These days, business packaging isn’t only about protecting and preserving products. It’s also an opportunity to create a lasting brand impression.
Tip number one: use the right packaging materials. As versatile as boxes are, they may not be ideal for every situation. It all depends on the products you’re shipping and the message you want to send with them.
Not sure which packaging option to opt for? Here are the most common types of packaging materials and how they can benefit your business!
Paper
Paper is the most popular packaging material in the manufacturing industry. It’s easy to see why: it’s functional, versatile, and eco-friendly. Paper packaging can include SBS paperboard, rigid boxes, or kraft paper.
SBS paperboard is often used to package cosmetics, frozen food, juice, and so on. It’s made from paper pulp, which makes it stronger than ordinary paper. Kraft paper and rigid boxes are commonly used for luxury products.
Glass
Though glass is breakable, it has many strengths as a packaging medium. For instance, it’s an excellent barrier material. Any food and drinks stored inside glass containers will retain their flavor and freshness for a while.
Glass is also pretty to look at, which can give your packaging a deluxe look. This is why we see so many textured glass containers for soda and alcohol products. Glass is also a great sustainable packaging material.
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated boxes consist of three layers of paper: inner layer, corrugated layer, and outer layer. The corrugated layer is the key. It provides insulation and rigidity that makes cardboard a great packaging material.
The best thing about corrugated boxes is that they’re very flexible. You can mold them into any size or strengthen them to carry heavier items. That said, it’s still important to know how best to use them.
Plastic
Plastic is another packaging material with plenty of benefits. It’s durable, airtight, lightweight, and affordable. Given its popularity, it’s no surprise that there are 400 million metric tons of plastic produced each year.
The main issue with plastic is that it’s hard to recycle. This is why many businesses are now turning to bioplastics. Fortunately, this eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics retains all of its desirable qualities.
Metal
The most common types of metal packaging are aluminum and steel. As long as it’s thick enough, metal is more durable than plastic or glass. It’s also among the cheapest and most versatile materials on the market.
You can use metal to package a variety of products. It’s most often used for food and beverages, as it prevents them from spoiling. Steel drums are also ideal for transporting large quantities of liquids for commercial use.
Best Types of Packaging for You
The bottom line: all common types of packaging have their advantages. The above guide will help you pick the right one for your business. Of course, you can also outsource your packaging needs to the experts.
At Packaging Fulfillment Co. Inc., we can make your distribution process easier. We offer quality products, competitive prices, and efficient packaging services. Contact us here to see what we can do for you!
