Our life today has a close relationship with packaging, packaging is planning, creating production and using the appropriate coating for the consumer, industrial and military market. Industrial packaging is an important part of the production process that provides conditions for goods and industrial products to remain safe and protected during transportation and storage. Packages are available in wide shapes and sizes and with different materials. Each product has its own requirements, so it is important to know enough about industrial packages to know which type is suitable for each situation.
Industrial packaging is designed to store and protect industrial goods, which are often targeted or specifically designed to fit specific products on a large scale and industrial scale. Industrial materials can include anything from concrete, food and beverages, chemical and pharmaceutical products, automotive, oil and gas and petrochemicals, construction and a wide range of products, each with its own unique characteristics. The wide variety and difference in features have made it impossible to use a single solution for them.
Industrial packaging must be strong and heavy-duty, facilitate transport and storage, and be able to protect contents from impact, dents, or spills during transit. Also, labeling, inventory management and shipping and in some cases marketing activities become easy for them.
What is the packaging material?
Industrial packages have a wide range, But there are some main ingredients in all of them that are used for almost all products. All kinds of cartons, plastic films, bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, plastic containers, cans, and tetra packs are known packaging materials.
The duty of packaging is to protect the products inside, for this reason, if the right materials are not chosen for its production, not only will we not have a safety package, but we will also damage the internal contents. The question that arises is whether a package is enough? For many of our products, we need multiple coatings. The packages are as follows:
- primary
- Secondary
- Third
- sub
Primary packaging (first layer)
For industries or factories that produce medicine, food, beverages, and other perishable items, choosing the right primary packaging is very important for them as they need packaging to protect the items. There are different types of packaging materials that are used in primary packaging, which we will discuss further.
- Films: Multilayer films are made of very thin plastic or polymer. The structure of these materials (Shrink) is such that it reacts to heat and becomes sealed.
- Plastic Containers: Hard plastic containers are common in retail businesses and are often reusable and recyclable.
- Thermoformed products: This type of packaging is made of thermoplastic and is mainly used for electronic items. Thermoplastics are heated and molded into specific shapes for products and their ancillary equipment.
- Cans: Tin cans are multi-purpose packaging materials that are used in many types of businesses. Canning, drinks, oil, paste, paint, etc. are often offered in tin cans.
- Parchment Paper: Cakes, butter, and many other foods are wrapped in parchment paper before packaging. The baked paper does not stick to materials and is easily removed.
- Sanitary tube: Laminated tubes are resistant to oil and heat and are completely hygienic and are primarily used to package all types of paste, cream, or ointment. These packages have two parts, on one side they have thermal sealing and on the other side, they have lids, which makes them easy to use.
- Cardboard box: It is one of the most common types of packaging and is produced from paper and cardboard materials. Sometimes other materials such as plastic are used in them to have properties such as moisture protection.
- Zippered envelope: These bags are a combination of several materials that have been used for many materials in recent years due to their ease of use.
- Glass containers: Glass containers are used for packing food, chemicals, medicine, powders, etc. Of course, these containers are fragile and often need another layer of protection.
- Shrinking film: Shrinking or shrinking, also known as thermal plastic, is used to package several units of items. In general, films are used for the outer layer and we need heat to apply them.
- Stretch film: The stretch film is a transparent plastic cover used to protect perishable food such as salads and sandwiches. It is also used to keep the loads on the pallet closed.
- Sack: Most agricultural products such as potatoes, grains, rice, etc. are packed in cloth sacks. For products such as cement, fertilizer, etc., plastic sacks are generally used, which can carry up to 1000 kg.
- Bubble wrap: A common plastic in the industry that often surrounds fragile or sensitive goods to prevent them from being hit and damaged. Bubble wraps are filled with air that acts as a cushion and provides excellent protection.
Secondary packaging (second layer)
After the primary package, all products that are delivered in bulk need to be repackaged, which is called secondary packaging. There are different types of materials that are used in secondary packaging, which we will discuss further.
- Plastic basket: These boxes are used for packing and carrying bulk orders and are common in stores and shopping centers. For example, keeping and carrying fruit is one of their main uses.
- Tray: All kinds of plastic trays are placed under a number of products as a holder, thus making them easier to carry.
- Wooden box: These boxes are sturdy and often used for storage and sorting, and their main use is in warehouses and supermarkets. These boxes are environmentally friendly.
The third package
The third layer is needed for transporting and sending products. Basically, this type of single-layer packaging ensures added safety that protects products from impacts. In the following, we examine the most common cases of this category.
- Box: Flute sheets are used in the production of cardboard box and protect the products against shocks and accidental shocks. Box is one of the main products of the packaging industry that are used for transportation.
- Wooden box: There are various types of wooden containers in the market that are designed in the form of boxes and are used to pack materials and facilitate transportation.
- Pallet: In the distribution of industrial products, plastic and wooden pallets are the main players. The pallet makes it easy to move large packages with a forklift.
Sub-packaging
The last layer that is less noticed; But they have a significant impact on security when transporting packages, this is the part. In fact, these are essential consumables in the packaging industry and mainly include the following:
- Adhesives
- Printing inks
- PP polypropylene belts
- Caps
- Adhesive tape
- Tags and labels
- Bumpers
What points should we pay attention to in industrial packaging?
As a business owner, you probably have a general idea of the packaging materials you need. But before making a purchase, there are a few general points to consider. The best packing supplies are those that offer the following features:
- Safety and Durability: The first thing you should consider when choosing is durability. Buying a low-quality, cheap product will only waste your money and product.
- Affordable price: In industries, buying is done in bulk and the price is more visible in large scale. Be sure to consider and compare different prices.
- Easy to use: In industrial work, it is necessary that you do not go for tools that are difficult to use. Because it also reduces the efficiency of workers.
- Easy access: Make sure that the supplies you have chosen are easily accessible and you can purchase them whenever you need them.
- Confirmation: For medical, pharmaceutical and food products, etc., special standards are needed that can be used. These materials must be approved to be used for safe packaging.
- Branding: The package is not only for safety and ease of transportation, but also plays a vital role in marketing activities. If your product needs advertising, be sure to go for printable items.
- Transparency: Try to use transparent plastics for the second layer to make it easier to manage their inventory.
- Recycling: The use of biodegradable and green materials in the packaging industry is our individual social responsibility, which should be the priority of industries.
- Bumpers: For shipping small and delicate items, be sure to use cushions, bubble wrap, and bumpers.
