Before choosing secondary packaging, let me explain what primary packaging and secondary packaging are, and why primary packaging companies usually do not provide secondary packaging.
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What is primary packaging?
Primary packaging, also known as sales packaging or inner packaging, is the innermost layer of packaging that directly contacts the product. Its main functions are to protect the product, extend shelf life, and facilitate consumer use. For example, Pharmaceutical Packaging, beverage bottles, and glass containers for cosmetics are all examples of primary packaging. Primary packaging usually needs to meet hygiene, safety, and sealing standards, as it directly affects the product’s quality and safety. During design, it is often combined with brand visual elements to enhance the product’s appearance and user experience.
What is secondary packaging?
Secondary packaging is a layer of packaging that wraps around the primary packaging. Its specific purposes can be divided into two categories:
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Secondary packaging used for retail display and promotion:
This type of secondary packaging is commonly used in retail settings such as supermarkets and counters, where the design focuses on aesthetics and brand recognition. The goal is to attract customers’ attention, convey brand value, and protect the product’s integrity during shelf display. For example, the outer packaging boxes of skincare products, scented candles, medications, and similar items fall into this category. -
Secondary packaging used for transportation and bulk storage:
This type of packaging focuses more on structural strength and stacking efficiency. Common materials include corrugated cardboard boxes. Its function is to group multiple products together for easier storage, handling, and logistics transportation. This packaging is typically not directly aimed at consumers, with a focus on reducing transportation damage and improving operational efficiency.
Why do most primary packaging companies not produce secondary packaging?
1.Significant differences in production equipment and processes
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Primary packaging needs to meet safety requirements for direct contact with products, such as medicines, food, and cosmetics. It typically involves sterile environments, food-grade materials, and precision filling or sealing equipment.
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Secondary packaging focuses more on functions like printing, aesthetics, anti-counterfeiting, and transportation protection, using materials like paper boxes and plastic containers, and relies more on printing and paper processing equipment.
Summary: → These two types of equipment require significant and different investments, making it difficult to accommodate both.
2.Different compliance standards
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Primary packaging must comply with higher industry regulatory standards (e.g., drug authorities, FDA), involving hygiene, safety, material traceability, and other requirements.
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Secondary packaging primarily emphasizes brand presentation, anti-counterfeiting design, and logistical protection, with relatively less compliance pressure.
3.Different customer groups
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Primary packaging typically serves clients such as pharmaceutical factories, food manufacturers, and cosmetics companies that require large-scale use of container filling, blister packs, or glass bottles.
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Secondary packaging targets brand owners, retailers, and e-commerce platforms. When products are updated or upgraded, the packaging requirements increase, emphasizing customization and quick response.
PACKJAKI specializes in secondary packaging.
Here is a brief introduction to the types of secondary packaging
Secondary packaging includes packaging that wraps around the primary packaging for protection, branding, and logistics purposes. Common types include:
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Retail Packaging: Used for product display and promotion in stores. Examples include printed cardboard boxes, paper sleeves, and plastic blisters.
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Transport Packaging: Focuses on protection during shipping and storage. Examples include corrugated boxes, shrink wraps, and pallets.
These types of packaging play a key role in safeguarding products, improving branding, and enhancing logistics efficiency.
How is secondary packaging produced?
The process of producing packaging that customers need to understand includes:
Requirement communication → Material/structure confirmation → Design prototyping → Quotation and order placement → Production → Quality inspection → Shipping → After-sales support.
What aspects of secondary packaging can be customized?
| classification | Customizable Options |
| Structure Types | Tuck-end box、Drawer box、Magnetic flip box、Magnetic rigid box、Window box、Gift set box、Foldable box |
| materials | C1S/SBS Paperboard, Kraft Paper, Greyboard with Wrapped Paper, Corrugated Paper, Specialty Paper (Pearlescent, Leather-textured), Eco-friendly Paper (FSC Certified, Biodegradable Materials) |
| Insert |
Precision cutting, tailored to fit inner trays (EVA, blister, pulp, sponge, etc.) |
| surface treatment | Matte/Gloss Lamination, Gold/Silver Stamping, UV Printing, Embossing/Debossing, Spot UV, Anti-scratch Film, Soft-touch Film |
| printing | Logo, Brand Name, Product Information, Barcode, Illustrations, Multilingual Instructions, Anti-counterfeit Code |
| Functional design | Transparent Window Film, Handle/Rope Handle, Drawer Pull String, Moisture-Proof/Compression-Resistant/Shock-Resistant Design, Anti-counterfeit Label, QR Code |
| Environmental protection options | Plastic-free Packaging, Recycled Materials, Soy Ink Printing, Biodegradable Materials |
What costs matter in secondary packaging?
Buyer: Transportation and Possible Assembly Costs Depending on Box Type
Seller: Material, Design, Labor, Equipment, and Emission Handling Costs
Is the market price of secondary packaging highly volatile?
As a company integrating trade and production, we adjust our prices according to market fluctuations in raw materials. Of course, such price differences become noticeable mainly with large-volume orders.
Suggestions
Large-volume purchases should monitor paper material market prices.
Contact us to help you save costs and design your packaging.
