If you offer products, you surely want to make good sales in the market. In this context, you need to deliver a WOW product display. This depends on how you pack your product. Accordingly, the materials you use to produce your packaging material matter the most here. Durable and practical packaging will not only help you protect your product. More than that, it will facilitate your ability to make good sales. To make things easier, you first need to understand the different types of packaging materials for food boxes, cosmetic boxes, consumer products boxes, gift boxes, electronics boxes, and custom bakery boxes. So, let’s explore them along with their best features!
What Are the Different Types of Packaging?
Before deciding which packaging material is best, let’s first understand the main types of packaging. Basically, we can find two main types of packaging. These two types are ideal for all the kinds of products you have.
Let’s have a look!
- Promotional Packaging
- Product Packaging
Promotional Types of Packaging Boxes
These promotional types of packaging boxes protect products from potential damage. At the same time, they will also promote your products on retail shelves.
Examples in this category include:
- Wrapping paper
- Sachets
- Plastic bottles
- Folding cartons
Product Packaging Boxes for Shipping
These product packaging boxes are perfect for distribution, delivery, and other marketing purposes.
Types of packaging materials for shipping include:
- Wrapped containers
- Cardboard boxes
- Foil bags
This conventional packaging is not the same as industrial packaging. In addition to materials, you need to apply unique and attractive designs to catch more eyes.
List 10 Packaging Materials Preferred by Many Businesses
With more products appearing these days, the packaging business comes in handy to help many businesses survive. Today, we can find different types of packaging boxes with a single click. Yet, to create the right packaging for your products, you need to choose and use suitable packaging material. Speaking of getting the right one, have a look below for the list of 10 packaging materials preferred by many businesses!
1- Paperboard Packaging Material
Paperboard packaging material is an excellent choice for carrying lightweight products. It is usually made of thick cardboard. Additionally, it comes with a hinged lid at the top or bottom that customers can open to see the product inside. The main drawback of this packing material is that it doesn’t provide protection from moisture. As such, this might not be the best way to protect delicate products.
2- Kraft Paper
Speaking of different packaging materials, Kraft paper packaging is a durable and eco-friendly option. You can easily fold and flatten this packaging material without losing its original shape.
The main advantage of this packaging is its affordability. Yet, you can rest assured that Kraft will be your best bet if you need premium types of food packaging!
3- Corrugated Box Packing Material
Corrugated box packing material is one of the best packing materials for shipping. Why?
First of all, it provides more protection than Kraft paper. Secondly, it is useful for shipping fragile products or products that require extra padding, such as electronics.
The only downside we can get from this material is its expensive cost. Yes, the price varies depending on how much you purchase. However, generally, it will be about double the price per square foot compared to other types of box materials.
4- Rigid Material
Rigid materials areĀ one of the most influential classifications of packaging materials. In addition, this material is the most popular type of retail packaging material. Why?
Because rigid-material boxes are extremely versatile, they will be perfect for transporting products such as cosmetics, book packaging materials, and expensive products.
The main drawback of rigid packaging is that these kinds of boxes take longer to produce. Additionally, these boxes will cost more than other types of packages. Yet, many brands prefer them as the best option for their exclusive products.
5- Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil comes in rolls with a huge sheet of metal. This custom packaging material also comes with an adhesive side.
This option will also be great for wrapping food items that don’t stick. On the other hand, aluminum foil is sensitive to moisture. Thus, it is not ideal to include it in the packaging materials for food shipping.
6- Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a plastic film that we can typically find in food service establishments such as restaurants and fast food outlets. The best packaging material provides excellent heat insulation. Hence, it is ideal for frozen foods and other items where temperature control is important. As a bonus, polyethylene is also great for protecting your product from rain.
On the other hand, polyethylene is not waterproof. Thus, you cannot use it to wrap clothes, electronics, and some products. Additionally, UV exposure can easily damage this material.
