Packaging is the process of enclosing products for protection and is classified into different types based on layers (primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging), functionality (retail-ready, e-commerce, frustration-free, and bulk packaging), purpose (product, standard, custom, and sustainable packaging), materials (paper-based, plastic, glass, and metal packaging), and forms (flexible and rigid packaging). Choosing the right packaging depends on the product’s characteristics, materials, budget, sustainability goals, and shipping requirements.
- What are the Different Types of Packaging?
- Primary Packaging
- Secondary Packaging
- Tertiary Packaging
- Retail Ready Packaging
- E-commerce Packaging
- Frustration-Free Packaging
- Bulk Packaging
- Product Packaging
- Standard Packaging
- Custom Packaging
- Sustainable Packaging
- Paper-based Packaging
- Plastic Packaging
- Glass Packaging
- Metal Packaging
- Flexible Packaging
- Rigid Packaging
- How are Packaging Types Different from Each Other?
- What are the Different Types Of Packaging Materials?
- What are the Different Types of Printing Methods Used for Packaging?
- What are the Different Types of Packaging Designs?
- How to Choose the Right Packaging for Your Product?
What are the Different Types of Packaging?
Packaging is categorized into different types based on layers, function, purpose, materials, and forms, such as:
- Primary Packaging
- Secondary Packaging
- Tertiary Packaging
- Retail Ready Packaging
- E-commerce Packaging
- Frustration-Free Packaging
- Bulk Packaging
- Product Packaging
- Standard Packaging
- Custom Packaging
- Sustainable Packaging
- Paper-based Packaging
- Plastic Packaging
- Glass Packaging
- Metal Packaging
- Flexible Packaging
- Rigid Packaging
Primary Packaging
Primary packaging, also called consumer packaging, refers to the initial layer of packaging that is in direct contact with the product. It protects the product from contamination and tampering. The primary packaging market in the U.S. is expected to grow at a 6.59% annual rate through 2025 because of consumers’ high demand, convenience, and product safety.
Examples of primary packaging forms include tubes, milk boxes, parchment paper for meat, and biscuit wrappers. International brands like Coca-Cola use red cans as primary packaging for their drinks.
Secondary Packaging
Secondary packaging refers to the second layer of packaging, typically not seen by customers. It combines smaller product units into a single pack and helps manage inventory before the product reaches the shelf. Studies by Accenture indicate that effective secondary packaging can reduce handling and distribution costs by 20–25%, making it a critical component in the supply chain.
Examples of secondary packaging forms include cardboard boxes that hold multiple units, such as biscuit packs or bottles of juice. International brands like Coca-Cola use cardboard cartons (fridge packs) to group and protect Coke cans for easier transportation.
Tertiary Packaging
Tertiary packaging, also called transport packaging, refers to the third layer of packaging. It is used to group large quantities of products for transportation and shipping. According to industry reports, effective tertiary packaging can reduce customer complaints of damaged products to nearly 0%, demonstrating its vital role in minimizing damage during transit.
Examples of tertiary packaging forms include wooden pallets, stretch-film-wrapped pallets, and corrugated shipping boxes or crates for export. International brands like Amazon heavily rely on tertiary packaging, including large corrugated boxes for global shipping.
Retail Ready Packaging
Retail-ready packaging refers to the packaging that protects the item and makes it ready for display on shelves. Studies suggest that consumers make purchase decisions in just a few seconds, making effective retail-ready packaging critical for attracting attention.
Examples of retail-ready packaging forms include bags, boxes, and bottles. International brands like Starbucks use effective retail-ready packaging, such as corrugated floor stands, to display their mugs with logos.
E-commerce Packaging
E-commerce packaging refers to the packaging used to ship retail products to customers worldwide. It helps to protect products during long-distance shipping and transportation. According to a study by Dotcom Distribution, 40% of online shoppers say they are more likely to purchase again from a retailer that uses strong e-commerce packaging.
Examples of e-commerce packaging forms include corrugated shipping boxes, poly mailers, padded envelopes, and custom frosted bags. International brands like Nestlé have re-engineered their shipping packaging to comply with e-commerce requirements to protect products.
