Are you a manufacturer, a reseller, a stockiest, or do you supply goods? Whatever be your trade, if you are selling products to your customer, you need an uninterrupted packaging supply. In case you are starting up and have no clue about the types of packaging supply, this blog is for you.

Here we will talk about the different types of packaging materials that businesses must have in their inventory. Using good quality packaging material ensures optimum protection to the deliverable goods. Also, it reflects the business owners’ help in creating a lasting impression.

What are Packaging Materials?      

Packaging materials are the particular types of materials used in the packaging industry to wrap, pack items. Essentially, there are different types of packaging materials. For example, corrugated boxes, plastic wraps, bubble wraps, cardboard boxes, plastic containers, tin cans, tetra packs, and many others are some types of packaging materials.

What purpose does Packaging Materials solve & why do we need them?             

Packaging materials are essential for all businesses. They protect the package that is inside the box. Here is an example to understand this better. Suppose you are running a restaurant, and some of your customers order food for takeaway. How do you plan to pack the food? The answer is a container. Here, the container is the packaging supply you are using to deliver food.

Clearly, different types of packaging materials are needed to ensure the safety of the parcel – it can be food, a fragile item, or anything for that matter.

Major Classification of Packaging Materials             

As we have discussed so far, many kinds of packaging require different types of packaging materials. Here is a brief introduction of the most common types of packaging.

• Primary Packaging
• Secondary Packaging
• Tertiary Packaging
• Ancillary Packaging

Primary Packaging

For businesses that produce perishable items, primary packaging is crucial. Industries or factories that produce medicines, food items, beverages, and other perishable items, need compact packaging to preserve or protect the item.

There are different types of packaging materials that are used in primary packaging, and here is more about them. –

 Laminated Pouches –

Laminated pouches are made of very thin plastic or polymer. They have a special adhesive on the opening end that reacts to heat and gets sealed. To use the laminated pouches, one needs special equipment for lamination.

Plastic Containers –

This type of packaging material is more common in businesses. Most of these plastic containers are reusable.

Thermoformed Products –

Made out of thermoplastics, this type of packaging is primarily used for electronic items. Thermoplastics are heated and molded into shapes particular to the products and their subsidiary equipment.

 Tin Can –

Tin cans are multipurpose packaging materials used in many types of business. Canned food, beer, and other beverages mostly come in tin cans.

Parchment Paper –

Parchment papers are also known as baking paper or bakery paper and are used extensively in the baking industry. Muffins, butter, and many other food items are wrapped in parchment papers before packaging. The baked item does not stick to the paper and comes out easily.

Paper Bags or Wet-Strength Paper –

Looking similar to paper bags, wet-strength papers have high-stress tolerance once they are wet. These are biodegradable packaging materials that can also be printed. The only difference between paper bags and wet-strength paper is that the former features convenient handle loops.

Lamitubes/Laminated Tubes –

Laminated tubes or lamitubes have resistance to oil and heat. These are primarily used to package paste or ointments. Generally, this type of packaging has heat sealing on one end and a cap on the other. Not only do they offer protection but also make using the product very convenient.

Monocartons –

This is by far the most common type of packaging material you may find. These are nothing but basic paper boxes. Sometimes, they come with outer lamination that helps keep the moisture away.

Retort Pouches –

Retort pouches are an amalgamation of plastic and metal. Essentially. These are metalized plastics that have both flexibility and rigidity.

Paper-Foil Laminate –

Paper-foil laminate is similar to retort pouches, except these are metalized paper. This type of packaging material is used as chocolate wrappers, plates, and food packaging and is highly cost-effective. 

Composite Cans –

If you ever bought a pack of pringles or a bottle of whiskey, they came in composite cans. This type of packaging material has multiple layers for added rigidity and protection.

Glass Containers –

Classic glass containers are used to pack food items, biscuits, supplement powders, and many other things. However, they are very fragile and often need another layer of protection.

Shrink Wrap –  

This type of packaging material is used to pack multiple units of items. Generally, shrink wraps are used as external packaging. One needs to use heat in order to tightly seal the plastic layer.

Cling Film –

Cling film is nothing but a clear plastic wrap used to protect perishable food items such as salads and sandwiches.

Woven Sack –

This is a heavy-duty packaging material primarily made out of jute. Rice, potato, food grains are supplied in woven sacks.

Jute Bags –

Jute bags come in different sizes, and they are very handy. These jute bags have handles for convenience and are mainly used to carry things. 

Intermediate Bulk Containers –

This type of packaging material is used for heavy materials. Intermediate bulk containers can carry up to 1000Kgs and are used as sandbags, cement bags, packaging for fertilizers, food products, etc.

Bubble Wrap-

Bubble wraps are one of the most known packaging materials. These are used to deliver or carry fragile items. Bubble wraps are plastic coverings filled with tiny air pockets. The build of bubble wrap works as a cushion and protects delicate items.

Secondary Packaging    

After the primary packaging, all products that are delivered in bulk need to be packed again, and this type of packaging is called secondary packaging. There are different types of packaging materials that are used in secondary packaging, and here is more about them. 

