A Guide for Packaging Levels: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Packaging

When a finished product reaches us, we seldom think about the efforts to conclude its packaging. The truth is there are multiple levels of packaging, each focused on adding worth, security, and functionality to their custom boxes. This article is all about identifying the different packaging levels, which include;

1. Primary Custom Packaging

The packaging that comes in contact with the product directly is referred to as primary packaging. In some parts of the world, packaging companies and retailers use the term ‘consumer unit’ for this packaging type. The main aim of this packaging involves;

• Product containment
• Product protection (from human touch and contamination, etc.)
• Product preservation, etc.

Some people get confused between secondary and primary packaging types. There is an easy way to remember and distinguish primary packaging from the rest. It is the first layer of packaging that wraps the finished product. Some products need no more layers of packaging, and their basic or primary packaging is customized to appear attractive. The marketing and advertising of such products are carried out using themes printed on these boxes. Clients sometimes use retail packaging for product packaging as their customers buy products in these boxes. An easy example of such packaging is beverage bottles and related items.

2. Secondary Custom Packaging

This product packaging enables the vendors, retailers, and customers to identify the product and group it with comparable products and items is called secondary packaging. It also includes custom subscription boxes and mailers. One purpose of composing secondary packaging other than marketing and advertising is to make the product trackable. It helps define and calculate stock movement in brick-and-mortar and online selling outlets. This packaging type comprises;

• A customized cardboard box (featuring different layouts, dimensions, features, etc.)
• Inner box layout (fences, inner boxes, padding, separators, etc.)
• Inner layering (fabric, high-grade quality paper-based, etc.)
• Special inserts etc. (made of foam, plastic, biodegradable plastic, recycled cardboard, Kraft, regular cardboard, folding carton, etc.)

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Apart from making the inventory stocking and selling more effective, this packaging is ideal for safely shipping small to medium-sized orders. It is common to customize secondary packaging boxes according to clients' demands. For this purpose, clients can place custom cardboard wholesale orders with experienced packaging and printing companies for versatile boxes. On many occasions, the secondary packaging boxes also serve as retail boxes. These packaging boxes are designed to flaunt interactive themes that pull the target demographic into purchasing.   Various printing techniques are used for printing these boxes, including;

• Offset printing: It is beneficial when mass production orders area a need. This printing technology helps offer negotiable rates to the clients. The printing task is complete after checking the color consistency and accuracy of inks.
• Digital printing: This printing type is preferred when the order is not bulky and requires less time. Most cardboard variations like folding cartons and corrugated material are easy to print using this technology and cost-effective to conclude printing jobs.

Besides these printing techniques, lithography and flexography are also used on custom cardboard packaging.

3. Secondary Custom Packaging

Companies that require bulk orders shipping for their products from one destination to another have to use tertiary packaging to secure and mark their products. This packaging is designed to keep the products safe and is durable enough to bear impacts during shipping and transport. Because these boxes can fit large orders, this packaging is also called bulk packaging by some. Printing brand identity on these boxes and the international packaging signs mark the box and educate labor about tackling it appropriately. Customers hardly ever get to see this kind of packaging unless they are in the areas where items are stocked. It is essential to print packaging symbols on these boxes to ensure they remain safe throughout the journey. Some common packaging symbols and images include;

• Vertical arrows: Indicate how the boxes must be kept identifying the right side up. This indication is essential for products and gears which involve oil and other liquids to prevent leakage.
• Stemware with a crack: This image indicates that fragile products are packaged inside the custom shipping boxes and need to be tackled with care.
• A flame Indicates that the products inside are flammable and must thus be kept away from heat and extremely high temperatures.
• An umbrella with raindrops: This symbol indicates that the packaging must be kept away from wetness and moisture.

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Apart from these symbols, various other characters are available for clients to select according to their product needs. Some business entities make sure to brand their shipping boxes as well. They understand that it is essential to remain visible, even when the products are not displayed on the retail shelves. These boxes are pivotal in keeping the products safe and preventing damage to the packaged products inside their custom cardboard boxes. This prevention saves the companies from significant losses and an uninterrupted supply of products.

How to Benefit from Impressive Custom Cardboard Boxes in Packaging

Business entities interested in ordering custom retail and packaging boxes must reach out to experienced packaging companies. Preferably these companies must have an independent printing facility so that designs and layout are worked simultaneously for best results. The clients must provide complete information related to;

• The measurement of their products
• The needs they look forward to catering to using each type of packaging level.
• The design or branding elements selected for each level
• The best layouts for each level

Once the packaging company receives this information, it starts selecting the best in terms of;

• Material
• Layout
• Design and themes
• Branding elements
• Effects and add-ons, etc.

Also Read About: How To Order Custom Cardboard Boxes Online

Experienced designers look for unique themes that can lure customers. The creators come up with reliable yet easy locking mechanisms to ensure the safety of products. They reduce extra flaps and tabs to keep the layouts clean, which helps minimize material usage and reduce overall cost against the orders.