully planned before a new project is moved into full-scale production.

1. Conceptual Planning
o
Production process planning may take weeks or months, depending on the type of product and/or production process. Management measures risk vs. reward in the manufacturing process to determine the profitability of new products or services.

Financial Planning
o
Management uses a basic time value of money formula to estimate the amount of cash a product or service will produce in future years and discount it back to today's cash value. This calculation will determine the amount of capital that should be invested in the startup operation costs for production.

Product Planning
o
This stage of production planning is important, because a poor-quality product or unwanted product can be the death knell of the production process. This was seen with the Ford Edsel---the biggest blunder a major company ever made with a product.

Production Planning
o
Finding the proper production facility, materials suppliers and qualified labor are all important pieces of production planning. Because the production process is where the bulk of costs occur, properly reviewing and planning for this process is important.

Supply Chain Planning

o
Supply chain planning is how management moves products into stores that sell the produced goods. Contracting with delivery and warehouse companies helps manufacturers to quickly turn their products into sales and generate more cash for further production

Read more: Production Process Planning | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5316906_production-process-planning.html#ixzz1VZHk3k9f

What Are the Benefits of Packaging?

Packaging is the encasement of products in packages, protective wrappings or other external covering that can provide protection, information, security and marketing benefits. Common packaging materials include boxes, Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, plastic, bags, cloth and cartons.

1. Protection

The basic benefit of packaging is the protection of goods to be sold. It prevents damage during transport and storage from the elements, vibration and compression through a physical layer of protection.

Information
o
Packaging can provide information to a consumer regarding the product contents. This information may be promotional, factual or mandated by consumer law.

Containment
o
Products that contain multiple items use packaging to keep all items contained prior to purchase. Product containment also allows a product to be sold in larger quantities.

Size and Quantity

o
Packaging can control the size and quantity of a product. Portion control helps control inventory, create product consistency and can help regulate prices.

Marketing
o
Packaging is the front line of marketing. Through design and marketing communications, packages can help sell a product and differentiate it from similar products. The packaging can also help promote product branding.

Security
o
Product security can be provided through packaging. Packing can make items tamper-resistant, can help reduce theft and can help prevent harm from dangerous products.

Definition of Product Packaging

Leonor Crossley has been a graphic designer and writer since 1995, with entertainment and other articles written for "Max Magazine" in Jacksonville, NC, and various websites. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts, cum laude, from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania.
By Leonor Crossley, eHow Contributor

Print this article

Definition of Product Packaging

The way any product is packaged and looks on the store shelf plays a big part in whether or not shoppers will be interested in buying it. If the packaging looks drab and boring, shoppers will overlook the product on the shelf and pick up something else. There are several factors to creating successful product packaging.

1. Convenience
o
The first step after creating a product is to figure out how it will be packaged and presented to consumers. While this varies with different products, some issues to consider, besides material, may include whether the package can be opened easily, can be recycled, is small and compact, or fits enough of the product inside the box.

Graphics
o
The graphic design on a package is extremely important, because it is the visual design on a product's box that will initially catch the shopper's eye. With food products, it is often a picture of the food on the packaging that entices shoppers to want to give it a try. Products for kids, such as board games or video games, often show comical characters or the animated film character on their packaging to catch a child's eye.

Words
o
The wording on a box is just as important as the graphics and design of the box itself. Food products draw attention with low calorie numbers displayed prominently on the box. Electronics often list important features of the products on their packaging, such as disc capacity, screen size, special functions and more. The copy used should be minimal but informative.

Consumer Feedback
o
Once a package design is complete, it is a good idea to test the product packaging out with a focus group of consumers who will give a non-biased opinion. Improvements and changes can be made to the product packaging based on the group's comments.

Research Consumer Demands

o
Packaging may need to change over time because people's preferences and demands rarely stay the same. A good example is when the packaging of soda cans changed to more convenient pull-out boxes that are placed in the refrigerator.

