Customers and manufacturers see two sides to a product. A customer encounters products wrapped in their product labels and containers. Meanwhile, manufacturers can see all stages of the supply chain, which involves all kinds of packaging methods. There are three standard layers: primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
In the manufacturing and movement of goods, proper packaging is a must to achieve high quality, protection, and longevity. This way, consumers can enjoy the full benefits of an item, and producers can maximize their profits. This article helps you differentiate the different layers of packaging, as well as familiarize you with the various materials and machinery used in packing.
Why are primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging important?
Packaging solutions are essential for protecting goods from any form of damage, be it:
- Environmental conditions
- Handling and transit faults
- Deterioration
- Theft
Packaging is also necessary to ensure the traceability and proper grouping of products. Manufacturers can assign batch codes to identify packaged goods. This is key to an efficient movement from production, transportation, to delivery.
In recent years, sustainable solutions focused on green packing have emerged in the logistics and packing industry. Many companies and manufacturers are turning to eco-friendly alternatives for packaging equipment, which significantly adds value to products nowadays.
Differences Between Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Packaging
There are different layers of packaging. Each of them serve a specific purpose in preserving a product’s safety.
Primary Packaging
1. First layer of product protection
Primary packaging shares direct contact with the product. It serves as storage and shields the product from tampering. Practicing proper packing is key to attracting more customers. Defective packaging may discourage buyers from purchasing your products.
2. Indicator of product quality
Perishable goods, for example, require proper packaging to assure customers of the product’s freshness and quality. Poor packaging can result in product defects or damage that may affect a customer’s use.
3. Used to communicate with the customer
Besides protection, primary packaging also serves as an information deck, where retail customers can view details about the product. Examples are expiry dates, nutrition facts, ingredients, handling instructions, and manufacturing details. This layer communicates these details to the end user for proper use and storage of the product.
4. Eye-catching design
In a retail setting, this layer is the first impression of a product on the shelves. The presentation is important to draw in users. For example, striking colors on bottled drinks can draw in consumers. Bold letters clearly declare what kind of product is inside. Clear branding on the packaging makes goods easily recognizable.
Examples of Primary Packaging
- Drink bottles
- Aluminum cans
- Plastic tubes
- Plastic wrappers
- Cardboard boxes
- Blister packs
Types of Machines Used for Primary Packaging
- Filling and Bottling Machines – Fills pre-made containers and bottles with liquid and other kinds of products before sealing.
- Bag Sealers / Vacuum Sealers – Removes air and seals packages to prevent damage and preserve product quality.
- Capping Machines – Sanitizes and applies caps and seals to containers.
Secondary Packaging
1. Additional layer of protection
Secondary packaging is what encases the primary packaging, often consisting of materials like cardboard, plastic, or shrink wrap. It supports the first layer by adding extra protection to the product inside.
2. Provides easy storage
This layer also makes moving and storing items easier. It groups several units, packed in bundles depending on the manufacturer. For example, one liter bottles of soft drinks can be grouped into six, and cans of tuna can be packed in dozens within a cardboard box.
3. Prevents damage during transit
When products are transported in batches, secondary packaging acts as reinforcement to secure goods together. It limits the impact of movement during transit on individual units, significantly reducing potential damage on the product.
4. Used in product display or sales
Retailers may display or sell products in their secondary packaging (such as bundles, packs, or cases) rather than primary. This layer may also come in a variety of vibrant designs, presented in such a way that it attracts customers to the product.
5. Can be repurposed
It is typically made of sturdy, recyclable materials, such as cardboard and plastic, which may be reused by users. It can be filled with the same product again or repurposed into an entirely different item.
Examples of Secondary Packaging
- Cardboard boxes
- Trays
- Plastic boxes
- Shrink wrap with reinforced cardboard / plastic base
Types of Machines Used for Secondary Packaging
- Case Formers – Automatically assemble, fold, and seal cardboard boxes from their flat structure.
- Flow Wrapping Machines – Encase products in airtight packaging, such as bags or pouches, to prevent damage.
- Sticker Applicators – Dispense industrial labels for product containers, boxes, and other types of packaging.
- Case Packing / Sealing Machines – Loads, packs, and seals products into ready-made boxes, cases, or containers.
Tertiary Packaging
1. Outermost packaging layer
Tertiary packaging is the largest, outermost layer of protection. It is designed to house multiple groups of goods and store them easily. These can commonly be found in warehouses, shipping containers, or transport vessels.
2. Mostly used in B2B processes
Shops and retail outlets typically display sales units in primary or secondary packaging, but tertiary is mainly used in the transport of goods and B2B operations. Therefore, it is not required to serve any commercial purpose.
3. Made of high-grade, durable materials
In contrast to other types, tertiary packaging is created with more durable materials like cardboard, metal, plastic, and wood. It is designed with a purpose, built to withstand harsh conditions in the transport process, and inclement weather.
4. Transports multiple products in a single unit
This layer is designed for transit and must be able to hold together multiple bundles during crucial stages of the supply chain process. Because it consists of several products, manufacturers make use of pallet labelling, RFID, and QR codes to monitor the package’s contents and movement.
5. Reduces transportation costs
Tertiary packaging can potentially minimize the shipping costs of manufacturers. Bulk transport is a common solution for cost-effective shipping. When products are properly wrapped, they can be securely stored in a container, van, or truck along with other units. For example, a single 20-foot shipping container can fit up to 10 standard 48” x 40” pallets. It effectively saves space and transport expenses.
Examples of Tertiary Packaging
- Pallets
- Shrink wrap
- Shipping crates
Types of Machines Used for Tertiary Packaging
- Palletizers – Combine products and stack them systematically onto pallets for storage or transport purposes.
- Pallet wrapping machines – Secure and protect palletized products using plastic stretch film.
- Label / sticker applicators – Print and stick labels to pallets for identification and tracking during shipment.
The differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging exist for unique purposes in the manufacture and transport of goods. Every business follows its own standards for packaging, so practices can vary across industries. Even so, understanding each type of packaging can help you determine the proper materials for your products.
ALSO READ: 10 Kinds of Packaging Machines that You Should Know
Elixir Industrial Equipment, Inc. is fully equipped with packaging solutions for every stage. As a dependable industrial equipment supplier in the Philippines, Elixir provides only the highest quality machinery for your primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging requirements.
Browse through our products and contact us today for a quote.