Frustration-Free Packaging
Frustration-Free Packaging refers to Amazon-certified packaging. Its main focus is on ease of use and enhancing the overall customer experience. Frustration-free packaging contains a single box that can securely hold all the products inside, eliminating the need for excessive packaging materials. According to Amazon, Frustration-Free Packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials and can be opened within 120 seconds using only scissors.
Examples of frustration-free packaging forms include the Amazon Echo Dot packaging and Amazon-certified packaging for LEGO sets.
Bulk Packaging
Bulk packaging refers to the packaging containers or boxes used to transport bulk products or multiple units of products from one warehouse to another or from manufacturers to warehouses.
Examples of bulk packaging forms include Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), corrugated boxes, pallets, and drums. International brands like Bunge Limited use bulk packaging for shipping food ingredients.
Product Packaging
Product packaging refers to the packaging container or boxes for a specific product to protect it during transport and shipping. It also enhances the product’s perception and helps it to stand out. According to IPSOS research, over 72% of consumers say that product packaging influences their purchasing decisions.
Examples of product packaging forms include bottles, boxes, and bags. International brands like Apple provide iPhones in excellent product packaging with all the necessary instructions mentioned on it. The packaging also serves as a form of advertisement, helping to promote the iPhone and strengthen the brand image worldwide.
Standard Packaging
Standard packaging refers to traditional and plain packaging, mainly used to ship products from brands to consumers without specific branding elements. According to Statista (2023), there were over 26.7 million e-commerce sellers worldwide. Almost all rely on some form of standard packaging (boxes, bubble wrap, poly mailers) to ship products.
Examples of standard packaging forms include plain corrugated boxes and bubble mailers. International brands like Amazon ship products in standard packaging, such as oversized boxes, and additional packaging materials, such as paper or Styrofoam.
Custom Packaging
Custom packaging refers to the unique packaging tailored to a specific product, brand, or company’s needs. Through custom packaging, brands can add their logos, product information, and other design elements to differentiate themselves in the market.
Examples of custom packaging forms include customized rigid gift boxes for Christmas, boxes with thank-you notes, and branded mailer boxes with logos. International brands like Tiffany & Co. are known for their iconic and instantly recognizable blue gift boxes to attract customers.
Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging refers to packaging designed to minimize environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle. According to Mordor Intelligence (2024), the sustainable packaging market size is projected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of about 7.37%, reflecting the increasing global shift toward eco-friendly packaging solutions. This rapid growth highlights how businesses and consumers alike are prioritizing sustainability in their packaging choices.
Examples of sustainable packaging forms include recyclable cardboard boxes, kraft boxes, and more. International brands like ZARA have replaced plastic shopping bags in stores with paper ones made from FSC-certified paper as part of their commitment to sustainable packaging.
Paper-based Packaging
Paper-based packaging refers to the packaging made primarily from kraft paper or paperboard materials. It is designed to reduce plastic usage, support recyclability, and promote an eco-friendly brand image.
Examples of paper-based packaging forms include kraft paper wraps, paperboard boxes, and molded pulp trays used for food and cosmetic products. International brands like Mondelēz are updating the Cadbury Drinking Chocolate packaging to Sonoco’s EnviroCan, which features a paper-based bottom instead of a metal one.
Plastic Packaging
Plastic packaging refers to the packaging made from durable polymer-based materials. It is designed to provide flexibility, moisture resistance, and product visibility across a wide range of applications. According to 2024 reports, the plastic packaging segment accounted for 38.2% of the overall packaging market, highlighting its continued dominance due to cost efficiency. Despite growing sustainability concerns, plastic packaging remains essential in industries such as food, beverage, and personal care.
Examples of plastic packaging forms include PET bottles, plastic containers, and shrink wraps used for food and beverage products. International brands like Unilever use recycled plastics in their packaging of products such as shampoos and body wash.
Glass Packaging
Glass packaging refers to the packaging made from non-reactive glass. It is designed to preserve the purity of the contents, prevent contamination, and provide a premium visual appeal. Studies show that 53% of people believe that glass is the safest packaging material for food, and 73% believe it is the safest material for beverages.
