Types of Packaging: Which Is Right for Your Business?
September 26
When selecting the right packaging for your business, the options are endless. From flexible to rigid, each packaging type has its own unique benefits and applications.
We’ll explore 13 different types of packaging and help you determine which one best suits your products, ensuring durability, cost-effectiveness, and a positive customer experience.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to revamp your packaging, this guide will simplify your decision-making process.
Do You Need Packaging Solutions? Reach out Today!
Types of Packaging by Use
Packaging is generally divided into three main categories: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. Each serves a different purpose in the overall packaging process and supply chain.
What is Primary Packaging?
Primary Packaging is the first layer of packaging that comes in direct contact with the product. It is the first barrier and is designed to protect the product, maintain its quality, and provide essential information such as ingredients or instructions for the consumer. It also serves as a place for a brand to market and advertise its product.
Primary packaging examples include both flexible and rigid packaging such as snack wrappers, soda cans, glass bottles, blister packs, and plastic yogurt containers, to name a few.
What Is Secondary Packaging?
Secondary packaging contains the primary package and typically groups together to protect multiple primary packages for easier storage and shipping. It may also include branding, such as a product logo.
Secondary packaging examples include corrugated boxes, shrink wrap, and display cartons often used for retail product display.
What Is Tertiary Packaging?
Tertiary Packaging is the outermost layer of packaging used for bulk handling, transportation, and storage. It is designed to protect both the primary and secondary packaging during transit. It ensures the product is delivered safely through the distribution chain by providing protection from damage during shipping and facilitating easier handling during storage.
Tertiary packaging examples include pallets which hold stacks of products secured with straps or stretch film, large wooden or plastic crates, or corrugated boxes that hold secondary packages.
Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging each serves a specific function in the product's life cycle, from production to consumer purchase, while ensuring product integrity and ease of handling.
Types of Packaging by Structure
Packaging structures serve to protect products, enhance their shelf life, and make them appealing to consumers.
Types of Packaging Structures:
- ➤Flexible Packaging
- ➤Rigid Packaging
- ➤Food Service Packaging
- ➤Sustainable Packaging
- ➤Pouch Forming
What Is Flexible Packaging?
Flexible packaging is made from materials such as plastic, film, foil, or paper. It's lightweight, easy to transport, and often used for products requiring resealable or single-use portions.
Types of Flexible Packaging:
- ➤Bags
- ➤Pouches
- ➤Shrink Films
Benefits of Flexible Packaging:
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Cost-effective
Common Uses:
Some of the most common applications for flexible packaging include consumer packaged goods such as snack foods, frozen foods, and pet food.
What Is Rigid Packaging?
Rigid packaging is sturdy, inflexible, and maintains its shape even when empty. Its structural strength and durability provide solid protection for the product. Materials used are often more durable, such as glass, plastic, or metal.
Types of Rigid Packaging:
- ➤Pre-formed trays
- ➤Plastic tubs and containers
- ➤Bottles
Benefits of Rigid Packaging:
- Durability
- Protection from environmental factors such as oxygen and moisture
- Reusable
Common Uses:
Common uses for rigid packaging include dairy products, single-serve coffee cups, and confectionary items.
What Is Food Service Packaging?
Food service packaging refers to materials and containers used for preparing, handling, and serving food at restaurants, cafeterias, and fast-food establishments designed to be functional and disposable.
Types of Food Service Packaging:
- ➤Clamshell and deli containers
- ➤Single-use plastic to-go containers
- ➤Foil wrappers
Importance in Food Quality and Safety:
Food service packaging ensures hygiene and contamination prevention by providing a sanitary barrier between food and external environments.
Trends in Eco-Friendly Options:
There are many new advancements in eco-friendly food service packaging that can reduce environmental impact and appeals to eco-conscious consumers. From more common types like recyclable and compostable, to our exclusive NEO Plastics packaging made specifically for landfill disposal.
What Is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainable packaging solutions are designed to reduce their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle and are intended to minimize waste and conserve resources.