Plastic Crates –

      Plastic crates are used to pack and carry bulk orders of goods. This type of packaging is very common in stores and shopping centers.

Plastic Trays –

      Plastic trays are similar to plastic crates; however, they have a lesser capacity. These are open flat containers made out of plastic and are mainly used in organizing stuff.

EPS Trays –

      Expanded polystyrene trays or EPS trays are recyclable, food-grade trays that are used to pack food items. These trays are colorful and can be easily printed and branded. You can spot this type of packaging material used in supermarkets. Most of the time, they have cling film wrapped on them.

Wooden Crates –

      Wooden crates are used primarily for storing and sorting purposes. These are extensively used in warehouses and supermarkets. Wooden crates are stackable, eco-friendly packaging supplies.

Tertiary Packaging

Tertiary packaging is required for the transportation and shipping of products. Essentially, this type of packaging ensures an added safety layer protecting products from bumps and jerks.

There are a few types of packaging materials primarily used in tertiary packaging, and here is more about them. –

Corrugated Fiber Board –

      Corrugated fiber boards have fluted fiber sheets that cushion the product against accidental bumps and jerks. These are extensively used for making boxes that are used for shipping purposes.

Wooden Containers –

      Many varieties of wooden containers are available in the market. As a matter of fact, wooden boxes and crates also come under this type of packaging material.

Wooden Pallet –

      Wooden pallets are used to stack goods upon them. Because of their shape, shifting large packages or stacks of goods using forklifts becomes easy.

Plastic Pallet –

      Plastic pallets work exactly the same way wooden pallets do. This type of packaging material is made of plastic, and they are extremely durable.

 Ancillary Packaging

Last but not least, ancillary packaging is one of the most crucial types of packaging materials. These are essential consumables in the packaging industry. Mainly these are –

• Adhesives
• Printing Inks
• PP Straps
• Caps & Closures
• Tapes
• Labels
• Cushioning Material

Commonly used materials in packaging      

All of the packaging materials mentioned in the article should give you a broad idea of what you might need in your business. There are a few types of packaging materials that are most commonly used in any business, be it a manufacturing plant or a delivery service, and here is a list of those –

• Cardboard boxes
• Corrugated boxes
• Glass Containers
• Shrink Wrap
• Cling Film
• Woven Sack
• Jute Bags
• Intermediate Bulk Containers
• Paper Bags
• Bubble Wrap
• Corrugated Fiber Board
• Wooden Containers
• Adhesives
• Printing Inks
• PP Straps
• Caps & Closures
• Tapes   
• Labels  
• Cushioning Material

Factors to consider when choosing Packaging

As a business owner, you know what types of packaging materials you need. Before you start purchasing the products, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. The best packaging supplies are the ones that have the following qualities.

Secure and Durability –

      Invest in packaging supplies that are durable and offer the best security to the product. It should offer adequate coverage from the elements of nature.

Affordable and Easy to Use   –

      Packaging supplies are needed in bulk, and therefore, they should be easily available and cost-effective. Investing in expensive packaging materials would increase the products’ price.

Easily Availability –

      Make sure the packaging supplies are easily available. In case you are finding it hard to get the packaging supplies you need, visit Amazon Business’ MRO & Industrial Supplies where you can purchase different kinds of packaging supplies in bulk.

Legally Compliant –

      The types of packaging supplies should have legal compliance.

Quality of Packaging –

      Ensure the quality of packaging supplies. Low-grade packaging materials won’t provide optimum safety to your products.

Color/Branding/Marketing –

      Printable packaging material allows you to brand and label your products, which is crucial for marketing.

Product Visibility –

      Use materials that have low opacity so that the product is visible without taking out the cover.

Green Credentials –

      Using bio-degradable material in your packaging will reduce your carbon footprint. Many companies are taking this green path and using eco-friendly packaging supplies in their product.

Inner sections / Dunnage –

      If you are shipping small items that are fragile and susceptible to damage caused by any accidental bump and jerk, use adequate dunnage. Adding these types of packaging supplies in the inner sections of the box can offer cushioning to the main parcel.

Why buy from Amazon Business?

Amazon Business is the largest online wholesale market in India, catering to millions of customers. It has a broad delivery service network that ensures fast doorstep delivery in all tier 1 and tier 2 cities. Apart from that, Amazon Business offers excellent deals on all the products, resulting in better savings on all your purchases.

Moreover, businesses with GST registration can save up to 28% on GST input tax credit. If you do not have the GST registration yet, you can register using Business PAN and take advantage of offers and deals.

Also, shopping from Amazon Business is effortless. Once you create a free Amazon Business account and log in using the Amazon app, you can browse through the categories and make your purchases.

Conclusion

At this point in the article, it is well established that packaging supplies are crucial for all businesses. Using the best packing materials will protect the product and help you create a lasting impression on your customers.

Many online shoppers complain about clumsy packaging. It not only damages the product but also tarnishes the brand's reputation. For this very reason, premium brands take extra care in packing their products. Often the minimalist approach with the right kinds of packaging supplies gets the job done.

If you find this buying guide helpful, you can also check our other buying guides on different products.

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