11 Different Product Packaging Supplies and Materials
When it comes to creating a product for consumer use, it is crucial to select the correct packaging supplies to keep those products safe as they make their journey from finished product to store display to the customer’s home. While safety is a primary concern, there is also the matter of ensuring brand recognition and space requirements. Other factors to consider are eco-friendliness, cost, availability, and fit. There are a wide variety of packaging options available, so there is a perfect packaging option for every product.
1. Corrugated boxes
Cardboard on its own is not necessarily a very strong product, however corrugated cardboard is. Corrugated cardboard boxes are effective for packaging items of many sizes and weights They are versatile product packaging supplies and can be used on different types of materials for branding.
2. Paperboard boxes
Paperboard boxes are less strong and sturdy than corrugated cardboard boxes. These containerboard materials are often used for packaging goods that will likely not be encountering a difficult journey – think of a doughnut box, for example. These boxes are also easy to brand, and can be used to keep together products that are not uniform in shape to facilitate stacking and transportation.
3. Plastic boxes
Another option for packaging is to use plastic boxes. These product packaging supplies are versatile because the material itself is strong and it shows off the product well due to its transparency. One downside to plastic boxes is that the box itself tends to be quite flimsy, so it isn’t great for heavier products, however it is effective for use in many industries including office supplies, baked goods, candy, and home décor.
4. Plastic pouches
These product packaging supplies are excellent when your product needs to remain sealed against air until opened. They are strong enough to withstand some pretty rough travel, and will keep air, elements, and bugs out of the product. It is a popular option for food products, but can be used in almost any industry.
5. Paper bags
Growing in popularity are paper bags, due to their eco-friendliness and the fact that they are very cost efficient. Paper bags can be used for packaging dry goods. Lining on the inside of the paper bag allows it to be more resistant to moist conditions and makes it more durable.
Paper bags are often used for light products – like the sleeves you receive pastries in at the bakery. These product packaging supplies are also used in stores to help customers carry their purchases. These are becoming more and more common because they are environmentally friendly, unlike the more popular plastic bag.
6. Side gusset bags
Side gusset bags can be made of paper, plastic, foil-inline, and aluminum foil, among other options, and are often used for storing coffees, teas, and other ingestible items. They seal fairly well, and are resealable. In addition, side gusset bags are easy to personalize, and are highly customizable.
7. Bottle and cap packaging
Another option for product packaging is a bottle and cap. These are often used for liquids, pastes, and small items like pills. These product packaging supplies for space saving, they offer solid protection against outside contaminants and damage, and they are not expensive to purchase. The bottle can be made of plastic or glass, and the cap is usually made of plastic or metal.
8. Blister pack
A very specific form of packaging is the blister pack. This is a way to individually package multiple small items, keeping them protected and free of contaminants. This is the type of packaging gum comes in, as well as some pills, medications, and lozenges. A benefit of blister packs is that it is easy to identify if they have been tampered with or damaged, and if the product is therefore potentially hazardous.
9. Sealed food trays
Often used for meat products, a sealed food tray includes a Styrofoam tray with a sealed plastic wrap over top. The tray may be sealed using a method called Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). This method extends the shelf life of the products, but does not require the product to be frozen in the process.
10. Shrink wrap
Products can be enclosed in a shrink-wrapped packaging, which provides a protective layer over an already packaged product. You might have seen this type of packaging overtop of a deck of cards or a box of paperclips. It allows the consumer to confirm that they are getting a new product, and that there will be no items missing from the product they have paid for.
11. Skin packaging
This type of packaging covers exactly the form of the item being packaged, backed by a branded piece of cardboard. It is an economic form of packaging that doesn’t take up very much space in storage. It allows the product to be properly sealed, and also visible to the consumer.
