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What Is Primary Packaging?

  • Writer: MMP Corporation
    MMP Corporation
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

Do you know the purpose of the three main types of packaging used in shipping palletized goods? 


Understanding the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging and their applications will help you plan and forecast operational costs in manufacturing and shipping. 


As a manufacturer of quality stretch wraps for food and plastic pallet wrapping applications, MMP helps protect your products from damage when entering the supply chain and enables you to manage sustainable operations. This guide explores packaging’s diverse roles within a supply chain. The three main types of packaging are:


Secure tertiary-wrapped pallets ready for shipping

1. Primary Packaging


Primary packaging is the initial packaging of the product itself. The packaging is added first, then removed last. Primary packaging may include glass, cardboard, flexible plastic pouches and metal cans. For many products, the primary packaging consists of clear stretch plastic that allows consumers to see and closely examine the product. 


This plastic packaging is typically thin and pliable. It aims to protect the product from dirt, dust and moisture encountered when shipped and handled. It may also have branding, bar codes and shipping instructions printed on it. 


It serves as a barrier protecting the product's hygienic properties and may be an element of regulatory compliance in the logistics supply chain. 


Some examples of primary packaging include:


  • Cereal boxes

  • Milk cartons

  • Plastic bottles of liquids

  • Aluminum cans

  • Paper bags of charcoal

  • Plastic bags of flour or rice

  • Blister packs of pharmaceuticals and small items


2. Secondary Packaging 


Secondary packaging consists of packaging used to create unit loads of products. Multi-count boxes holding a specific number of products are an example of secondary packaging designed to make taking inventory quicker and easier. Sacks of rice bundled together with plastic wrap are another example. Secondary packaging:


  • Provides an added layer of protection

  • Cuts down on repetitive movements in handling that can slow down operations 

  • Decreases the risk of damage to individual products


Secondary packaging helps reduce the number of packages that must be handled individually in the manufacturing facility before shipping and adds another layer of protection to the products. Examples of secondary packaging include:


  • Shrink-wrapped cases of soft drinks or water

  • Bundled bales of retail floor-ready displays

  • Multi-count boxes of smaller-boxed products

  • Cardboard-boxed cases of wine


This packaging may also have regulatory compliance standards it must meet to be used in the supply chain. 


3. Tertiary Packaging


Tertiary packaging is typically the last to be added and the first to be removed once the products have reached their destination. It's added before shipping from the manufacturing facility to distribution points like retail stores. 


This type of packaging is typically thick and durable but provides stretch characteristics that help to make tight, stable, palletized loads that can withstand the rough treatment of being shuttled from warehouse to truck several times during the trip to their final destination. 


The features of tertiary packaging include:


  • Used in bulk handling, transportation, and warehouse storage for durability and protection.

  • Prevents damage during shipping and makes palletization more efficient


Some examples of tertiary packaging include:


  • Pallet stretch wrap

  • Slip sheets

  • industrial-size boxes and crates

  • Steel strapping around baled products 


Understanding the Role of Each Packaging Type


Each of these layers of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging has a role that can improve the efficiency and sustainability of supply chain operations. 

While secondary packaging was rarely used in consumer-facing options, that’s begun to change as stores and hypermarkets offering discounts on products bought in bulk have become popular. 


Due to its popularity, brands are focusing more on secondary packaging and branding. In turn, tertiary packaging has to offer added protection from exterior dirt, dust, and moisture elements to preserve the consumer-facing integrity of the new role of secondary packaging.


Crucial Role of MMP Corporation


As a provider of industrial packaging solutions, MMP Corporation has traditionally manufactured products unseen by consumers, but critical for the success of B2B operations. 

Our range of products tackle modern supply chain issues, and are designed to make your operations efficient and profitable.


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Why Packaging Matters for Your Business


Having the proper packaging can benefit your operations in several ways:


  • Contribute to sustainability and compliance goals

  • Support cost-efficient logistics by avoiding damage from overpackaging

  • Reduce packaging waste through better product protection


MMP Corporation supports all three levels of packaging, focusing on tertiary film solutions. We manufacture high-performance, industrial-grade LDPE stretch film and tertiary packaging solutions for palletization.  


We can create customized options based on weight, dimensions and application. Our products offer superior film clarity, puncture resistance, and load stability in shipping.


We also offer post-industrial recycled (PIR) and post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins in stretch films to support client environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets. Partner with MMP Corp’s decades of expertise, international certifications, and supply capacity. Contact MMP Corporation for your packaging solution.


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