Most Common Types Of Packing Materials

The packing material differs in functionality depending on whether it is used as a primary, secondary, or tertiary packaging. The material that will contain the product will differ from the packing material used to ship and transport the products to the final destination. The packing materials should be able to withstand all types of external shocks to protect the product within. With packing material playing an important role in packaging, choosing the correct material is very important for any business. 

A Few Common Packing Materials Used Are:

1. Plastic

Plastic is probably the most common and well-known packing material used across all industries. It is flexible, lightweight, easily mouldable, and durable. It is used to create food-safe, transparent, or opaque packaging. The major disadvantage of plastic is that, depending on the type, it can be extremely difficult to recycle.

Plastic Can Be Differentiated Into Two Types

• Flexible Plastic Packaging

Flexible packaging is made from high-grade polymers such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).  These polymers are FDA approved and are contaminant- free and perfectly safe to use. Both materials are soft to the touch and offer excellent puncture resistance. LDPE is widely used for manufacturing various containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic parts for computer components, etc. LLDPE is used for plastic bags, sheets, plastic wrap, stretch wrap, pouches, toys, covers, lids, pipes, buckets, containers, etc.

• Rigid Plastic Packaging

This type of packaging is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic or high-density polyethylene (HPDE) plastic. Both materials offer excellent moisture resistance while maintaining a rigid protective structure. Water and soda bottles are made from PET while jugs for cooking oil, milk cartons, and bottle caps are made from HPDE. HDPE is harder and even more rigid than PET material.

2. Paper/Paperboard/Cardboard/Fiberboard

All paper-based packing material is cost-saving, lightweight, and easily customizable. It is made from renewable sources hence an eco-friendly packing material. Paper is used for making a large variety of thinner packaging products like labels, paper bags, tissue paper, etc. Paperboard is thicker and more durable than a standard paper material and is often used in primary packaging like milk cartons, cereal boxes, etc. Businesses use cardboard and fiberboard for the primary packaging of products like vacuum cleaners, cooking utensils, pots, etc. Fluted fiberboard is used in the creation of corrugated boxes.

3. Aluminium

Aluminium’s ability to form any shape and its protective qualities has made it a versatile, primary packaging material. It is highly resistant to corrosion and offers excellent protection against light, ultraviolet rays, oils, and oxygen. Most commonly used to package food or medications due to its hygienic and nontoxic nature, as well as its ability to extend the shelf life of products. The various types of aluminium packing are foil, cans, containers, etc. Foil packaging is used in medical, food, beverage, cosmetic, and many other industries as a barrier protector and is often used with an adhesive to protect and preserve unopened products while on the shelf. It can be recycled and reused several times.

4. Glass

Glass is eco-friendly, fully recyclable, and can be reused an endless number of times without loss in quality or purity. Most commonly used in food and beverage as it is a nonporous, non-toxic material that does not leak things into food and drink. As a result, glass preserves the flavour and freshness of its contents for a longer time. The main disadvantage of glass is it requires a great deal of heat and energy to manufacture, making its carbon footprint relatively large and its production cost high.

When selecting packing materials, choosing an eco-friendly packing that can be reused and recycled would help in reducing carbon footprint.