Examples of glass packaging forms include glass jars, perfume bottles, and wine bottles. International brands like Meow Meow Tweet use glass jars for skincare creams and deodorants, which enhance the product’s appearance.
Metal Packaging
Metal packaging refers to the packaging made from aluminum or steel materials. It is designed to protect products from external damage and contamination while ensuring a longer shelf life.
Examples of metal packaging forms include aluminum cans, aerosol containers, beverage tins and cans, two-piece and three-piece cans, tubes, and trays. International brands like Coca-Cola have recently shifted toward aluminum cans (metal packaging).
Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging refers to the packaging made from non-rigid materials, whose shape can readily change when filled or during use. It is a new method in the packaging market and has gained popularity for its ability to prevent exposure to air, light, and moisture. It is typically produced from paper, plastic, film, aluminum foil, or a combination of these materials.
Examples of flexible packaging forms include Mylar bags, pouches, liners, wraps, rollstock, and other flexible products. International cereal brands like Kellogg’s have been using flexible packaging for many years, including pillow bags and stand-up pouches for cereal packaging.
Rigid Packaging
Rigid packaging refers to the packaging made from hard, inflexible materials that retain their shape when filled or during use. It is widely used for products requiring strong protection, durability, and premium presentation. Rigid packaging is typically produced from glass, metal, hard plastics such as PET, HDPE, and PP, as well as paperboard or chipboard. It provides superior resistance against impact, compression, and environmental factors while maintaining its structural integrity.
Examples of rigid packaging forms include glass bottles, metal cans, plastic jars, tubs, trays, and rigid paper boxes. International brands such as Nescafé use rigid packaging for coffee jars to preserve product quality and enhance shelf appeal.
How are Packaging Types Different from Each Other?
Packaging types differ from each other based on layers (primary, secondary, and tertiary), functionality (retail-ready packaging, e-commerce packaging, frustration-free packaging, and bulk packaging), purpose (product packaging, standard packaging, custom packaging, and sustainable packaging), materials (glass, plastic, paper, and metal), form (flexible packaging and rigid packaging), and the level of protection they provide, which depends on the materials used.
What are the Different Types Of Packaging Materials?
Different types of packaging materials include:
- Paper-based materials for boxes, cartons, and bags
- Plastic materials for bottles, containers, and flexible packs
- Glass materials for food jars and beverage containers
- Metal materials (aluminum, tin) for cans and durable containers
Not all materials are compatible with the printing inks and different print techniques. The printing method is directly determined by the materials and designs of the packaging.
What are the Different Types of Printing Methods Used for Packaging?
Different types of printing methods used for packaging include:
- Flexography: Flexography is used for large-scale printing on plastic and paper.
- Offset lithography: Offset lithography is used for high-quality images on flat surfaces.
- Digital printing: Digital printing is used for short runs and custom designs.
- Screen printing: Screen printing is used for printing on irregular or textured surfaces.
- Gravure printing: Gravure printing is used for high-resolution results in luxury packaging.
The printing method is determined by the packaging material. It also depends on design complexity, print quality, budget, and production volume.
What are the Different Types of Packaging Designs?
Different types of packaging designs include sustainable, minimalist, luxury, rustic, and innovative styles. Types of packaging designs are tailored to product protection, branding, and customer experience.
How to Choose the Right Packaging for Your Product?
To choose the right packaging for your product, you must first understand the product’s needs, including its size, materials, fragility, and your budget. Evaluate the packaging requirements for transportation and determine which packaging type is best for shipping products to ensure both safety and cost efficiency for your retail brand.
What Packaging Type is Used for Shipping Your Products?
Tertiary packaging, such as corrugated cardboard boxes, wooden crates, bubble wrap, stretch film, and pallets, is commonly used to protect items for safe delivery to customers.
What Packaging Type is Used for Retail Products?
Retail products use a variety of packaging types, including primary and secondary packaging, such as bottles, pouches, cans, jars, blister packs, display boxes, and cardboard boxes.