When it comes to selecting the best packaging materials for your products, you need to think about the entire processes involved to get them into the hands of consumers. First, there will be packaging to contain your products. Next, you will need packaging to ship and transport your products to authorized resellers.
If you are an online-only business and sell direct-to-consumer, then you will also need packaging solutions for shipping your products to your customers. There are all sorts of packaging options to choose from based on the types of products you manufacture and sell.
1. Rigid Plastic Packaging
This type of packaging is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic or high-density polyethylene (HPDE) plastic. Some of the more common types of rigid packaging are plastic bottles like those used for soda, water, shampoo, lotion, etc.
2. Paper
Paper is a popular packaging choice used with various types of products like the paper your butcher uses to wrap meat in. Paper bags, product labels, and tissue paper and some other types of paper packaging are available.
3. Paperboard
Paperboard is thicker and sturdier than paper packaging. This packaging solution is frequently used as the primary package that contains products, such as cereal, TV dinners, crackers, etc. Paperboard can also be produced in different thicknesses, so it is also a good choice for juice boxes, milk containers, and more.
4. Cardboard/Fiberboard
Cardboard and fiberboard are considered secondary packaging materials. They are the most common material used to ship products to retailers and consumers. Some businesses also use cardboard and fiberboard for primary packaging for products like vacuum cleaners, cooking utensils, pots and pans, appliances, HD TVs, etc.
5. Aluminum
From aluminum foil to aluminum cans, aluminum is also a very popular packaging material used for primary packaging.
6. Glass
While plastic packaging has become more popular, there is still a wide variety of products that are packaged in glass. You will find glass containers used for food products like spaghetti sauces and personal care items like perfume and cologne. With a move for companies to be more eco-friendly, glass is gradually making a comeback because it is fully recyclable and can be reused an endless number of times.
7. Flexible Plastic Packaging
This is another type of plastic packaging used with a variety of products. It is made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). LLDPE is commonly used as shrink wrap, stretch wrap, and other thin plastic packaging types like the plastic wrap used around pallets or the green plastic bags grocery stores make available in the produce section.
LDPE can be produced in various thicknesses and is typically used as primary packaging, but it can also be used as secondary packaging. Pet food, pet treats, toilet paper, tools, parts, and bags of potato chips are some primary packaging products that use LDPE. Secondary LDPE packaging would be the plastic wrapped around cases of bottled water or canned goods.
How to Select the Best Product Packaging Solutions
When selecting packaging solutions for your business, think about what impression you want to make with your customers. For example, if you want to make a positive eco-friendly impression with your customers, make a point to use packaging made from recycled materials.
For help obtaining custom packaging materials to meet primary and secondary packaging needs, please feel free to contact GCB Solutions, Inc. at (904) 263-2804 today! We have the equipment and materials you need to make your packaging vision a reality.