Guide to Types of Packaging: Primary, Secondary & Tertiary

Packaging is the basic need of each small or big product. Whether you run a retail store or online, sound packaging is essential to selling, displaying, and delivering products. The audiences judge a product’s worth via its packaging. A survey reveals that 72% of consumers are influenced by packaging when it comes to product purchases. You must be wondering what the science of packaging is, why it is essential, and its main types.

What is Packaging?

Packaging is the process of enclosing and displaying products for shelf storage, transportation, or sale. 

Importance of Packaging

• Packaging plays a significant part in safeguarding products. It protects products against harmful environmental elements like moisture, sunlight, heat, and temperature. A seal end design packaging prevents food items or pharmaceuticals from spoilage and enhances their shelf life.
• Quality packaging holds products safely and makes them convenient to store or transport. It ensures that products can be moved from one place to another without any damage.
• Visually appealing packaging helps grab the attention of potential onlookers. Moreover, packaging designed with unique branding elements like logos, taglines, and slogans reinforces the brand’s identity.
• Packaging containing product information, such as included ingredients, instructions to use, QR codes, and safety precautions, helps clients make informed purchasing decisions.
• Packaging featuring handles, windows, resealable closures, zip locks, etc., enhances the consumer’s use experience and assists in handling products without trouble.
• Packaging manufactured using recyclable materials is 100% eco-friendly and promotes sustainability. 
• Packaging elevates the product’s shelf value and plays a significant part in enhancing the client’s overall unboxing experience.

Overview of the 3 Types of Packaging

There are various types of packaging. Generally, packaging is divided into three types based on its usage and distinct purpose. Brands need to be familiar with the different types of packaging. Each type of packaging serves other purposes. You cannot distinguish between the various levels of packaging unless you work in the packaging industry. And it’s completely fine. This blog is an absolute guide to learning different types of packaging and how these three types work together to form a complete packaging line. Let’s delve into the details of a blog.

Three Types of Packaging

• Primary Packaging
• Secondary Packaging
• Tertiary Packaging

What is Primary Packaging and its Purpose?

It is the first layer of packaging that comes into direct contact with the product to enclose and protect products. Primary packaging is also known as sales or consumption packaging. This type of packaging primarily aims to protect products against physical damage, moisture, sunlight, heat, and contaminants. Besides, it makes the product convenient to use or handle. This type of packaging plays a vital role in the brand’s marketing and conveying the brand’s message. It also provides product information like its flavor, ingredients, usage instructions, QR code, expiry date, and safety warnings.

Examples of Primary Packaging:

Here are the prominent primary packaging examples:

Food and Beverages:

• Laminated pouches for dry fruits
• Plastic bottles for soda
• Glass jars for jams
• Tin cans for beverages

Pharmaceuticals:

• Blister packs for tablets
• Dropper bottles
• Vials for vaccine

Cosmetics:

• Lipstick tubes
• Squeeze tubes for lotion
• Compact cases for powder

Personal Care:

• Toothpaste tubes
• Shampoo bottles
• Soap Wrappers

Primary Packaging Materials

The most common materials used in primary packaging include:

• Plastic
• Glass
• Metal
• Paper and cardboard
• Foil

Importance of Primary Packaging in Product Protection and Branding

Primary product packaging plays a pivotal role in the brand’s protection and acts as the brand’s ambassador.

Product’s Protection:

Primary packaging acts as a protective layer and safeguards products against external factors. It prevents product exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture and keeps perishable goods fresh or tasteful for extended periods. Besides that, it protects products from physical damage during handling or traveling bumps.

Branding:

Primary packaging is the first thing that clients interact with. It has the potential to attract client’s attention and impact their buying decision.  Labeling of packaging with logos, brand names, and slogans creates brand recognition and sets products apart from the competitors.

What is Secondary Packaging and its Purpose?

Secondary packaging is an additional layer that groups multiple units of primary packaged products. Primary packaging contains products directly, while secondary packaging holds together several primary packages to make it easy to handle or transport. The purpose of secondary packaging is to shield products during shipping or handling. Besides that, secondary packaging improves inventory management. It helps in keeping products organized during transit from warehouse to retail shelves. On the other hand, secondary packaging appealingly displays multiple units of products and helps to enhance the consumer’s experience. Usually, secondary packaging contains the brand’s message or slogans that help strengthen the brand’s identity.

Examples of secondary packaging:

Cardboard boxes:

They are used to carry various primary packages, such as cans, bottles, blister packs, and lipstick tubes.

Retail display boxes:

These boxes are placed on store shelves to attract buyers and optimize product sales.

Shrink Wrap:

They are usually used to pack many items, such as water bottles or cans, for easy shipping or handling.

Cartons:

These cardboard-made cartons are used to store multiple smaller units, such as juice boxes.

