Different Types Of Industrial Packaging: A Guide For Beginners

Industrial packaging could well be the unsung hero of the world’s supply chain as the unassuming but ubiquitous stretch wrap, strapping, crating, boxing, and other materials ensure goods arrive safely at their destinations.

“Industrial packaging plays a vital role in various industry supply chains. It encompasses the packaging used to transport goods in quantities like drums, pallets, and containers,” explains Packaging Gateway, a B2B news site that covers the packaging industry. “While its main purpose is to safeguard products during shipping and storage it also contributes significantly to logistics, branding, and sustainability.”

Estimates have the global industrial packaging market expanding between 3.8 and 7.3 percent over the next decade with a total value of $151.37 billion by 2035.

“The industrial packaging market is a vital component of the global supply chain, providing essential solutions for packaging and safeguarding a wide range of industrial and commercial products,” said a Persistence Market Research report released in November 2023. “This diverse and dynamic sector encompasses an array of materials, including plastics, metals, paper, and wood, tailored to meet the unique requirements of different industries.”

A shift towards e-commerce during the pandemic as well as continued globalization and sustainability issues have put industrial packaging in the supply chain spotlight.

“The global industrial packaging market is poised for growth in the upcoming years due to several factors. These include rising demand for packaged goods, increasing trade activities, and a growing focus on environmental concerns,” reports Packaging Gateway.

Types of Industrial Packaging: An Introduction

The landscape of industrial packaging is vast, encompassing a multitude of materials, forms, and functionalities.

From the stalwart strength of rigid packaging to the adaptable nature of flexible packaging, each type plays a unique role in safeguarding products.

Some basic types of industrial packaging include:

Stretch Wrap

• Description: Stretch wrap, also known as stretch film or even pallet wrap, is a versatile and elastic-plastic film commonly used to secure and bundle items together.
  
  
• Primary Use: Stabilizing palletized goods during transportation.
  
  
• Applications: Ideal for wrapping boxes, pallets, and other items to prevent shifting or damage.
  
  
• Pros: Cost-effective. Transparent, allowing for easy identification of goods. Offers protection against dust and moisture.
  
  
• Cons: Limited puncture resistance. May not be suitable for sharp-edged or heavy items.
  
  

Says Packaging Gateway: “Stretch wrap finds use across various industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. In the realm of food and beverage, it serves as a layer for perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and meat. In the pharmaceutical industry stretch wrap safeguards medical equipment and supplies.”

Heat Shrink Wrap

• Description: Heat shrink wrap is a plastic film that, when exposed to heat, shrinks tightly around the items it covers.
  
  
• Primary Use: Providing a tamper-evident seal for products.
  
  
• Applications: Commonly used in packaging bundled items.
  
  
• Pros: Provides a snug fit and tamper resistance. Enhances product presentation.
  
  
• Cons: Limited flexibility for irregularly shaped items. Requires a heat source for application.
  
  

Says Packaging Gateway: “PVC shrink wrap tubing can reduce its size by up to 40 percent. One of the advantages of heat shrink wrap lies in its versatility as it can be utilized for packaging various products such as food items, electronics, and machinery.”

Strapping

• Description: Strapping, also known as banding or bundling, involves using straps made of various materials to secure items together.
  
  
• Primary Use: Bundling and reinforcing heavy or irregularly shaped items.
  
  
• Applications: Used in industries such as construction, lumber, and metalworking.
  
  
• Pros: High tensile strength for securing heavy loads. Resistant to environmental conditions.
  
  
• Cons: Can be time-consuming to apply. May not be suitable for small or lightweight items.
  
  

Says Packaging Gateway: “One of the advantages of strapping is its ability to provide exceptional strength and security making it perfect for heavy or bulky objects. For example, strapping can be employed to secure pallets containing bricks, lumber, or machinery. Furthermore, it can be utilized to reinforce packaging materials such as cardboard boxes or plastic bags to prevent them from breaking or tearing while in transit.”

Boxing and Crating

• Description: Boxing and crating involve placing items inside rigid containers for protection during transportation.
  
  
• Primary Use: Ensuring the safety of fragile or valuable items. Companies such as Amazon and Walmart ship almost every conceivable item daily boxed in a multitude of sizes.
  
  
• Applications: Common in industries dealing with clothing, electronics, glass, or artwork.
  
  
• Pros: Excellent protection against impacts and rough handling. Customizable for specific product dimensions.
  
  
• Cons: Increased weight and bulk. Higher material and manufacturing costs.
  
  

Says Packaging Gateway: “Crating involves constructing a wooden frame around the product and fastening it with nails or screws. This method is typically employed for heavier items such as machinery or furniture.”

Drums and Bulk Bins

• Description: Drums and bulk bins are large, rigid containers designed to hold and transport bulk quantities of liquids, powders, or granular materials.
  
  
• Primary Use: Transporting liquids, chemicals, or bulk commodities.
  
  
• Applications: Widely used in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
  
  
• Pros: Efficient for handling and transporting bulk quantities. Durable and reusable.
  
  
• Cons: Limited suitability for smaller quantities. May require specialized equipment for handling.
  
  

Says Packaging Gateway: “Drums are cylindrical containers, typically made of steel, plastic or fiber, take on a shape and are commonly employed for the transportation of liquids or powders. Bulk bins serve as large containers specifically designed to transport and store dry goods like grains, seeds, or pet food.”

Different Levels of Industrial Packaging and Materials

Industrial packaging operates on multiple levels with different types of material, each serving a distinct purpose in the journey of a product.

Plastic (durable and versatile), metal (robust), and paper (lightweight, recyclable) all have their place in the global supply chain.

“While every type of material has its advantages it’s important to also consider the potential drawbacks,” explains Packaging Gateway. “Plastic packaging is not biodegradable and can contribute to environmental pollution … metal packaging can be quite heavy and costly to produce while paper packaging may not be as resilient as some alternative options.”

Another way to look at industrial packaging is how it is used on various levels:

• Primary Packaging: Directly touches the product, protecting it from contamination and damage. Examples: Pouches, bottles, cans, blister packs, shrink wrap.
  
  
• Secondary Packaging: Surrounds primary packaging, grouping multiple units for easier handling. Examples: Boxes, crates, shrink wrap.
  
  
• Tertiary Packaging: The outermost layer used for bulk shipments and long-distance transportation. Examples: Pallets, containers, shrink wrap.
  
  
• Sub-packaging: Additional packaging within the primary or secondary packaging. Examples: Trays, dividers, inserts.
  
  

Understanding these levels helps in choosing the right combination for safe product delivery.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Industrial Packaging

Selecting the right industrial packaging is a strategic decision influenced by numerous factors.

From the nature of the product to transportation requirements, cost considerations, and sustainability goals, each aspect plays a crucial role.

Making informed decisions about industrial packaging involves considering various factors such as:

• Product type and fragility.
• Transportation mode and distance.
• Storage requirements.
• Cost and budget.
• Sustainability goals.
• Branding and marketing objectives.

Benefits of Choosing the Right Industrial Packaging

Choosing the right industrial packaging transcends mere protection—it's a cornerstone of operational efficiency and brand integrity.

Selecting the right packaging goes beyond logistics, becoming a strategic asset for your business with the following benefits:

• Reduces product damage and loss.
• Improves efficiency and cost savings.
• Enhances brand image and customer satisfaction.
• Ensures compliance with regulations.
• Minimizes environmental impact.

Choosing the right industrial packaging can be an important, but tough decision. Reach out to Performance Packaging in the Houston area today for help in safeguarding your goods and streamlining your operations. We have all your packaging, shipping, warehouse, and facility supplies needs covered.