Guides
Complete Guide to Industrial Packaging Materials
An overview of the main families of industrial packaging materials and what each is typically used for.
Packaging layers
Industrial packaging is usually described in three layers: primary packaging in contact with the product, secondary packaging that groups products (such as cartons), and tertiary packaging used for transport (pallets, stretch film, strapping).
Main material families
- Plastic films — stretch, shrink and polyethylene films for wrapping and covering.
- Paper and board — corrugated cartons, kraft paper and partitions.
- Protective materials — bubble wrap, foams, air cushions and edge protectors.
- Strapping — PP, PET and steel strapping for securing loads.
- Moisture and corrosion protection — desiccants and VCI products.
- Wood and export packaging — pallets, crates and dunnage.
How to choose
Start with the product: its weight, dimensions, fragility and surface sensitivity. Then consider the journey — transport mode, handling, climate and storage time. Finally consider cost, handling speed and disposal or reuse.
If you are unsure which combination fits, send us your requirement and we can help you identify suitable options.
Glossary
- Unitising:
- Combining several items into a single load, usually on a pallet.
- Primary packaging:
- Packaging in direct contact with the product.
Need help choosing?
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