1. An expert system ( 508 ) for defining packaging components, comprising: a processor ( 512 ); and a memory ( 514 ), wherein the memory ( 514 ) comprises code ( 510 ) configured to direct the processor ( 513 ) to: obtain ( 608 ) a product definition; obtain ( 610 ) lifecycle parameters; and access ( 612 ) a database ( 518 , 522 , 524 ) to identify packaging components ( 100 , 104 , 106 , 200 , 204 , 206 , 416 ) that match the lifecycle parameters ( 406 ) and product definition.