Wednesday, May 25, 2022

The 3 Levels of Packaging: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Packaging

Did you know that the packaging of products is different in its levels?

Also known as primary packaging, secondary, and tertiary Each packaging has its own place and the purpose behind it.

In this post, we're going explain the difference between different kinds of packaging, how each is utilized in the first place, their importance and how to locate an experienced packaging company to ensure that your product's packaging is properly designed each step of the process. Let's have a look.
Primary Packaging


It's easy to forget about the products that are delivered to your door.

Did you know that the packaging of products is different in its levels?

Also known as primary, secondary and tertiary packaging, each packaging has its own place and its function.

In this post, we're going explain the difference between different kinds of packaging, the reasons they are used in the first place, their importance and how to locate an experienced packaging company to ensure that your product's packaging is properly designed each step of the process. Let's look at each one in detail.

Primary Packaging

primary packaging definition direct contact product

The primary packaging is that directly in contact with the item itself.

The cereal box isn't considered the primary packaging, however the container inside is, as it's what contains all the items in the box. If all the cereals were placed inside the box on their own (without bags) it would make them more prone to becoming out of date and being affected by light or moisture and deteriorate their flavor, texture and even their consistency.


The primary function of packaging is to preserve and protect the item inside. For this reason, bags are quite heavy and can easily slip from your hands. Additionally, they don't make a neat cabinet. It's difficult to print any information regarding the product so we put the bag in the box to keep the product in good condition and safe from the elements of light, moisture or other substances that may impact the product.

Primary packaging is usually described as retail packaging, but the term "primary packaging" is often used to refer to secondary packaging, too. With our cereal example primary packaging doesn't only refer to the packaging which the cereal is packed boxes in, but also the box in which the bag is placed in as well. If you've ever walked through the aisles of cereal in the grocery store, brightly colored boxes that have intricately textured images of cereal are made to draw your attention and draw your attention.

As for what constitutes primary packaging, consider it as the answer to the question: is this the packaging the product is typically purchased in? If it is, then that is considered to be the primary packaging. For another example, carbonated drinks are stored in a container and the can could be considered to be the primary packaging as it's where the product is shipped to the customer.

Secondary Packaging

secondary packaging definition, example of custom boxes for retail

Secondary packaging is usually used to put a particular number of items in a single unit that's easily identifiable. The S K U also known as the Stock Keeping Unit, makes it simple for sellers to determine the movements of their stock and inventory. Secondary packaging allows to categorize items so that they can be easily tracked. Products that are smaller in size typically are shipped with secondary packaging.

The packaging itself could be composed of various pieces, such as:

The box it self

Interior padding

Separators for products

Reinforcement to stop damaging or tearing the box from being crushed or damaged

For many people secondary packaging is what is in their mind when they consider packaging. Everything from the branded eCommerce packaging you get in the mail , to the custom boxes that are found on the shelves of your local retailer make up secondary packaging.

The pieces of secondary packaging may be further customized so as to increase the visibility of the product and easily accessible at a store or in a store. Going back to our cereal example, secondary packaging could be the container that holds various custom-designed cereal boxes to store in a warehouse prior is placed on shelves for sale. Another instance would be the "fridge box" for carbonated drinks. It is the container used to keep many cans and also provide another layer of security.

Sometimes, the primary packaging and secondary packaging may overlap. For instance, retailers frequently receive packages of new movies in boxes that double as an exhibit stand. The box is used as an additional packaging that protects the product, but it also functions as a packaging for retail to draw the attention of consumers regardless of the fact that the DVD case is the way in which the film is distributed to the customer.

The majority of consumers will encounter and interact with other packaging, especially when it is a two-in-one marketing and shipping options like the mentioned DVDs or carbonated drinks. If you are planning to utilize your packaging in the same way it's logical to think about how your packaging design will leave an impression on your clients.

Tertiary Packaging

Tertiary packaging definition example

Tertiary packaging is usually referred to by its name of bulk or transit packing. It's used for transporting larger amounts of merchandise with security and safety to the destination. Imagine a large number of cereal boxes being delivered on pallets and being transported to distribution centers.

This type of packaging is easy to manage, store and deliver goods as one self-contained units. Often, tertiary packages consist of a number of cardboard boxes that are huddled with stretch-wrap to stop the packaging from being thrown around and tossed around during transport.

It's rare for consumers to look at tertiary packaging because it's typically used to provide an extra layer of protection for the primary packaging, and to organize larger packages for easy storage and retrieval of SKUs.


Why Do Packaging Levels Matter?

Why are there 3 levels of packaging

If the items are shipped in a group or you're grouping similar items to display at retail or specific items that are intended for consumer consumption or usage -customized packaging at every step is crucial.

On the third level of packaging there's a chance that consumers won't be able to see it but it doesn't mean that you shouldn't not pay care about it. In every aspect of packaging it's a product for sale or not, there's a an approach to follow. Making sure your product is (especially when there's a huge amount of them) secure during fulfillment and shipping is as crucial as showcasing your product on the shelf of a store.

Of course, it's natural to would like to save money while securing your product. The good thing lies in working with an experienced and experienced packaging business is what can make the difference between your product getting delivered safe and sound and appearing to be the most suitable option for the buyer and not arriving damaged or crushed, damaged and torn.


Help is Here for Every Level of Your Custom Packaging Journey

custom product packaging support

Luckily, Emenac Packaging is here to assist. With our deep experience and knowledge in packaging for products and printing, we can keep your costs in check and explore innovative solutions that highlight and establish your brand as the customer's most preferred option among the other competitors.

From secure packaging that helps keep your products safe from the distribution center, to shelves at stores in secondary packaging that promotes your company's name while making it easier for customers to find the product's information and to the primary packaging that shines directly on your product placing it head and shoulders above the rest . you can trust Emenac Packaging to provide you with consultation and fulfillment services throughout the process.

Even if you do not have a clear vision for your business and require help on how you can effectively convey it to customers Our team of skilled graphic designers can assist you through every step of the procedure. With a variety of fields and disciplines We're equipped to listen to your ideas and translate it into a stunning product design.


It is essential to communicate your brand's message and highlight your product's distinctive design. This is possible, not just by using the graphics and packaging style as well as the materials you use in the packaging.

Eco-friendly and environmentally-conscious, rustic and primitive, elegant and modern, sophisticated and luxurious. Whatever impression you wish to make, Emenac Packaging is able to create it.

You've put in a lot of effort to make an amazing product. Contact us today to get no-cost, no-obligation quote for your packaging and let our expert team of packaging and printing experts aid in the design of packaging that reinforces all that you want people to be aware of about your product and its outstanding performance and design.

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