What is Secondary Packaging and Why Does it Matter? – Our Insights to Give you Answers
Share this post
Tablet of Content
As a common saying goes in the packaging industry, “Secondary packaging is the last thing on your mind, but the first thing your customer sees.” [1]
Despite the fact that packaging is going through a revolution of “less is more” and companies are looking for packaging of a single layer or packaging “without packaging”,[2] secondary packaging is still an essential concept with basically all the products for from consumer goods to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
In this article, we will talk about the details of secondary packaging including what is it and how it works, as well as the roles that secondary packaging plays and its benefits. This article will help you to
- design your secondary packaging,
- find the right contract packaging company for outsourcing,
- as well as to find the right secondary packaging machine.
What is secondary packaging?
Secondary packaging refers to the outer layer of packaging that is used to group multiple units or protect individual units of a product during transportation, storage, and handling. It is typically designed to hold and protect multiple units of primary packaging, which contains the actual product.
Secondary packaging may include
- cardboard boxes
- cardboard sleeves
- shrink wrap
- overwrapping
- …
For example, imagine that a bunch of snacks or chocolate bars is placed in a display box. The display box here is considered a form of secondary packaging.
Also, consider a bottle of pills and capsules which is then loaded into a carton box. The carton box here is considered a form of secondary packaging while the bottle is the primary packaging. [3]
What is the purpose of secondary packaging?
Generally speaking, the primary purpose of secondary packaging is to provide an additional layer of protection to the primary product and make it easier for retailers and consumers to handle and store the product. Secondary packaging can also be used to brand or market the product, as well as comply with regulatory requirements.
Protection
The purpose of secondary packaging is to protect and contain primary packaged products during storage, transport, and distribution. Secondary packaging refers to the outer layer of packaging that surrounds the primary packaging, which contains the actual product. It serves as an additional layer of protection, providing a barrier against external factors such as moisture, dust, light, and temperature changes that may affect the quality and integrity of the product.
Branding
Secondary packaging also plays a critical role in branding and marketing.
It can be used to create a distinctive look and feel for the product, making it more appealing to customers. This can include incorporating graphics, logos, or other design elements that help differentiate the product from competitors on store shelves or online catalogs. In addition, secondary packaging can provide important information about the product, such as instructions for use, nutritional information, or safety warnings, which can help consumers make informed decisions about their purchases.
Facilitating the handling
Another benefit of secondary packaging is its ability to facilitate efficient handling and storage of products.
For example, a multipack of beverages can be shrink-wrapped by plastic film and can be easily stacked and stored on the shelves. It also facilitates the consumer’s experience so that they can take more at once.
Furthermore, secondary packaging can aid in reducing waste by allowing retailers to purchase bulk quantities of products without having to individually handle each item, especially when the packaging used is cardboard sleeves for multipack.
How to do automation with secondary packaging?
Determining the right option to automate your secondary packaging is not an easy topic. While large companies with health and strong cash flow can organize and install a stock of packaging machines at their own facility to get full control over their packaging process, SMEs who are with limited space and financial status may not be able to do so.
So, the issue here is, whether you should do packaging in-house with your own packaging equipment or outsource it to a contract packager (contract packaging company).
Automate your secondary packaging with in-house packaging machines
Doing packaging with an in-house line requires people, cash, as well as effort with management. This is definitely a game for large companies and goes through long and complex process:
- Firstly, you must determine the appropriate secondary packaging materials (e.g., cartons, film, trays, etc) and design the packaging accordingly.
- Then comes the step of looking for the right packaging machine manufacturer.
- Meanwhile, it is necessary to organize human resources from packaging machine operators to maintenance technicians and management teams.
It’s important to note that the specific steps may vary depending on the type of in-house packaging machine being used and the characteristics of the secondary packaging materials. It’s also crucial to follow manufacturer instructions and safety protocols when operating any machinery. After all, purchasing a packaging machine is not a simple transaction but a long-term cooperation between the user and the manufacturer.
Advantages of in-house packaging:
- Greater control over the packaging process
- Ability to customize packaging as needed
- Reduced lead time for packaging and shipping
- Potential cost savings over time
Disadvantages of in-house packaging:
- High upfront capital investment for purchasing and maintaining packaging equipment
- Additional expenses associated with hiring and training packaging personnel
- Limited flexibility in handling sudden changes in demand or packaging needs
- Higher risk for downtime or delays in production if the packaging equipment malfunctions.
Outsourcing your secondary packaging to a contract packager
Companies outsource packaging to contract packaging companies for various reasons such as cost savings, limited access to specialized expertise and equipment, improved efficiency, scalability, and flexibility in production.
Contract packaging companies can provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of their clients, allowing businesses to focus on their core competencies while leaving packaging to the experts. Additionally, outsourcing packaging can help businesses reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining in-house packaging operations.
Contract packaging companies are usually considered the ideal choice for those small companies with a limited capacity for purchasing, installing, and maintaining their own packaging equipment, as well as the cost it entails.
Advantages of outsourcing to a contract packaging company:
- Access to specialized expertise and experience in packaging and logistics
- Flexibility to scale up or down quickly to meet changing packaging needs
- Reduced capital investment and lower ongoing maintenance costs
- Potentially faster turnaround times due to streamlined processes and economies of scale
Disadvantages of outsourcing to a contract packaging company:
- Less control over the packaging process and quality assurance
- Higher per-unit costs for packaging services
- May require additional management and coordination efforts to ensure timely delivery and consistent quality
- Loss of trade secrets or intellectual property depending on the nature of the products being packaged.
Packaging Equipment from ÉLITER Packaging Machinery
Secondary packaging includes a wide range of packaging forms. At ÉLITER Packaging Machinery, our packaging equipment is available for your to automate your packaging with cartoning, film overwrapping, wrap-around application and cardboard sleeving.
You can find references who have benefited from the packaging automation solutions by ELITER.
Feel free to contact us for any questions including packaging automation, packaging design, and anything about packaging no matter it is within the range our solutions cover or not.
Bibliography
- [1] What is Secondary Packaging? Douglas Machine, March 16, 2018 by Sara Hoidahl. https://www.douglas-machine.com/what-is-secondary-packaging/
- [2] Estrella Galicia Replaces Paperboard with Adhesive-Only, ‘No Pack’ Multipacks, https://www.packworld.com/news/sustainability/article/22644119/estrella-galicia-khs-replace-paperboard-with-adhesiveonly-no-pack-multipacks
- [3] Secondary Packaging: An Exploration, Industrial Packaging, by Nathan Dube on February 24th, 2022, https://www.industrialpackaging.com/blog/what-is-secondary-packaging