Role in Product Grouping and Distribution, Marketing, and Display Functions

Secondary Packaging Role in Grouping and Distribution:

Secondary packaging eases bulk handling and storage. It keeps products organized and reduces the risk of damage. Moreover, it also simplifies the inventory experience and assists in distributing products.

Role in Marketing:

Secondary packaging featuring branding details builds brand recognition and helps drive sales.

Display Functions:

Secondary packaging is designed as shelf-ready packaging. It enhances the product’s visibility and elevates the consumer’s buying experience.

What is Tertiary Packaging and its Purpose?

Tertiary packaging is the outermost layer of packaging. It is mainly used for handling, storing, and transporting bulk items. This type of packaging aims to protect large quantities of products during their movement from warehouses to retailers. Unlike primary and secondary packaging, tertiary packaging is invisible to consumers. It is primarily used for logistics purposes. In addition, it reduces tertiary packaging featuring sturdy seals, minimizing the risk of product theft or damage.

Examples of Tertiary Packaging

Pallets:

Wooden or plastic platforms are used to hold multiple secondary packaged products. They are sealed with straps and shrink wraps.

Corrugated Boxes:

Large and durable boxes are used for shipping bulk products holding small secondary packages.

Crates:

These wooden or plastic crates offer protective packaging for heavy or fragile items.

Strapping:

Plastic films are used to enclose several items on a pallet to add extra protection to products during transit.

Importance in Logistics and Transportation

Corrugated boxes play a vital role in logistics and transportation. They are an affordable and secure way to ship products. Corrugated boxes made with thick flutes provide cushioning to products. They are shock absorbers and keep products protected or intact throughout shipping. Moreover, corrugated boxes made with paper are lightweight. They reduce shipping costs and help companies save on their budget. Besides, these boxes with recycled materials promote sustainability in the supply chain.

Interrelation of Packaging Types

The three types of packaging, primary, secondary, and tertiary, are closely interrelated. Each type of packaging has a specific function, but they are interconnected. 

How the Three Types of Packaging Work Together

These three types of packaging work together as an integrated system to ensure the secure transportation of products from manufacturers to consumers. Primary packaging aims to protect products and enhance their visual appeal—secondary packaging groups multiple units of primary packages that help in the brand’s marketing. Lastly, tertiary packaging ensures the safe handling, storage, and distribution of bulk items. Thus, these three types of packaging build an integrated system that plays a vital role in product protection, advertisement, and logistics.

Importance of Considering All Levels in Packaging Design

When it comes to designing packaging, it is vital to consider all levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Negligence at any level can lead to product damage or inefficient branding. Here are reasons to consider all levels in packaging design:

• The interconnection of all levels in packaging ensures the product’s safety and retains its integrity. It reduces the chances of product damage and elevates the probability of consumer satisfaction.
• Moreover, all levels of packaging reduce shipping costs and make logistics procedures more efficient.
• Packaging designed considering all levels offers clients an effortless or memorable unboxing experience.  It builds a positive brand identity and establishes consumers’ trust in the brand’s products.
• Consideration of all packaging levels allows the designing of eco-friendly packaging and promotes sustainable practices.
• Packaging meets safety standards and prevents products from contaminants or spoilage.

Conclusion

Understanding the packaging types, primary, secondary, and tertiary, is vital to ensure product safety, shelf value, efficient logistics, and brand marketing. Considering all levels in packaging design ensures the movement of products safely from the warehouse to the consumer’s hands.  Besides, the product’s integrity is retained, which builds a positive brand image. You can reach out to us at Urgent Boxes. Our company is a leading packaging manufacturer specializing in primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions. We offer tailored packaging designs to cater to the needs of different brands, all while promoting sustainable practices. Contact us today to enjoy affordable, sustainable, and error-free packaging solutions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does an understanding of packaging type benefit businesses?

Understanding packaging types benefits businesses in numerous ways, such as:

• Ensure product’s safety and enhance their shelf life
• Highly cost-effective- reduce shipping and storage costs
• Help inefficient logistics 
• Reinforce the true brand’s identity 
• Build client’s trust and loyalty
• Sustainable packaging option

Q: What role does secondary packaging play in marketing?

Secondary packaging labeled with branding elements like logos, brand names, and artwork builds brand recognition. It can attract clients’ attention immediately and give consumers a memorable buying experience.

Q: What are the types of packaging, and give one example for each?

There are three types of packaging: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Each type of packaging serves specific functions. 

Primary packaging example:

• soda can

Secondary packaging example:

• cardboard boxes

Tertiary packaging example:

• Pallet wrapped in a shrink film 

Q: What are the 4 four types of packaging materials?

Four types of packaging materials involve:

• Cardboard
• Kraft
• Plastic
• Metal

Q: What is the most commonly used packaging?

The most commonly used packaging is cardboard paper. It is widely popular because of its versatility, light-weight, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. 

Q: Are pallets considered packaging?

Yes, pallets are considered packaging. They are part of tertiary packaging. However, they do not directly encase products but ensure secure bulk handling, storage, or shipping.