Product packaging plays a vital role in multiple aspects of a business. It helps customers identify the product, ensures its protection, and serves as a key factor in attracting buyers. Studies show that 72% of consumers are influenced by packaging design when making purchase decisions, underscoring its importance in shaping buying behaviour.
To choose the right packaging for your products, it’s essential to understand both the different types of packaging and the layers of packaging involved. Each layer—primary, secondary, and tertiary—serves a specific purpose, from protecting the product to supporting branding and logistics. A clear understanding of these functions ensures businesses can make informed choices that align with their product’s needs and consumer expectations.
Primary Packaging
Secondary Packaging
Tertiary or Transport Packaging
Types of Packaging Materials
Paper and Cardboard
• Paper-based packaging includes paperboard and cardboard, both offering different applications. Paperboard is thicker and used for boxes and cartons, while cardboard is a heavier, more durable material. Paper-based options are renewable, biodegradable, and more sustainable compared to other materials, though it's important to balance their environmental benefits with the need for protection and durability.
• Examples: corrugated boxes, paper bags, and folding cartons.
Plastic
• Plastic packaging is widely used for its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET can be molded into various shapes, providing excellent protection. However, plastic's environmental impact is a growing concern, leading to increased efforts in recycling and the development of eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable plastics.
• Examples: PET bottles, shrink wrap, blister packs.
Glass
• Glass packaging is valued for its strong barrier properties, protecting contents from contamination and moisture while offering aesthetic appeal. Commonly used in beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, its transparency builds consumer trust and enhances product perception. However, glass is fragile and requires careful handling during transport and storage.s.
Metal
• Metal packaging, typically made from aluminum or steel, is known for its strength and durability. It is commonly used for products such as canned goods, aerosols, and beverage cans. Metal's ability to provide an effective barrier against oxygen, light, and moisture makes it an ideal choice for preserving the integrity and extending the shelf life of products. This protection helps prevent spoilage, ensuring that the contents remain fresh for longer periods.
• Examples: aluminum cans, tin containers.
Flexible Packaging
• Combines multiple layers of material for lightweight, durable packaging.
• Examples: pouches, sachets, or plastic wraps.
Wood
• Used for premium packaging or bulk shipments (e.g., wine boxes, pallets, or crates).
Biodegradable or Eco-Friendly Materials
• Includes recycled paper, plant-based plastics, and compostable materials.
• Examples: molded fiber trays, biodegradable bags.
Effective packaging is more than just a protective layer—it’s a powerful tool for product preservation, consumer attraction, and sustainable practices. With well-designed packaging, your products can stand out on shelves, maintain their integrity through transportation, and resonate with eco-conscious customers. From functional features like resealable closures to impactful visuals that reflect your brand identity, great packaging drives both practical and emotional connections with your audience.
At Erica Miller Design, we specialise in creating packaging that blends innovation with aesthetics, ensuring your brand leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s developing eco-friendly solutions or designing visually compelling packaging, we collaborate with you to deliver designs that protect, captivate, and align with your business goals.
Let us help you elevate your packaging to reflect the quality and uniqueness of your products.