Examples of Sustainable Packaging:
- ➤Recyclable
- ➤Compostable
- ➤Paper Laminates
- ➤NEO Plastics
Benefits of Sustainable Packaging:
Sustainable packaging is crucial to reducing global waste and promoting environmental protection. Not only does it benefit the brand's reputation as eco-conscious, but it demonstrates government compliance and corporate responsibility.
What Is Pouch Forming?
Pouch forming refers to the process of converting a flat film or sheet material into a three-dimensional, flexible container using heat to seal the edges of the pouch. After sealing, the pouches are cut to the desired shape and size.
Types of Pouches:
- ➤Stand-Up Pouches
- ➤Flat Bottom Pouches
- ➤Spouted Pouches
Benefits of Pouch Forming:
- Space-efficient
- Customizable
- Customer convenience
Common Uses:
Converted or formed pouches are widely used in the consumer-packaged goods industry for items such as food, sauces, and personal care products.
Types of Packaging by Material
There are multiple common types of packaging materials based on the products specific requirements for protection, presentation, and functionality. Each material has distinct properties that make it suitable for its application.
- ➤Glass
- ➤Plastic
- ➤Metal
- ➤Paper and Cardboard
- ➤Bioplastics
Glass
Benefits of Glass:
- Airtight
- 100% recyclable
- Preserves flavor and freshness of products with a long shelf life
Drawbacks:
- Heavy and fragile
- Not suitable for all packaging applications
Common Uses:
- Beverages including juice, soda, alcohol
- Jars for sauces and baby food
- Pharmaceutical containers
Plastic
Types of Plastic:
- ➤Polyethylene (PE)
- ➤Polypropylene (PP)
- ➤Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Benefits of Plastic:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Moisture-resistant
Drawbacks:
- Environmental concerns
- Multi-layer plastics are difficult to recycle
Aluminum
Benefits of Aluminum:
- Lightweight but durable and strong
- Protects against light, moisture, and air
- 100% recyclable
Drawbacks:
- Expensive
- Production can be energy-intensive
Common Uses:
- Beverage, soup, and vegetable cans
- Foil packaging
Paper and Cardboard
Benefits of Paper and Cardboard:
- Recyclable
- Lightweight
- Suitable for branding and printing
Drawbacks:
- Not moisture resistant
- Low durability
- Limited protection from contaminants
Common Uses:
- Corrugated boxes
- Cereal boxes
- Paper grocery gags
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are derived from renewable biomass sources like corn starch, sugarcane, and other plant-based materials and are more sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Types of Bioplastics:
- ➤Polylactic Acid (PLA): Made from fermented plant starch.
- ➤Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): Produced by microorganisms that consume plant oils or sugars.
- ➤Starch Blends: Derived from corn or potato starch.
- ➤Bio-PET and Bio-PE: Partially made from renewable resources but have similar properties to conventional PET and PE.
Benefits:
- Sustainable
- Biodegradable (in some cases)
- Reduced environmental impact
Common Uses:
- Food packaging
- Disposable food service items
Factors to Consider in Packaging
When choosing packaging for a product, several key factors must be considered to ensure it meets functional, economic, and environmental needs.
- Material selection: The packaging material must protect the product from external elements like moisture, air, and light, while also preserving its freshness and quality.
- Cost and Budget: Materials and manufacturing processes should align with budgetary constraints without sacrificing durability or functionality.
- Environmental Impact: Sustainability has become significantly more important, with consumers and regulations pushing for eco-friendly packaging options.
- Branding and Design: Effective branding and design in packaging not only protects and preserves the product, but also communicates the brand’s story, appeals to the right target markets and influences purchasing decisions at shelf.
- Ease of Use: A package should be convenient, portable and resealable.
- Regulatory Compliance: Packaging should meet regulations for food safety and pharmaceutical use and should comply with the FDA labeling requirements for nutritional information and ingredients.
Find Your Packaging Solution at Aripack
Aripack is a recognized expert in both flexible and rigid packaging, offering tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of food manufacturers. With years of experience in the industry, we understand the unique requirements of different products and applications, from protective, lightweight films to sturdy, durable containers.
Our wide range of packaging options includes everything from stand-up pouches and laminated films to rigid trays and food service containers, ensuring that your products are well-protected, visually appealing, and efficiently transported.