Home / Blog / 10 Different Types of Packaging Materials You Should Know
Packaging is an integral part of any product, and it can make all the difference for your customers. You want to give them something that they are going to enjoy using and be excited about.
But how do you know what kind of packaging material to use? There are so many different types out there, each with their benefits and drawbacks. We will discuss these below in more detail.
There are a lot of popular packaging materials that people like to use: paperboard boxes, plastic wrap, and aluminum foils, but not all of them work well for every product. Your choice depends on what type of product you are selling as well as your personal preference.
Paperboard boxes are great for carrying items such as books, CD’s, and DVD’s. They are usually made of thick cardboard with a folding lid on top or bottom that you can open to see what is inside. The main drawback to paperboard boxes is that they do not offer protection against moisture, so it may not be the best option if your item needs some kind of protection.
Foam types come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are all made up of polystyrene beads that have been heated until they expand into a spongy material. The main benefit of foam packaging is its ability to be reused over and over again.
Dishes can be put back inside their original boxes for safekeeping or use as storage containers after being washed (if still intact). One drawback would be that you will need to mark them with masking tape because there’s no lid on them.
Kraft paper is a durable material that can be folded or flattened without losing its original shape. The main benefit of this type of packaging is the price, which will vary depending on how much you purchase at one time and what grade/quality level it has been prepped to.
Corrugated fiberboard is a type of cardboard that is often used for shipping. It offers more protection than Kraft paper, which can be helpful if you are sending fragile items or those that need extra padding, like electronics and mirrors.
The downside to this material is the cost – it may have varying prices depending on how much you purchase at one time, but in general, it will end up being about twice as expensive per square foot compared with some other types of packaging materials.
These are plastic sheets typically found in food service establishments such as restaurants and fast-food joints. They offer great insulation against heat, so they make excellent choices for frozen foods and any other item where temperature control matters (e.g., nonperishable goods). As a bonus, they are also a good choice for protecting your products from the rain.
Stretch film is another packaging material that is popular for use on boxes. It is used to wrap around the box and seal it shut, so there are no nasty surprises when you open your package.
But this type of packaging has a downside as well because they have plastic in them that cannot be recycled, which increases their environmental impact over time.
If you need to send something in the post, then one option is to put it into a plastic bag rather than using an envelope or box – but do not forget that these bags are not recyclable either. The main benefit of using plastic bags for sending items through the post is that they are lightweight and easy-to-handle; while at the same time being cheaper than other materials such as cardboard boxes.
The main downside with plastic bags is that they are flimsy and can easily tear or become ripped, which means you run the risk of having your item fall out and be lost on its way to its destination. There is also a possibility that, if it gets wet because it was raining when delivering your letter, water could seep through into the bag itself; potentially getting onto whatever’s inside, which would ruin everything.
Shrink film is also used by many companies that need to send out different types of items, such as jewelry and other small goods. It is made from a thin plastic material that can be tightly wrapped around the item or products being shipped, so it is completely contained in one place, without any risk of coming undone.
This article will take a deep dive into some different types of packaging you could choose for your products to see how they compare to one another. I will also go over what makes them advantageous or disadvantageous so that you have an idea of things to consider before making your choice too.
In Conclusion
In the end, the type of packaging that you choose for your product depends on what’s important to you. Are you more concerned with the cost? Sustainability? Or both? If the answer is both, then there are options out there like corrugated shipping boxes and pallet wraps which can help keep costs down while being sustainable at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most recommended sustainable packaging solution?
Kraft is the most eco-friendly packaging stock you can use for your products. You can also use corrugated fiberboard, which is both strong and sustainable.
Q. What are the top three characteristics of excellent packaging?
Protection
Durability
Customization
These three things can make or break your brand, so choose your packaging wisely.
Q. How can we increase the perceived value of our boxes?
You can use different types of finishing, add-ons, inserts, etc., to enhance the appeal and perceived value of your packaging.
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