Packaging plays a crucial role in logistics and protecting products during their transport and storage. You often hear terms like primary packaging, secondary packaging and tertiary packaging, but what exactly do they mean? In this blog post, we at NOVAPOR want to shed some light on the matter and provide you with a simple explanation of these terms.
The DIN 55404 defines standards for packaging and enables uniform assessment and classification of packaging according to various criteria, including primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. Primary packaging according to DIN 55404 is that which comes into direct contact with the product and protects it. Secondary packaging serves as protection or means of transport for the primary packaging and the product itself. Tertiary packaging bundles several packaging units into one loading unit, making it easier to transport and store large quantities of goods. By complying with DIN 55404, companies can ensure that their packaging meets quality, safety and environmental protection requirements and ensures efficient handling and logistics.
Primary packaging
Primary packaging is the first layer of packaging that directly surrounds the product. It is in direct contact with the product and is primarily used to protect, present and label the product. Typical examples of primary packaging are plastic containers, bottles, cans, boxes or foam inserts that protect sensitive products from damage during transport.
At NOVAPOR, we offer a variety of primary packaging solutions, including customized foam inserts designed specifically to meet our customers' individual needs. These inserts not only offer effective protection for sensitive products, but also an attractive presentation.
What are typical examples of primary packaging?
- Plastic bags – Plastic bags made of PE or PP, as flat bags or as box hoods, are used for a variety of products, including food, cosmetics, cleaning products and medical products. They offer a flexible packaging solution that is easy to transport and store. They protect against dust and other external influences. If it has to be particularly residue free, then ours are Cleanroom solutions the right alternative for your project.
- Cardboard packaging – Packaging solutions made of Cardboard box can be used as primary packaging in a variety of ways. Whether as a simple box, as a compartment or as a folding solution to pad the product to be transported.
- Foam inserts – Foam inserts are used in the packaging of sensitive products such as electronic devices, medical devices and glassware. They provide a shock-absorbing packaging solution that protects the product from damage during transportation.
What are the tasks of primary packaging?
Primary packaging plays a crucial role for any product, ensuring it can be identified in accordance with applicable regulations and providing important usage information. Additionally, it should highlight the brand identity and provide an appealing presentation for the consumer.
Another important aspect is the stability of the packaging at the point of sale in the store to ensure that the product is stored safely and does not fall. At the same time, the primary packaging should ensure adequate isolation of the contents to maintain the quality of the product. In addition, it is important that the primary packaging protects the product with as little material as possible in order to conserve resources and reduce waste. An efficient packaging solution minimizes the ecological footprint and contributes to sustainability.
Overall, primary packaging is an essential part of product design and marketing strategy. It plays an important role in ensuring the quality, safety and attractiveness of the product and meeting the needs of consumers. At NOVAPOR, we offer customized primary packaging solutions that are tailored to our customers' specific requirements and help to optimally present and protect their products.
Secondary packaging
Secondary packaging is the second layer of packaging and envelops the primary packaging without having direct contact with the product itself. Secondary packaging is often used as a means of protection during transportation, handling and storage of products. Typical examples of secondary packaging include cardboard boxes, corrugated boxes, shrink wrap and trays.
At NOVAPOR we offer a wide range of secondary packaging solutions, including customized corrugated outer packaging. Not only do these packages provide additional protection for the products inside, but they can also be customized with special printing and branding options to reinforce our customers' brand identity.
What are typical examples of secondary packaging?
- Corrugated boxes: These boxes are often used as outer packaging for primary packaging such as foam inlays, cardboard folding solutions or plastic bags. They provide additional protection during transport and storage. They can also be printed with brand messages.
- Wooden boxes: Wooden crates are often used as sturdy secondary packaging for heavy or bulky products. They offer excellent protection and are ideal for transporting fragile or valuable goods. The Wooden boxes can be optimally equipped with foam padding to ensure optimal protection during transport.
- Trays: trays are flat, rectangular containers made of plastic or cardboard that are used to safely hold and transport multiple products. They are often used in mechanical engineering, medical technology or the electronics industry.
- Transport case: Transport cases are specially designed containers made from sturdy materials such as plastic or aluminum that are used to safely transport sensitive or expensive equipment. They offer reliable protection against shocks, dust and moisture. They are ideal for transporting tools, measuring instruments and electronic devices. As a rule, they will transport case equipped with a foam insert.
These examples illustrate the diversity of secondary packaging and its important role in protecting and transporting products. At NOVAPOR, we offer bespoke secondary packaging solutions that are tailored to our customers' individual requirements and help keep their products safe and secure.
What are the tasks of secondary packaging?
- Protection of the product:Secondary packaging provides additional protection for the product during transportation, storage and handling. It minimizes the risk of damage, contamination or loss and helps maintain the quality and integrity of the product.
- Stability and handling:
Secondary packaging contributes to the stability of the product and makes it easier to handle. It allows the product to be safely transported, stored and moved without it falling, tipping over or being damaged.
- Identification and marking:
Secondary packaging often helps identify and label the product. It can be tagged with barcode labels, product information, batch numbers and other markings to enable easy tracking and identification.
- Presentation and branding:
Secondary packaging offers an opportunity to present the product in an attractive way and strengthen the brand identity. It can be printed with company logos, brand names, colors and graphics to make the product more attractive and recognizable.
