When I talk to business owners looking for packaging solutions, I get many questions about secondary packaging. Usually they understand what primary and tertiary packaging is, but are pretty confused about the purpose of secondary packaging. They look amazed when they understand just how simple this classification is! It makes a lot of sense to them and usually the examples I provide are very familiar and easy to understand.
This is why today I decided to offer you a written explanation of what secondary packaging is. So, when you will finish reading the article, you will feel like a secondary packaging master! Keep reading and you will quickly find out…
What is secondary packaging?
Secondary packaging is the middle layer of packaging, that protects the primary packaging and pack together more individual products in an organized manner. Some examples could be the printed shrink film used for containing 12 cans of soda or the cardboard box that guards 12 jars with pickles.
Secondary packaging is simple at the basic level, but can get really complex as you get deeper into the topic. Some details may make the difference so make sure you understand and read carefully the whole article!
What is the purpose of secondary packaging?
This layer of packaging has multiple functions that vary from one industry to another. However, whatever the type of company, the main purpose of secondary packaging is to contain many products, in an organized way.
It also needs to protect the primary packaging from suffering damage that can alter its quality, since most of the times the first layer is the only one the final consumer interacts with. That’s why it needs to preserve its perfect shape.
One of the secondary roles of it is to promote the brand and offer information about the product. Especially when it is interacting with the final consumer, secondary packaging becomes a marketing tool.
What does secondary packaging look like?
Because I believe in the power of examples, I will present some of the most popular types of secondary packaging. Pay attention, you may hear about the perfect solution for your brand too!
1. Cardboard box
You’ve probably interacted with them when shopping for groceries. They are a perfect option when the primary packaging is pretty strong itself, but needs to stay in place. They don’t offer a lot of protection, but the containing part is done perfectly.
Products that have as primary packaging plastic or metal containers, sometimes even a special type of cardboard(like the one in milk packaging), are suitable for this type of secondary packaging.
Also, the products that don’t need a lot of protection because they are resistant themselves can be a good fit for this type of packaging. Think about the pharmaceutical industry. Most of the pills I know look pretty strong to me! That’s why they always use little cardboard boxes to contain the multiple aluminum or plastic blisters.
2. Plastic containers
Plastic is still one of the most used materials in the packaging industry, and the second layer makes no exception. Many fragile products are packed in hard plastic containers that provide a high level of protection against shocks.
Usually, products that are directly packed in glass that can break, such as beverages, can be found in these type of containers. A perfect example would be a case of beer. It is easy to transport, space-efficient and protects the bottles. Moreover, it can be branded so the customer knows what beer he buys.
3. Shrink film
This is a more specific type of secondary packaging, usually used in the beverage and food industries. It provides little to no protection for the product, but it is very space efficient. Moreover, it can be personalized to a great extent, with your brand’s name, colors and even some information.
4. Display
Display have lots of functions, main function is used as counter. It always contains many primary packaging and used as shipping box when moving. Is has many types, listed as following:
- Counter display
- PDQ
- Floor display
- POS
- POP
- Media display
How should I choose my perfect solution?
The most important thing you can do is to analyze your needs.
Do you have a fragile product or easily tearable primary packaging? Go for a second layer option that offers more protection.
Do you have many competitors in the market and need to stand out? Go with a completely customizable solution, a unique one.
Do you need to optimize your delivery process? Choose an option that lets you stack as many products together as possible.
These are processes that take a lot more time than you would expect, and if you’ve never done this before, your first project won’t look the way you wanted. That’s why you should consider contacting a broker! This way, you could focus on your main activity and you will get the best results possible in multiple areas of your business.
Conclusion
Secondary packaging plays a very important role in the whole process, even if sometimes ending consumers think it isn’t that visible.
You can invest into it as a marketing tool cause some secondary packaging can be seen by ending consumer. But at first make sure it protects and contain perfectly your product, so that the consumer can enjoy the awesomeness of what you have just sold them!
And if you think this is too complicated, always remember there is a broker waiting to help you achieve your maximum potential. SL packaging provide this kind of service.
