Product packaging can be categorized into five different main types: primary, secondary, tertiary, inner, and specialized. Each type of packaging serves a specific purpose. Not all types are necessary for every product, but knowing the difference can help you make smarter packaging choices.
At LansBox, we help you create branded cardboard packaging that not only protects the product but also attracts the customer. Understanding the various levels of packaging will help you streamline your own packaging and keep your customers happy at the same time.
1. Primary Packaging
Primary packaging is the first layer that directly encloses and protects a product. It serves as the main barrier against external elements to preserve the product’s integrity and quality. Primary packaging is often designed to be user-friendly and informative, providing buyers with important details about the product.
| Type | Description | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Laminated Pouches | Made from multiple layers including plastic films, aluminum foil, and paper | Wet pet food pouches, pharmaceutical sachets, snack packaging |
| Laminated Tubes (Lamitubes) | Cylindrical containers made from layers of plastic and aluminum | Toothpaste tubes, cosmetic cream tubes, medicinal ointment tubes |
| Monocartons | Single-layered, lightweight cardboard boxes | Perfume boxes, cartons for tablet strips, packaging for small consumer electronics |
| Composite Cans | Cylinders made from materials like paperboard, plastic, and metal | Pringles cans, infant formula containers, powdered drink mix cans |
| Bottles, Tubes, and Cans | Bottles made from glass or plastic, tubes made of plastic or metal, cans usually made of metal | Plastic water bottles, aluminum soda cans, metal paint, or ointment tubes |
| Flexible Packaging | Can be shaped to fit different products | Frozen vegetable bags, detergent refill pouches, resealable snack bags |
1.1 Laminated Pouches
Laminated pouches are popular packaging solutions made by bonding multiple layers of materials, such as plastic films, aluminum foil, and paper. This combination offers strength, durability, and protection against moisture, oxygen, and light. Commonly used for food items, pet foods, and pharmaceuticals, laminated pouches help extend shelf life and maintain product freshness.
Examples of this type of packaging include:
- Wet pet food pouches
- Pharmaceutical sachets (for powder or granules)
- Snack packaging for items like dried fruit or trail mix
1.2 Laminated Tubes (Lamitubes)
Laminated tubes, or lamitubes, are cylindrical containers made from layers of plastic and aluminum. They’re widely used for packaging products like toothpaste, creams, and gels. The layered structure provides flexibility, durability, and a barrier against contaminants, keeping the product uncontaminated and effective throughout its use.
This kind of packaging may include:
- Toothpaste tubes
- Cosmetic cream tubes
- Medicinal ointment tubes
1.3 Monocartons
Monocartons are single-layered, lightweight cardboard boxes used as primary packaging for various products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. They offer protection during handling and transportation while providing ample space for branding and product information.
This type of packaging is used in:
- Perfume boxes
- Cardboard cartons for tablet strips
- Packaging for small consumer electronics
1.4 Composite Cans
Composite cans are cylindrical containers made from a combination of materials like paperboard, plastic, and metal. They are frequently used for packaging snacks, powdered beverage mixes, and other dry goods. The multi-material construction provides strength, barrier properties, and an attractive appearance, which makes this a kind of packaging that’s suitable for both storage and display purposes.
This packaging is a key component in:
- Pringles cans
- Infant formula containers
- Powdered drink mix cans
1.5 Bottles, Tubes, and Cans
Bottles, tubes, and cans are traditional forms of primary packaging used across various industries. Bottles, made from glass or plastic, are used for liquids like beverages and personal care products. Tubes, often plastic or metal, are ideal for creams, ointments, and gels. Cans, usually metal, are used for food items, aerosols, and paints. Each type offers specific benefits in terms of protection, convenience, and suitability for the product it contains.
This is the ideal packaging for:
- Plastic water bottles
- Aluminum soda cans
- Metal tubes for artist paints or ointments
1.6 Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging uses materials like plastic films, foil, and paper that can be shaped to fit different products. It’s widely used for snacks, frozen foods, and detergents. This kind of packaging is lightweight, takes up less storage space, and often includes handy features like resealable closures.
