What is tertiary packaging?

Packaging is a science, and it is constantly evolving. Lindum Packaging has over two decades’ of experience in the packaging industry ー and we are still learning new things everyday. This month, we would like to focus on all things tertiary packaging ー and how this fits within the packaging hierarchy.

There are three types of packaging:

1. primary packaging
2. secondary packaging
3. tertiary packaging.

Each type of packaging has a different packaging purpose ー therefore, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the different levels of packaging required. For example, when you know each product’s role in the packaging process, you can make well-thought-out choices to increase pallet stability, increase profitability, and reduce waste.

Primary packaging

Primary packaging is the packaging most customers are familiar with and is used to contain the product. The primary packaging is in direct contact with the product, and its purpose is to contain and protect the product from contamination as well as to extend the shelf life. Primary packaging often also includes information about its content. For example, cartons of cereal, bottles, jars, cans, and crisp bags are all primary packaging examples.

Secondary packaging

The main purpose of the secondary packaging is to protect the primary packaging, especially when in storage. The packaging can also be used to contain several products and make it easier to find the product in the warehouse. Cartons containing small packages of crackers or mail order packaging are examples of secondary packaging.

Tertiary packaging material

Most consumers never come in contact with tertiary packaging. The tertiary packaging definition is a product to protect the secondary packaging when being stored or in transit. Tertiary packaging material is mostly used when shipping products in bulk from a producer to a retailer, that’s why it’s also sometimes referred to as bulk packaging. The packaging aims to simplify operations and make the shipping of heavily loaded pallets safer. Pallet wrap, shrink wrap, wood pallets, and cardboard boxes are tertiary packaging examples.

The importance of secondary and tertiary packaging

Secondary and tertiary packaging are essential products in the packaging industry, even though few consumers will have ever heard of them. There are several reasons to choose packaging with care. Here’s a list of the benefits of outer packaging:

• prevents damages during transportation
• simplifies packaging operations
• protects the inner packaging against contamination and moisture
• optimises the load space
• improves pallet stability which leads to fewer damaged and rejected goods. Stable pallets also create a better work environment because they reduce the risk of injuries or casualties from falling pallets.

Lindum Packaging ー packaging supplier for the B2B-segment

Is your business in need of secondary or tertiary packaging? In our product ranges, you will find cardboard packaging to move goods in an environmentally friendly way, products to improve pallet stability and stretch film and pallet wrap to protect and stabilise pallets. We also offer a selection of protective packaging, paper packaging, packaging tapes and packaging accessories.

Save money, reduce plastic waste and improve customer satisfaction with us. Request a free transit packaging audit for us to review your packaging processes and the materials you are currently using, analyse your pallet stability in our mobile pallet load stability test lab, and help you improve packaging performance.