Which Types of Packaging Materials Suit You?

2024-08-09 15:36:21

We are living in an era of social media and marketing blends. 90% of items are on sale directly or indirectly through various online platforms. Moreover, 50% of these videos comprise Unboxing ventures by various TikTokers and YouTubers. Do you know all that directly corresponds to various Types of Packaging Material?

Yes, you read it right; whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, or supply chain owner, the thing you need most is no other than the packaging supply or material. Some might think that material for that purpose only comprises cardboard or Kraft-like stuff, but that is not true; you must have a bundle of stuff in your list, and you might need anything.

That is what we are going to discuss in today's blog. Cling to the last line and every word of this write-up. We will brief you about everything that you need to know to make a great choice of packaging materials.

Need for Various Types of Packaging Materials:

In simple words, Packaging materials are used to manufacture various types of boxes, wraps, and shields. These, in turn, cover and protect various products during distribution and marketing.

These materials can comprise cardboard boxes for shipping plastic, static wraps used in sealing, or even glass jars or tin cans for preserving food. The material to use depends on the product requirements and the function it will serve.

Now comes the universal question, why and when need various types of packaging materials? The answer is even more than simple. All that depends upon your business needs and product requirements. You will have to choose the type of stuff accordingly. If you are not sure which type of material you need for your next venture of packaging, here is a short list that will help you decide.

Classifying Major Types of Packaging Materials

For your ease we have brought you the major classifications of packaging materials. These would help you not only decide when to use which one but also optimize your packaging venture.

These include:

Primary Packaging:

These are the most abundant and most immediate solutions. They are found in containers of various sizes or wrappers, such as jars, bottles, and sheets.

Secondary Packaging:

As the name signifies, it is the second type mostly for general packaging solutions, such as boxes or shrink film.

Tertiary Packaging:

These comprise large containers and pallets that are best suitable to ensure safe transport and storage.

Ancillary Packaging:

Anything that enhances the packaging experience and makes it safer for transport and storage is a good idea. Good examples are inks for marking, adhesive tapes, labels, inserts for cushioning, and any other such packing materials for shipping and storage.

Now, let us explain and elaborate on these types of materials one by one.

Overview of Primary Packaging Solutions

These are best suitable for items that are prone to any sort of mechanical damage. This type will save the items during transit and display or even storage. Best suable in pharma, food, liquid products, and other perishable goods. Here's a closer look at the various types of primary packaging materials:

Laminated pouches are thin plastic or polymer bags having a heat-sensitive adhesive that closes the mouth of the pouch. These pouches need laminating equipment and are with the intention of keeping the contents fresh and safe.
Plastic Containers are handy and, on most occasions, recyclable. They provide a practical way of packaging a number of products.
Thermoform Products are those that are made from thermoplastics and are shaped according to the articles that they are to hold. They are widely in the packing of electronic products mainly due to the fact that they can be easily in any shape and also offer protection.
Tin Cans are used in packing products like food stuffs, beverages and many other products. They are long-lasting and have a long shelf life, thus making them suitable for different uses.
Glass containers are for food products, supplements, and other products. They offer very good protection but are quite delicate and usually need further protection.
Shrink Wrap comes with the use of heat to seal the plastic layer giving protection from the exterior packaging types.
Cling film is a transparent plastic foil commonly used to cover foods like salads, sandwiches, etc., to maintain their freshness and to pack them tightly.
Intermediate Bulk Containers Intended for materials with high density, these containers have a load capacity of up to 1000 kg and are good for sand, cement, fertilizers and other bulk goods.
Bubble Wrap or Cellophane is one of the most common packing materials used for delicate articles. It contains air chambers in the form of bubbles that help cushion and shield fragile items in transit.

Essential Components of Secondary Packaging

It is another form of packaging which is best to protect and organize products that are already in a primary. This is very essential especially in the storage and handling of the products. Here's a summary of common secondary packing materials: Here's a summary of common secondary packaging materials:

Plastic crates are particularly intended for bulk use in stores and in transportation and are strong and durable and thus suitable for conveying large consignments of goods.
Plastic Trays are useful in arranging smaller portions of items due to their flexibility in use. These are frequently in use to present goods or to sort them in an open, flat manner.
EPS Trays are those trays that are made of expanded polystyrene and are quite light in weight, reusable and widely used in packaging supplies for retail.
Wooden crates are a traditional solution for storing and sorting products. Due to their stackable structure and environmentally friendly nature, they are ideal for bulk storage in industries.

Main Categories of Tertiary Packaging

It plays an important role in the protection of the products in transit and during shipment so that they reach the consumer in good condition. Here's an overview of the main materials used in tertiary packaging:

Corrugated Fiber Board that is of layered flute paper that gives good cushioning and shock absorbent characteristics to the products. It is widely in use to fabricate the shipping boxes.
Wood Containers are widely in packing and transporting of products in large quantities.
Wood Pallets are of wood and are strong enough to handle large loads and this enhances the efficiency of the logistic.
Plastic Pallets are also very strong and can barely get damage. They present a durable and non-sticky option for moving and carrying products in the supply chain.

Final Verdict

As you have seen, we have listed all the major types of packaging materials above. You can use any of these according to your ease of access and business needs. No doubt the list is more than numerous components, but we have enlisted only the most popular and in-use materials. If you are looking for packing material near me. You can get best results with companies like Packaging Forest UK. It is upto you which one you choose and start your packaging journey safe and sound.