This is suitable packaging for:
- Frozen vegetable bags
- Detergent refill pouches
- Resealable snack bags for chips
2. Secondary Packaging
This packaging is the outer layer that groups primary packages together, providing added protection and making transportation and storage easier. Secondary packaging also often displays branding and product information, so it is important for marketing and consumer appeal.
| Type | Description | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Boxes | Usually corrugated cardboard or plastic | Subscription boxes, fast food packaging |
| Paperboard Cartons | Lightweight and versatile | Cereal boxes, milk or juice cartons, medication boxes |
| Protection Packaging | Protective materials like foam inserts and air cushions | Bubble wrap, foam inserts, air pillows |
| Pouches and Bags | Resealable features and handles add convenience | Multipack snack bags, resealable pet food bags, poly bags for small grouped items |
2.1 Boxes
Boxes are typically used as secondary packaging to contain multiple primary packages. Common packaging materials include corrugated cardboard and plastic, which offer durability and protection during shipping. Boxes also provide more than enough space for branding and product details, enhancing shelf presence.
Examples of this type of packaging include:
- Corrugated boxes for e-commerce shipments
- Subscription boxes with curated products
- Fast food packaging
2.2 Paperboard Cartons
Paperboard cartons are lightweight and versatile, often used to package items like cereals, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. They offer a printable surface for branding and product information, making them suitable for retail displays. Their recyclability adds an eco-friendly aspect to packaging choices.
Examples of this type of packaging include:
- Cereal boxes
- Milk or juice cartons
- Lightweight cartons for medications
2.3 Protection Packaging
Bubble wraps and other protective materials, like foam inserts and air cushions, safeguard products from damage during transit. They absorb shocks and prevent movement within boxes, reducing the risk of breakage. These materials are especially useful for fragile items like electronics and glassware.
Examples of this type of packaging include:
- Bubble wrap for wrapping delicate items like glassware
- Foam inserts for laptops or tablets
- Air pillows for cushioning during shipping
2.4 Pouches and Bags
Pouches and bags serve as secondary packaging by grouping multiple primary packages or providing an extra layer of protection. They’re often used for products like snacks, pet food, and small consumer goods. Resealable features and handles add convenience for consumers, while their flexible nature allows for efficient storage and transportation.
Examples of this type of packaging include:
- Multipack snack bags
- Resealable pet food bags
- Plastic polybags for small grouped items
3. Tertiary Packaging
Tertiary packaging (sometimes called “transit packaging”) is the outermost layer used during bulk handling, storage, and transportation of products. It consolidates large quantities of goods, facilitating efficient movement and protecting items from damage during transit. This heavy-duty packaging is typically not seen by consumers, as it is removed before products reach retail shelves.
| Type | Description | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated Cardboard Boxes | Sturdy containers made from multiple layers of paperboard | Bulk shipping boxes for beverages, heavy-duty boxes for industrial products |
| Pallets and Stretch Film | Flat platforms, typically made of wood or plastic | Stacked cartons secured with stretch film, machinery, or appliances wrapped and palletized |
| Shipping Containers | Large, standardized metal boxes used for transporting goods | Refrigerated containers for frozen food shipments, cargo containers for international trade, oversized containers for heavy machinery |
3.1 Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
Corrugated cardboard boxes are sturdy containers made from multiple layers of paperboard, providing strength and durability. They’re commonly used to group multiple units of secondary packaged goods, offering protection against physical impacts and environmental factors during shipping and storage. Their lightweight nature and recyclability make them a popular choice in logistics.
Examples of cardboard box tertiary packaging include:
- Bulk shipping boxes for beverages
- E-commerce delivery boxes
- Heavy-duty boxes for industrial products
3.2 Pallets and Stretch Film
Pallets are flat platforms, typically made of wood or plastic, used to stack and transport large quantities of goods. Products are arranged on pallets and secured using stretch film, a plastic wrap that holds items together tightly. This combination stabilizes the load, prevents shifting during transit, and allows for efficient handling with equipment like forklifts.
Examples of this type of packaging include:
- Stacked beverage cartons secured with stretch film
- Paper towel shipments on pallets
- Machinery or appliances wrapped and palletized
3.3 Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are large, standardized metal boxes used for transporting goods over long distances, often internationally. They protect products from environmental elements and physical damage during transit. These containers can be easily transferred between different modes of transportation, such as ships, trains, and trucks, streamlining the logistics process.
