Polybee is a limited company specialising in making packaging materials for large-scale retailers.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2012). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [3] (a) (i) Any three kinds of packaging × 1 mark each:
2. plastic boxes
3. polythene
4. cardboard boxes
5. plastic pots
6. plastic trays
7. boxes
8. bottles
9. plastic bags
10. paper bags
11. glass jars
12. cans
13. recycled materials
14. plastic
15. gift wrapping
16. coloured paper.
17. Any other relevant kind of packaging.
18. [3] (a) (ii) Any three points × 1 mark and up to three marks for a well developed point:
19. to promote their names to customers
20. to make the products recognisable
21. to assist self service and make it easier to choose products
22. to create brand loyalty and so increase sales
23. to make the packaging attractive to customers
24. to assist advertising of the large-scale retailer
25. to distinguish products from others.
26. Any other relevant point.
27. [6] (a) (iii) Level 2 (4-6 marks)
28. Has discussed the statement and has given a reasoned opinion. (If a candidate has discussed only one part of the statement, award 4 marks max.)
29. Packaging of goods is widespread and can take many forms. Packaging has many functions - to protect goods, to group goods together, to enable self service to be easier, to make the goods recognisable and to make it easier to display goods. Many people think that packaging adds to the costs of the product and increases the price to the consumer. Someone has to pay for the packaging and it is part of the cost to the consumer. In many countries there are campaigns to reduce the use of packaging because it is considered environmentally unfriendly and wasteful and many manufacturers and retailers are trying to reduce the amount of packaging used.
30. But much of the packaging of goods is essential. It makes goods easy to identify. It makes some goods easier to handle e.g. milk in a carton and it also preserves many kinds of goods such as food or keeps it clean such as clothing.
31. There is no doubt that packaging adds to costs but costs for many items have been lowered by bulk buying of many goods and by self service.
32. Level 1 (1-3 marks)
33. Has commented on the need for packaging and/or adding to the costs for the consumer with/without an opinion.
34. Packaging is important for retailers. They use it to protect goods. They are easier to handle. Packaging is also expensive. Someone has to pay for it. It has to be disposed of and this costs money.
35. [4] (b) Any four points × 1 mark each or two advantages explained × 2 marks each:
36. can introduce mass production methods making use of machinery/robotics
37. can increase output and probably achieve better quality products
38. can introduce division of labour so making labour more efficient
39. can achieve economies of scale e.g. bulk buying raw materials
40. product is standardised and because of reduced costs, prices may be lower
41. the company can become known for a specialised product - packaging so making advertising easier → profitability.
42. Any other relevant point.
43. [4] (c) Any four points × 1 mark each or two well explained points × 2 marks each:
44. can give detailed information about the whole product range
45. can make alterations to prices by using a price list rather than reprinting/updating the catalogue
46. price list may give details of the trade discount offered
47. catalogues may tempt customers to buy extra products/use of colour
48. catalogue more suitable for doing business with regular customers
49. quotations are usually used to give the prices of particular services or a particular group of goods required and the terms of sale
50. customers keep catalogues for reference and later orders.
51. Any other relevant point.