Secondary Packaging Material

Secondary packaging material refers to the packaging materials that are used to contain or protect the primary packaging of a product. Primary packaging is the material that directly encloses the product, such as a bottle, box, or bag. Secondary packaging is typically used to group or store multiple primary packages together for distribution, storage, or display.

We are all familiar with the primary packaging of a product. It’s the item or box that contains the things we buy regularly. This can be a packaging box, cereal box, or shampoo bottle. On the other hand, secondary packaging materials support the product inside a shipping package, preventing damage and providing extra protection against shock, temperature extremes, and moisture.

Using secondary packaging material allows you to ship your items safely. In some cases, it’s more economical than just placing the items in a large box by themselves. Let’s look at the different types of materials we can use in secondary packaging.

Shipping Cartons

Shipping cartons are materials used in the outside packaging of products. They are designed for shipping and moving large or heavy objects. The primary purpose of shipping cartons is to protect the product during transit. They act as a barrier between the product and any outside pressure that may cause damage to the product. In addition to serving as a barrier, the structure of shipping cartons also helps provide cushioning to act as an additional protection layer.

Shrink Wrapping

Shrink wrapping can be used for protecting materials and sealing packages. It protects the products inside, keeping them safe from unwanted damage, and also keeps out moisture, insects, and other contaminants that could affect the items inside. It’s a plastic film made from polyethylene, which is being extruded at a very high temperature, and after that, it shrinks over the material it has to wrap.

Outer Films

Outer films are the packaging materials used to deliver products by courier service. They can be made into different shapes based on the size and shape of the product to be delivered. The outer film protects products from damage during transportation and is made with a film base material (typically polyethylene) that is laminated with decorative paper or plastic.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are a secondary packaging material used to ship items that are too big to ship using traditional shipping materials. They are typically used for heavy items that are hard to move around, such as large appliances. They can be used in conjunction with traditional shipping materials, such as foam, bubble wrap, and stretch wrap, or they can be the only packaging material used when shipping heavy items.

Paperboard Enclosures

Paperboard enclosures are made from multiple layers of paper or cardboard used to house your product. These materials can be used in electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and much more. Paperboard enclosures provide an excellent moisture barrier to prevent your product from contacting unnecessary moisture. They also offer great impact protection as they provide an excellent cushioning effect.

The main advantage of these secondary packaging materials is their versatility. The same material can be repurposed for different products and uses, resulting in cost savings and less waste disposal. An added benefit is the protective cushion each of these materials provides. This ensures the product is not damaged during delivery, which may improve customer satisfaction with the final product.