Read more: Definition of Product Packaging | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5072593_definition-product-packaging.html#ixzz1VRules of Product Packaging J.S. Nogara began writing in 2000, publishing in legal texts, newspapers, newsletters and on various websites. Her credits include updating "New York Practice Guides: Negligence." She is a licensed attorney admitted to the New York State courts and the Federal Court, Southern District in New York. She has a B.S. from the University of Connecticut, a J.D. and an LL.M. degree.
By J.S. Nogara, eHow Contributor

Print this article

In the United States, the primary entity with oversight of product packaging is the United States Department of Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This entity provides regulations for products except for meat, chicken, turkey and other poultry products, and some types of egg products. Consequently, if you are seeking to assess what packaging rules a certain product must contain, the FDA is the best place to find out.

1. Relevant Law
o
The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act applies to prepared food items, drugs and cosmetic items. The Act is broad and includes provision as to when an item must contain a label, the contents of the label and warnings. In addition, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act plays a role in the regulation of food, drug and cosmetic product packaging. This Act seeks to provide protections against misleading information on packaging and therefore protect the consumer when making a determination as to whether to use a certain product.

Nutrition Labeling
o
Under the FDA's regulations, prepared food items, which include almost every food product except for raw fruits and vegetables, must contain a nutrition label. The label must include the serving size, number of servings, calories, fat and cholesterol. Recently, the FDA regulations require that trans fat content is listed among the other nutrition label items. Furthermore, the food item must include any allergen warnings. For instance, if the item is made with nuts, the label must indicate this fact. Furthermore, if an item is made in a factory that produces allergen products or shares machinery for other products containing allergens, this information must be contained on the label.

Drug Labeling

With respect to drug labeling, the FDA plays a critical role by mandating what must be included on the package and inside of the packaging of the medication. The FDA requires the packaging to include directions as to how to take the medication, contraindications, side effects, adverse reactions and for prescription drugs, a patient insert. Furthermore, in the patient insert, the FDA mandates that all of the side effects and reactions be listed, broken down by percentages of the amount of occurrences in previous drug trials.

Cosmetic Labeling
o
The FDA also controls what may or may not be included on cosmetic packaging. The FDA sets standards expected to be followed by the industry; failure to do so will result in possible fines, seizure of goods, recalls and/or criminal consequences. Ultimately, the FDA laws attempt to protect consumers, notify consumers of the contents of the cosmetic and avoid deception. Specifically, the FDA prohibits the mislabeling and misbranding of cosmetics. According to the FDA's website, providing a false or misleading statement, failing to provide required information or violating the requirements of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 constitute mislabeling

Read more: Rules of Product Packaging | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5200137_rules-productpackaging.html#ixzz1VZLMcwOhZKmE8yW

Rules of Product Packaging

J.S. Nogara began writing in 2000, publishing in legal texts, newspapers, newsletters and on various websites. Her credits include updating "New York Practice Guides: Negligence." She is a licensed attorney admitted to the New York State courts and the Federal Court, Southern District in New York. She has a B.S. from the University of Connecticut, a J.D. and an LL.M. degree.
By J.S. Nogara, eHow Contributor

Print this article

In the United States, the primary entity with oversight of product packaging is the United States Department of Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This entity provides regulations for products except for meat, chicken, turkey and other poultry products, and some types of egg products. Consequently, if you are seeking to assess what packaging rules a certain product must contain, the FDA is the best place to find out.

1. Relevant Law
o
The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act applies to prepared food items, drugs and cosmetic items. The Act is broad and includes provision as to when an item must contain a label, the contents of the label and warnings. In addition, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act plays a role in the regulation of food, drug and cosmetic product packaging. This Act seeks to provide protections against misleading information on packaging and therefore protect the consumer when making a determination as to whether to use a certain product.

Nutrition Labeling
o
Under the FDA's regulations, prepared food items, which include almost every food product except for raw fruits and vegetables, must contain a nutrition label. The label must include the serving size, number of servings, calories, fat and cholesterol. Recently, the FDA regulations require that trans fat content is listed among the other nutrition label items. Furthermore, the food item must include any allergen warnings. For instance, if the item is made with nuts, the label must indicate this fact. Furthermore, if an item is made in a factory that produces allergen products or shares machinery for other products containing allergens, this information must be contained on the label.