- Bundling and organization:
Secondary packaging allows multiple units of a product to be bundled and organized. It makes it easier to handle products in large quantities and helps make storage and transportation more efficient.
- Environmental Protection:
Secondary packaging can help reduce environmental impact by protecting the product from damage and minimizing waste. It can be made from recyclable materials, contributing to a more sustainable packaging solution.
Tertiary packaging
Tertiary packaging is the outermost layer of packaging and includes multiple units of secondary packaging to form a larger loading unit. These packaging are mainly used to facilitate the transportation and handling of products and provide additional protection during transportation. Typical examples of tertiary packaging include pallets, containers, shrink wrap and stretch wrap.
At NOVAPOR we offer a range of tertiary packaging solutions, including stretch film and pallet wrap, which help ensure the stability and safety of goods during their transport.
What are typical examples of tertiary packaging?
- Pallet loads:
One of the most common forms of tertiary packaging is pallet loads, where products are stacked on a pallet and secured with stretch wrap or strapping. These pallet loads are often used to transport large quantities of goods between suppliers and distributors or between manufacturing facilities and distribution centers.
- Shipping boxes:
When shipping goods between companies, special shipping boxes designed to transport multiple units of a product are often used. These boxes can be fitted with special inserts or padding to protect the products during transport.
- Load carriers and containers: Specific Load carriers and containers such as mesh boxes, plastic crates or metal containers serve as tertiary packaging. They provide a stable frame for transporting and storing goods and enable efficient handling with forklifts or cranes.
- Strapping and bundling:
Tertiary packaging can also consist of strapping, tape or netting wrapped around a group of products or pallets to hold them together and secure them. These packaging materials offer additional stability during transport and make it easier to handle larger quantities of goods.
What are the tasks of tertiary packaging?
Tertiary packaging fulfills important tasks in the area of logistics and the transport of goods. Essentially, it is used to combine several secondary packaging or individual packaging into a single loading unit. Here are some of the main tasks and characteristics of tertiary packaging:
- Bundling and consolidation: Tertiary packaging bundles multiple secondary packages or individual packages into a larger unit to simplify transportation and storage. It allows products to be handled and transported in larger quantities, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
- Protection against external influences:
Tertiary packaging provides additional protection for the products contained within during transportation and storage. It protects the products from shock, vibration, moisture and other external influences that could affect their quality. For example, a box hood can protect a wooden box from moisture.
- Stability and security:
Tertiary packaging contributes to the stability of the loading unit and prevents the products contained within from slipping, tipping over or being damaged during transport. It ensures safe handling and transport of the goods.
- Identification and marking:
Tertiary packaging can be provided with information such as barcode labels, waybills, shipping labels and other markings to enable easy identification and tracking of goods. This simplifies the logistics processes and contributes to the efficiency of transport.
- Tamper security:
Tertiary packaging can help ensure the safety of goods during transportation by protecting against unauthorized access or tampering. It may be equipped with security seals or closures to ensure that the goods remain intact during transport. This is especially important for international shipping and customs security.
- Sustainability:
Tertiary packaging can be made from recyclable materials and help reduce environmental impact. It allows packaging materials to be used efficiently and waste minimized, contributing to a more sustainable packaging solution.
3 reasons why NOVAPOR is the right partner for primary, secondary and tertiary packaging
NOVAPOR is the ideal partner for your primary, secondary and tertiary packaging for several reasons.
1
We offer you a comprehensive one-stop solution, meaning we can cover your packaging needs from primary packaging to tertiary packaging. This not only simplifies the process for you, but also ensures seamless integration and optimal collaboration between the different packaging levels.
2
We rely on a clever combination of materials and design to create efficient packaging solutions. This allows us to save material while ensuring the functionality and safety of your packaging.
3
We integrate primary, secondary and tertiary packaging into intelligent systems that enable smooth processes and optimize the entire packaging process. This allows us to ensure that your products are not only protected, but also stored, transported and presented efficiently.
Finally, we attach great importance to sustainability and environmental friendliness. Through clever systems and designs we can often avoid the use of adhesives, which not only makes recycling easier but also contributes to more environmentally friendly packaging. With NOVAPOR as your partner, you can rely on high-quality, efficient and sustainable packaging solutions that meet your requirements and optimally present and protect your products.
Quality, sustainability and innovation
Primary packaging, secondary packaging and tertiary packaging play an important role in the packaging process and help keep products safe and secure. With NOVAPOR you have the optimal partner for the development and production of tailor-made primary packaging, secondary packaging and tertiary packaging. With our extensive know-how and many years of experience, we offer an A-Z solution for all packaging requirements.
We support our customers from conception to implementation and can advise and develop in all areas. Whether it's about protecting sensitive products in safe primary packaging, optimizing secondary packaging for transport or designing complex tertiary packaging for logistics - NOVAPOR is the partner at your side.
Our commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation makes us a reliable partner for companies in various industries. We understand our customers' needs and offer tailored solutions that meet their requirements and optimally present and protect their products.
With NOVAPOR you have a partner at your side who not only supplies you with high-quality packaging, but also offers added value through comprehensive advice, creative development and reliable service. We look forward to hearing from you and realizing your next project with you.