random notes on packaging

my new job has required me to focus alot on consumers and their behaviour- what make people do the things they do? why do people in one country buy an item obsessively, whilst elsewhere the product cant sell at all. obviously these are large questions that necessitate a book long answer, but my point is just to say that as of late, i have been a bit more observant of random matters like packaging. most people dont give the subject a whole lot of thought, although it is a multi-billion pound industry, and based on what i see in seoul, I would imagine packaging gurus are flourishing in this country. I realise i am generalising horribly here, but i have the impression Koreans love packaging. everything i buy comes beautifully packaged, often with several layers. the supermarkets resemble a museum of packaging ideas, with items seemingly packed for the sole purpose of showing off their clever packaging. the shelves of supermarkets are filled with neatly arranged and brightly packaged items. everything looks neat and organised. I am sure it must be an environmentalist's nightmare, but i am simply mesmerised by aesthetic elements, and the time and effort planning something that will ultimately be ripped up and dumped in the bin.