7- Foam
Foam comes in many shapes and sizes. These packaging materials come from polystyrene beads that are heated until they form a spongy material. The main benefit of using foam packaging is that it can be reused numerous times.
The drawback is that there is no lid for foam. So, yes, you will need to mark it with tape.
8- Plastic Bag
If you need to mail something, you can put it in a plastic bag instead of using an envelope or box. Yet, don’t forget that plastic is not recyclable.
The main advantage of using plastic bags as packaging options for products is that they are lightweight. Plus, it is very easy to use. At the same time, it is cheaper than other types of materials, such as cardboard.
Its main drawback is that it might be flimsy and tear easily. This means that there is a risk that your product will fall or even get lost on the way to its final destination. In the worst case, water can seep into the bag and ruin your product during delivery.
9- Stretch Film
Stretch film is another excellent and popular option on our packing material list. When you open your package, there are no unpleasant surprises.
However, this type of packaging also has a downside as it contains non-recyclable plastics. Another thing to note is that it has a greater environmental impact.
10- Shrink Wrap
Shrink wrap is popular among many businesses that need the best shipping protection material. Made of thin plastic material, it can tightly wrap the products you are shipping. This way, it works well to keep them completely in one place.
Another great thing about shrink wrap is that it also comes with an adhesive backing on one side. Hence, you don’t have to worry about the lid not closing properly because nothing will fit inside. In this case, you can eventually save time by repacking your shipment.
The main drawback of this material is that it requires some air drying time before your product can be shipped.
What Is the Purpose of Packaging Design Materials and Why Do We Need Them?
Every business requires a variety of packaging material options. These materials are the ones that will protect and preserve your products inside the box.
Let’s make an example to help you understand this better. If you have a restaurant, some customers order takeout.
How should you pack your food?
Of course, your answer is by using the best food packaging material.
Eventually, there will be different types of food packaging to ensure product safety.
What Are the 4 Types of Packaging Materials?
Of course, different types of packaging require different packaging materials. Here’s a quick introduction to the common types of product packaging you can find out about.
Primary Packaging
Primary packaging is very important for those brands that produce perishables. These kinds of packaging are ideal for factories that produce pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, or other items that require compact packaging to preserve and protect the items.
Some samples of this packaging are:
- Plastic containers
- Tin can
- Bubble wrap
- Parchment paper
- And so on
Secondary Packaging
If you need to ship your products, you must repackage them after the primary packaging. This type of packaging is popular as secondary packaging. There are various types of packaging materials used in secondary packaging.
You will find various samples for this packaging, such as:
- Plastic crates
- Wooden crates
- Plastic trays
- EPS trays
Tertiary Packaging
Tertiary packaging is mandatory for the safe transportation and shipping of products. Essentially, this type of packaging ensures an extra layer of security that protects your products from any potential impact.
Some samples in this category are:
- Plastic pallet
- Corrugated fiberboard
Ancillary Packaging
Ancillary packaging is one of the most important types of packaging. In fact, this is an essential consumable in the packaging industry.
Some examples of ancillary packaging are, for example,
- Adhesive or glue
- Tapes
- Printing inks
- Labels
- And more
What Are 5 Characteristics of Good Packaging?
As a brand owner, you need the right and most cost-effective packaging material to pack your products. In this regard, before you start purchasing them, there are a few things you need to consider.
Do note that no matter how many different types of materials you have to choose; you must consider the characteristics below!
Maximum Safety and Durability
Your business needs to invest in durable packaging that provides the best security for your product. You might find many examples of protective packaging there. Yet, remember that your packaging should properly protect the product inside from the elements of nature.
Easy Availability
Make sure that the material you choose is readily and easily available. For instance, you can go with cardboard packaging material as it is easily available and really affordable.
Affordability and Simplicity
All types of boxes used for packaging are required in large quantities. In this context, they must be readily available and inexpensive. After all, investing in expensive packaging will only increase the price of your product. In the end, customers will feel hesitant to purchase from you.