Primary and secondary packaging

Appropriate protection of goods against damage, destruction or contamination is one of the most important stages of production. It ensures that the item is delivered to the recipient in the best possible condition. This, in turn, translates into the attractiveness of the product and its satisfactory quality for the consumer. Therefore, in this material we will delve into the topic of packaging, present the reasons why it is particularly important and briefly describe its types. All this to make it easier for you to choose the right type of protection for the products you produce.

Why is this an important topic?

It can be said that the packaging of a product translates into its success or failure. No consumer will be satisfied if the product he purchased, even if it is in a beautiful box, is damaged. Few people will pay attention and reach for a visually unattractive sachet or handbag, even if the product itself is of high quality.

The packaging should adequately protect the product during transport and on the store shelf, but not only that. It is best if the outer layer also increases the usefulness of the product, engages the consumer and forms one coherent whole with the article. Then the customer knows that the entire production process was carefully thought out, accurate and careful. This makes them trust the product.

Types, forms, materials – a bit of theory

Another type of packaging is that which protects the product and is part of branding, and another type is preparing the product for transport or storage. In this material, we will deal with the issue in the first of the above-mentioned aspects, i.e. on the smallest scale. We distinguish primary and secondary security, which can be made of various materials, e.g.:

  • foil,
  • paper,
  • cardboard,
  • glasses,
  • from synthetic materials.

Moreover, they can take various forms, including:

  • jars,
  • cartons,
  • bottles,
  • down,
  • trays,
  • handbags,
  • and others.

Basic packaging

This type of coating has primarily a protective function. In addition to this basic task, it should also be a marketing tool. Thanks to this, the product reaches the store in perfect condition. Moreover, it is with this type of security that the consumer has direct and first contact. Therefore, this layer should be characterized by unique aesthetics and originality to attract the customer's attention, stand out from the competition and encourage purchase. It may stand out:

  • color,
  • shape,
  • size,
  • advertising slogan,
  • other graphic elements.

Due to the fact that the outer layer of the product also has an information function, it should contain the name of the product, the name of the company or enterprise, as well as other necessary information (expiration date, composition, method of use, comments, etc.)

These types of containers, cans or jars are intended to last as long as the consumer uses the contents, e.g. drinks water from the bottle or eats ice cream from the box. Therefore, they must be useful and durable.

Secondary packaging

This is the outer layer of the primary packaging. Its purpose is to group products and provide them with additional protection.

It most often occurs with food products, but not only. This type of layer may be a material combining several bottles of water into one package or a cardboard box containing chocolate wrapped in silver aluminum foil. The foil is then the primary packaging and the cardboard box is the secondary packaging.

Secondary packaging often takes over the function of primary packaging because it becomes what the consumer sees at the first moment of contact with the product. Therefore, they can also be used for marketing and provide important information regarding use, composition, maintenance, etc.

What should you consider when choosing?

The type of product packaging should be adapted to the type of product, its consistency, purpose and degree of delicacy. This is the basis and the most important criterion when choosing a box.

However, you should also remember to take into account appropriate protection and representation of the product. It is crucial to maintain the right proportions and balance between protection and marketing.