Drug Labeling
o
With respect to drug labeling, the FDA plays a critical role by mandating what must be included on the package and inside of the packaging of the medication. The FDA requires the packaging to include directions as to how to take the medication, contraindications, side effects, adverse reactions and for prescription drugs, a patient insert. Furthermore, in the patient insert, the FDA mandates that all of the side effects and reactions be listed, broken down by percentages of the amount of occurrences in previous drug trials.

Cosmetic Labeling
o
The FDA also controls what may or may not be included on cosmetic packaging. The FDA sets standards expected to be followed by the industry; failure to do so will result in possible fines, seizure of goods, recalls and/or criminal consequences. Ultimately, the FDA laws attempt to protect consumers, notify consumers of the contents of the cosmetic and avoid deception. Specifically, the FDA prohibits the mislabeling and misbranding of cosmetics. According to the FDA's website, providing a false or misleading statement, failing to provide required information or violating the requirements of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 constitute mislabeling

Read more: Rules of Product Packaging | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5200137_rules-product-packaging.html#ixzz1VZLMcwOh

FDA Food Label Regulations

Ann Craney started writing professionally in 2010, with articles appearing online at various websites. She specializes in food-related topics as she has formal patisserie training. Craney earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of British Columbia.
By Ann Craney, eHow Contributor updated September 24, 2010

Print this article 1.

FDA labeling guidelines help consumers choose healthy foods.

The Food and Drug Administration outlines, monitors and enforces strict guidelines that apply to the proper consumer information labeling of food and cosmetics. In the case of food, the regulations govern the size and readability of the labels, nutritional content, caloric content and any claims made by the food producer regarding a product being low fat, low sugar or organic.

2. Readability
o
The FDA provides guidelines on labeling on both the back and front of food packaging. Regardless of the size or shape of the product, the label must cover at least 40 percent of the surface area. The label must be clearly readable, and no decoration, logo or other display can obscure it. The front may state the product is low in fat or high in a particular vitamin or mineral, but the FDA requires that the claim be substantiated on the back label, and that the product meets the requirements of the claim.

Nutritional Guidelines
o
Food manufacturers may have specific nutritional guidelines their product must meet and must state clearly on the label in consumer friendly language. Foods that do not meet minimum nutritional requirements cannot make claims that they do. Any added nutritional ingredients must be labeled, and imitation foods cannot be labeled as a substitute for the original food if they do not meet the nutritional guidelines for that food. Also, the FDA requires that a label clearly states any nutrient reduction, removal or replacement in a food normally containing the nutrient.

Other Labeling
o
Other labeling guidelines administered by the FDA include such claims as products being fresh, frozen, low-fat, low-calorie or fulfilling special dietary concerns, such as being gluten-free or peanut-free. Each of these classes has specific guidelines that must be reflected in the label description. For instance, if a food contains trans-fats, the trans-fat content must be listed as separate from the total fat content. The label must also identify the food, list the manufacturer and the production facility address, and must provide the weight or amount of food inside. The label must state the serving size from which the caloric and nutritional detail amounts are calculated.

Read more: FDA Food Label Regulations | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7225294_fda-food-label-regulations.html#ixzz1VZM2GZSL

Packaging and Labeling Laws

This article was created by a professional writer and edited by experienced copy editors, both qualified members of the Demand Media Studios community. All articles go through an editorial process that includes subject matter guidelines, plagiarism

review, fact-checking, and other steps in an effort to provide reliable information.

Contributor

By RayM, eHow

Print this article 1.

o
Virtually every consumable product available in retail stores in the U.S. is regulated by federal laws in respect to packaging and labeling. Overseen by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Federal Trade Commission, packaging legislation is designed to make all product information transparent and clearly defined so that consumers can make informed comparisons between competing products in the marketplace.

