Packaging choices can have a major influence on customers’ experiences and perceptions – this is particularly relevant to e-commerce businesses that focus on developing customer loyalty through two-way communication with consumers.
Understanding the roles of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging can help your company create more value in its packaging for products sold.
Paper and Cardboard Carton
Paper and cardboard carton are two common terms used in packaging and shipping products. Their manufacturing techniques may differ slightly, yet both offer strong containers capable of protecting products over long distances without becoming damaged during transit.
Carton bases are constructed of heavy papers made of plant fibers that are formed into shapes by being compressed together, giving rise to cartons made either of virgin pulp or recycled material, depending on what best meets the product and shipping environment requirements.
Cardboard (also referred to as paperboard) comes in various thicknesses. Waxed varieties may provide moisture resistance and gas barrier properties that make cardboard an excellent option for packaging products with delicate aromas and flavors, such as flowers.
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes – bottles, jars, cups, bowls, baskets, pails, cans, squeeze tubes trays and bins are just a few examples. Hard or soft containers with rigid or flexible walls come in various colors and finishes for the perfect storage solution.
Some plastic packaging materials have oxygen barrier properties and can be combined with oxygen absorbers to preserve dry foods, as well as being biodegradable under certain circumstances.
Sustainable and recyclable packaging are highly valued by many consumers, so when selecting packaging to sell, check its recycling triangle code to see whether it meets these standards. Other desirable qualities may include insulation, locking mechanisms, nesting options, humidity and temperature controls as well as ESD resistance – features which may extend product longevity while making transport and handling simpler for your customers. Your selection will ultimately depend on what goods are on sale from you.
Foil-Sealed Bags
Foil-sealed bags are used to package foods that require high levels of freshness. These durable and tear-resistant containers prevent food from oxidizing while being moisture proof.
Aluminium foil paper offers many advantages: its opaque surface, silvery-white hue, anti-glare properties, water resistance, umami retention properties and protection from harmful microorganisms and contamination make it suitable for printing, engraving and laminating applications as well as heat sealing applications that offer light blocking properties.
Packaging made of this material is ideal for moisture-sensitive items, like powdered granules and pharmaceutical industrial products. With low water permeability, it protects contents even under extreme conditions; plus it’s great for shipping and long-term storage; its marine air/salt water resistance also means it has excellent chemical stability properties.
Clamshells
Clamshells are used to securely encase products, and come in many different materials. You can create one with or without hinges, but both types serve to keep products contained inside.
Clamshells are widely used for packaging deli foods, bakery items and various other products. Made from plastic thermoform material – accepted in all curbside recycling programs – they make for convenient transport of product.
Styrofoam clamshells can be found at markets and food stands, while paperboard clamshells are more frequently seen in restaurants, cafeterias and catering trucks. Eco-friendly options for packaging hot food include plant fiber clamshells that resemble their styrofoam counterparts and can be made out of wheat grain and chaff, making them soak proof – ideal for hot food packaging applications.
Boxes
Boxes are timeless packaging solutions that exude an air of luxury, creating an enjoyable unboxing experience for the recipient and customizable with your logo, images, instructions and other forms of information.
Cardboard boxes are made of paper scraps and cardboard that has been compressed, shredded, glued together into firm panels for use as packaging material for shipping products. Their lightweight construction provides firm cushioning while protecting products during transport.
Corrugated cardboard is a heavy-duty paper pulp-based board material, often found in single and double wall configurations, that comes with fluted edges to give them stiffness, structure and impact protection. Fluting can give boards stiffness while simultaneously being recycled back into use or constructed out of biodegradable materials for impact protection and sustainability. You’ll likely come across corrugated boxes when shopping in stores or visiting websites that sell retail goods or your own home; recycling/repurposing these containers are common practices too!