Examples of this type of packaging include:
- Refrigerated containers for frozen food shipments
- Cargo containers for international trade
- Oversized containers for heavy machinery
4. Inner Packaging
Inner packaging materials add an extra layer of protection to products during shipping by cushioning them against shocks, vibrations, and potential damage. They come into direct contact with the product and are often used when there’s excess space in the primary packaging or to add an extra element of appeal.
| Type | Description | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Bubble Wrap | Plastic sheets with air-filled bubbles | Commonly used to wrap delicate products |
| Foam | Polyethylene or polyurethane foam | Molded or cut to fit specific product shapes |
| Tissue Paper | Soft, lightweight material | Wraps delicate items, preventing scratches and minor abrasions |
| Air Cushions | Inflatable plastic pouches that fill voids in packaging | Preventing items from shifting during transit |
4.1 Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap consists of plastic sheets with air-filled bubbles that provide cushioning for fragile items. It’s lightweight, flexible, and commonly used to wrap delicate products inside sturdy boxes.
4.2 Foam
Foam packaging materials, like polyethylene or polyurethane foam, offer excellent shock absorption and are used to protect sensitive items. They can be molded or cut to fit specific product shapes, or formed into peanut or block shapes.
4.3 Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is a soft, lightweight material used to wrap delicate items, preventing scratches and minor abrasions. It’s often used for clothing, ceramics, and glassware.
4.4 Air Cushions
Air cushions are inflatable plastic pouches that fill voids in packaging, preventing items from shifting during transit. They’re lightweight and provide effective cushioning.
5. Specialized Packaging Types
Specialized packaging must be designed to meet different packaging needs per industry or offer extra protection. At LansBox, we offer everything from jewelry to food packaging, designed for your specialized needs.
| Type | Description | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Corrosive Packaging | VCI papers, films, and bags | Protects metal products from rust and corrosion |
| Pharma Packaging | Incorporates tamper-evident features and child-resistant closures | Protect medications, maintaining their safety, efficacy, and stability |
| Plastic Packaging | Includes items like bottles, containers, and films | Durable, lightweight, and cost-effective |
5.1 Anti-Corrosive Packaging
Anti-corrosive packaging protects metal products from rust and corrosion during storage and transportation. Materials like Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) papers, films, and bags release corrosion-inhibiting compounds that form a protective layer on metal surfaces. This method is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing to maintain the integrity of metal components.
5.2 Pharma Packaging
Pharmaceutical companies use specialized packaging to protect medications, maintaining their safety, efficacy, and stability. Common packaging options include blister packs, bottles, and ampoules, each chosen based on the drug’s form and usage. This packaging often incorporates tamper-evident features and child-resistant closures to meet regulatory standards and protect consumers.
5.3 Plastic Packaging
Plastic packaging is versatile and widely used across various industries due to its durability, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness. It includes items like bottles, containers, and films, suitable for products ranging from food and beverages to personal care items. Advancements in biodegradable and recyclable plastics are addressing environmental concerns, and promoting more sustainable packaging solutions.
LansBox: Elevate Your Product Presentation
Product packaging isn’t just functional — it’s strategic. At LansBox, we understand that every layer, from primary to specialized, plays a critical role in protecting products, enhancing branding, and delighting customers. With over 15 years of experience, we craft packaging solutions that merge durability with design, ensuring your products look as good as they are secure.
Whether it’s lightweight cartons for retail, eco-friendly flexible packaging, or customized secondary and inner packaging, we tailor every detail to meet your needs. Let LansBox help you streamline your packaging strategy, captivate your customers, and make every unboxing unforgettable. Elevate your product presentation with us.
Types of Product Packaging | FAQs
How do different packaging types impact the environment?
Each type of packaging makes a different impact on the environment. It doesn’t matter if it’s inner or outer packaging, expensive or low-cost packaging, or which layer of packaging it is — it’s all about the material the packaging contains.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Plastic Packaging | Contributes to long-term waste and pollution, with low recycling rates |
| Glass Packaging | Fully recyclable but energy-intensive to produce and transport |
| Metal Packaging | Highly recyclable, but production consumes significant energy and resources |
| Paper and Cardboard | Renewable and recyclable but linked to deforestation and water use |
| Biodegradable Packaging | Decomposes faster but needs specific conditions to break down properly |
| Flexible Packaging | Resource-efficient but often non-recyclable due to multilayer materials |
What types of product packaging are the most durable?
Durable packaging protects products from damage during shipping and storage. Metal containers, such as aluminum cans, resist impact and moisture. Glass bottles offer strong barriers against air and water, making them ideal for liquids.
High-density plastics, like HDPE, are lightweight but strong, offering resistance to chemicals and impact. Corrugated cardboard and multilayered packaging provide strength for shipping and preserving items over time.
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