A Quick Guide to Different Levels of Packaging

To be able to well deliver your product to the customer, it is not enough to just ensure its form and shape but also the way it is packed and presented. Going with this you need to comply with the model packaging standards that speak about different types, forms and levels of packaging. 

Here we enumerate the three main levels of packaging that are pivotal to the presence, function and value of any product.

So, on the basis of their application levels there are three types of packaging – primary, secondary, and tertiary. Here in detail:

1. Primary Packaging 

Primary packaging is the first layer of packaging that covers the product at the preliminary or initial level. This is the packing that stays the closest to the product. 

This is the most significant part of packaging in terms of attracting and informing the customer about the product as such. Mostly, you will find it holding the product intact or covering it as a protection layer, with branding and labelling done over it.

The best examples are - the tin covering of a soda can, the cardboard boxes of LED lights, or simply the wrapper of a chocolate.

2. Secondary Packaging

Secondary packaging is when different products or units are clubbed together in one consolidated packaging. So, it is the layer that adds to the goods that are already covered with primary packaging.

Its most significant role is to protect the product from any kind of breakage or loss during shipment. Also, it is meant to keep products in a more consistent and organized form for better segregation and handling in the supply chain process. 

Best examples can be a collective packing case for a dozen of drink cans or a display stand for potato chips.

3. Tertiary Packaging 

The outermost covering that is used to move the product (with primary or secondary covering done already) move from one place to another is tertiary packaging. So, if you are using a large carton or a binder that holds and protects the goods to be moved and stored at different places across the user lifecycle, it is the outermost or tertiary packaging.

Tertiary Packaging is typically not seen by the end user or consumer. It is the hard and sturdy packing that drives the product from the production point to distribution and sub-distribution point or the point-of-sale. 

Example includes, bulk pallets and barrels, that are used to transport products in comparatively large volumes, mostly covering large distances. 

So, these are the different levels of packaging that keep the product covered, sorted, well-presented and safe till the time it reaches its destination. Though these layers often overlap and shift their roles depending on the type and nature of product. 

Like for example cardboard boxes can be primary packaging in case of fruits and vegetables while it can be secondary packaging for charging batteries or computer accessories that are already packed in their primary skins. Same goes with secondary and tertiary packaging. 

So, there’s no proper classification or definition these levels of packaging fit in but largely these three put together drive the whole packaging format and are the most important three different levels of packaging that you should know in order to package and parcel things well.