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What Are the Levels of Packaging – Features & Differences

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Steve Harsh

Packaging has a million ways to improve your product and the sales you have been getting. So, what are the basic types of it, or what levels are there in a good one? The thing is, you can learn your field without being nerdy. Knowing about these levels can help improve your knowledge and your products.

Levels of Packaging

In this section, we will explore different levels of packaging that the product must have.

Primary Packaging

• This packaging is the type that contains the product and also protects it.
• At the same time, it helps you protect against physical damage, contamination, and environmental factors.
• Such packaging has labels, product information, and graphics that make it look eye-catching.
• Another purpose of such packaging is to improve the marketing and branding aspects of the product.

Secondary Packaging

• Regarding secondary packaging, grouping, and bundling are among their common uses.
• At the same time, it provides an extra layer that adds to its protection for distribution and transportation.
• Such packaging also has graphics, logos, and information about the product.
• Also, you can enhance it for better handling and stacking with its sturdiness and strength.
• This packaging type is also quite flexible in its customization options depending on your products’ needs.
• You can also use it for additional information to help logistics and inventory management.

Apart from the primary and secondary packaging, we also have a third level called tertiary packaging.

Tertiary Packaging

• Tertiary packaging offers easy handling and storage and works as the most external part of your boxes.
• At the same time, you can use it to add multiple secondary packages into one single unit.
• When we add multiple secondary packages into one territory box, we also reduce handling costs.
• This packaging also helps improve supply chain operations by optimizing the space of transportation containers and carriers.

So, below, we will discuss the primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging levels. At the same time, you can learn about their features, why they matter, and the top materials for them. So, let it be a knowledgeable journey.

What Is Primary Packaging?

If we give a primary packaging definition, the part of a package that comes directly into contact with the product is the primary level. This part offers multiple benefits for your product, including protecting it, carrying it, and providing information. It may be made of shrink film, aluminum, glass, or others.

An example of such a level is the Milo pouch packed inside a box.

Features of Primary Packaging

Every type of pack carries some features, some to protect and some to impress. So, what features does the primary one offer? Well, here are some:

• It helps the customer carry the product.
• Also, it allows you to impart information about the product for better use.
• You remove the last part of a package to use the product.
• This part also helps protect your product against any environmental factors.
• You can also use it for branding, as it can carry multiple elements that can help.
• It also makes things easier for your consumers when you use certain features. For instance, add a zipper or reseal to ease things up for your consumers.
• At the same time, it should be easy to open.
• The primary one should also be attractive, especially if it carries the product.

Primary Packaging Examples

Some examples can be easy to give, and understanding them can help you know them well. So here are some of them:

• A cereal box typically contains a pouch that directly touches the food.
• Another example is when you buy a medicine, it will contact the tablets directly.
• Also, a shampoo box would carry the product inside; you can call it a primary type example.

How To Optimize Primary Packaging?

Everything needs optimization, and technology plays a crucial role you need to know. So, here are some things you can do to bring the best optimization to the table:

You should be clear about how you can optimize with the use of data, for instance:

• You should know how much protection your products need.
• Make sure you know what material meets the needs without increasing costs.
• Also, find out if you put too much material into the package.
• At the same time, you should know if you are not using enough material. Underusing materials can make things less protective.
• Finding ways to transport without high costs and fast transport is also important.
• Using materials that can protect against moisture and oxygen must also be kept in mind.
• You should try to build an automation system that allows you to produce packages automatically.

What Is Secondary Packaging?

The secondary is your second line when you pack your product. So, if you are packing a good, the second part you use for it will be this. For instance, you have a microphone pack; the secondary will be the box it comes in.

Now, you can get multiple benefits from this part, which we will discuss in detail.

Features of Secondary Packaging

Features make things what they are and how they function. So, you should know what this part can offer to ensure you get the most out of it.

Here are some:

• It may help you keep multiple products in one bunch. This way, you can have multiple goods or their versions in one box.
• Using it allows you to transmit and deliver goods with ease and efficiency.
• The second part can also help protect goods from dents, bumps, and shocks.
• Also, it helps protect the first one and keep goods organized.
• Using them for display is another way you can use them.
• You can also recycle this one to ensure eco-friendliness.
• Your products also get a good image when you use them right.
• Moreover, this part allows your consumers to know if there is some tempering with the good or not.

Secondary Packaging Examples

The secondary part of your packing also plays a supreme and crucial role in your goods. So, here are some examples of what these packs are normally:

• A packing that carries beer will be called secondary packing.
• Also, you can have a cereal box that does not have any contact with the product. But this one would carry the one that has the cereals.
• If a medicine box carries a pouch inside and the tablets are in it, your box will be secondary packing.

Common Secondary Packing Materials

Some common materials work as perfect ones for this packing type:

• Paperboard is a common material you can use.
• Plastic is another one you can use.
• Aluminum and other metals also work for this purpose.
• Making sure it does not cost you high is a priority for every manufacturer you should ensure.
• It also helps improve your customers’ impression of your brand.

You know the materials you must use to secure your products against damage.

How To Optimize Secondary Packaging?

Optimizing the second level of your packing can help you save costs. Making sure it works is a crucial part of keeping in mind, so you can try to:

• Use the material and designs that help you save money.
• Ensure you do not cause too much carbon emission during your package production.
• The right box sizes can improve your costs. For instance, the same box size for all products can cost extra due to reduced efficacy.

What Is Tertiary Packing?

The tertiary level is a common type that helps improve your product protection and other factors. The main feature of this type is it would help during long-distance deliveries and transit trade. So, it is important if you are a company model with business-to-business sales that are transported far.

Another feature it offers is storing goods efficiently. However, you can also make it more effective by allowing specific methods. For example, you can try adding the proper protection by choosing the material you make. Also, using the right strength can improve its storage efficacy and how your products are transported.

At the same time, eco-friendly solutions can improve how well people respond to your packing. At the same time, you can reduce costs and design packaging in a way that allows you to transport with less weight.

Some Features To Keep In Mind

Your features tell how the product will be dealt with and the effectiveness of your operations. So, here are some things your tertiary packages offer to your product and your business:

• Compliance with the international laws of transportation is a must for you.
• Also, it should carry the protection such a difficult journey can carry for your products.
• It should also be able to save costs.

Tertiary Packing Examples

Here are some examples of what this type looks like:

• Also, wooden boxes are an example you can easily find in the field.
• Even mailer boxes may be considered tertiary type in the case of ecommerce.
• Stretch wraps also come in this category.
• Also, you can use pallets and cardboard boxes for this purpose.

How To Optimize Tertiary Packing

You can optimize things when you are right by testing things in the materials section. Also, you can find out how the products go with the distribution. Newer and more sustainable materials can also help you optimize them for the environment.

This way, you also improve your sales by creating a better image for your brand and company. At the same time, you can cut down the total amount of waste its production creates. Moreover, you can use technologies like simulation to discover the common issues of such packing during transit to the destination.

Also, you can try methods that ensure you do not have to worry about the protection part. For example, making sections like foam inserts can allow better protection and damage control. Also, metal screws and other tools can help control heavier products from moving during transit. This way, you can save them from damage.

Also, optimizing for saving against tampering and water factor is important.

Packaging Hub At Your Service!

Now you know the basic terms of primary, secondary, and tertiary packing with all the context you could use for a client meeting. These three levels can improve your sales and overall industry knowledge. Packaging Hub is a solution provider for companies looking to reach their goals. So, you can hire our winning team to perfect the packaging results you need.

The more time and money you invest, the better your brand will look with impressive packing solutions.