Fair Packaging and Labeling Act 1966

o
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1966 came into effect the following year and is the most wide ranging legislation concerning 'consumer commodities', defined as a food, drug, device or cosmetic. The act states that the product and manufacturer or supplier must be clearly identified on labeling along with the net weight or volume of the contents. Since 1994 all labeling must also include measurements in metric. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act supersedes any State laws in place and also covers many imported goods. The Federal Trade Commission also has powers to extend or amend its scope without going through the lengthy legislative process.

Nutrition Labeling and Education Act 1990

o
This act was introduced in response to the growing popularity of nutrition products and the widely differing definitions of what exactly constitutes a health food. This law standardizes descriptions such as 'reduced fat' or 'sugar free' with compulsory minimum requirements. In 1993 it was extended to include restaurants who advertise healthy choice or low fat menus. It also requires detailed ingredient information to be clearly displayed on labels for specially marketed goods such as weight-loss products and energy drinks.

Other Packaging and Labeling Laws

o
Products not covered by these two acts include fresh meat, poultry, tobacco, prescription drugs, agricultural products and alcohol. There are several specific federal laws governing the manufacture, marketing and packaging of these consumables. The Federal Alcohol Administration Act, the Federal Seed Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act all include stringent labeling and packaging requirements that go much further. The more inclusive Food and Cosmetic Act administers safety and purity standards in a wide range of saleable goods and legally defines what a consumer commodity is. Under direction from the Food and Drug Administration, it has far reaching powers to inspect production facilities and to instigate necessary legal action. This act can also compel manufacturers to adopt a 'voluntary' code of conduct to ensure labeling information is less ambiguous for the consumer.

Read more: Packaging and Labeling Laws | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6314952_packaging-labeling-laws.html#ixzz1VZN3qBE7

distribution
Definitions (3)

1. Commerce: The movement of goods and services from the source through a distribution channel, right up to the final customer, consumer, or user, and the movement of payment in the opposite direction, right up to the original producer or supplier.

2. Securities: Payment of principal, interest, or dividend by the issuer of a security to the security holders, on a regular (typically monthly or quarterly) basis.

3. Statistics: An order or pattern formed by the tendency of a sufficiently large number of observations to group themselves around a central value. The familiar bellshaped curve is an example of normal distribution in which the largest number of observations are distributed in the center, with progressively fewer observations falling evenly on the either side of the center (average) line. See also frequency distribution, normal distribution, and standard distribution.

Definition of a Channel of Distribution

A channel of distribution can be defined as the collection of organizational units, institutions, or agencies within or external to the manufacturer, which perform the functions that support product marketing. The marketing functions are pervasive: they include buying, selling, transporting, storing, grading, financing, bearing market risk, and providing marketing information. Any organizational unit, institution, or agency that performs one or more of the marketing functions is a member of a channel of distribution.

The structure of a distribution channel is determined by the marketing functions that specific organizations perform. Some channel members perform single functions-carriers transport products, and public warehousers store them. Others, such as third party logistics providers and wholesalers, perform multiple functions. Channel structure affects (1) control over the performance of functions, (2) the speed of delivery and communication, and (3) the cost of operations. While a direct manufacturer-to-user channel usually gives management greater control over the performance of marketing functions, distribution costs normally are higher, making it necessary for the firm to have substantial sales volume or market concentration. With indirect channels, the external institutions or agencies (e.g. carriers, warehousers, wholesalers, retailers) assume much of the cost burden and risk, so the manufacturer receives less revenue per unit. Most distribution channels are loosely structured networks of vertically aligned firms. The specific structure depends to a large extent on the nature of the product and the firm's target market. There is no "best" channel structure, for all firms producing similar products. Management must determine channel structure within the framework of the firm's corporate and marketing objectives, its operating philosophy, its strengths and weaknesses, and its infrastructure of manufacturing facilities and warehouses. If the firm has targeted multiple market segments, management may have to develop multiple channels to service these markets efficiently.