Breaking Down Packaging: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Packaging Explained
In the world of manufacturing and distribution, packaging plays a vital role in product protection, branding, and efficient supply chain management. However, not all packaging is created equal. There are three distinct levels, each serving a unique purpose in ensuring products reach consumers safely and intact.
Understanding primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging is key to optimizing logistics, reducing waste, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. Let’s break down each type and explore how Squid Ink’s world-class printing systems support businesses with reliable product identification and traceability.
What Is Primary Packaging?
Primary packaging is the first layer of packaging that directly surrounds and protects a product. This is the packaging that consumers interact with when they purchase and use a product.
Purpose of Primary Packaging:
- Preserves product integrity and freshness
- Provides essential product information (ingredients, expiration dates, instructions)
- Enhances branding and influences purchasing decisions
Examples of Primary Packaging:
- Beverage bottles and cans
- Pharmaceutical blister packs
- Food wrappers and vacuum-sealed pouches
How Squid Ink Supports Primary Packaging:
Clear, high-quality printing is essential for primary packaging to meet regulatory and branding requirements. Squid Ink’s TIJ (thermal inkjet), SQ-Laser systems, and CIJ (continuous inkjet) printing systems allow manufacturers to print and code:
-Expiration dates
-Batch numbers
-Logos and branding
-Small character text directly onto materials like plastic, glass, metal, and more.
With low-maintenance small character, and high-resolution printing, Squid Ink ensures product information remains sharp, durable, and legible throughout its shelf life.
What Is Secondary Packaging?
Secondary packaging is the layer that groups multiple primary packages together, often for retail display, storage, or bulk sales.
Purpose of Secondary Packaging:
- Provides additional protection during handling and transport
- It makes bulk sales and inventory management easier
- Enhances branding with retail-friendly packaging designs
Examples of Secondary Packaging:
- Shrink-wrapped multi-packs of bottled beverages
- Cardboard cartons containing canned goods
- Display-ready boxes for snacks and cosmetics
How Squid Ink Supports Secondary Packaging:
Retailers and distributors require barcodes, branding, and product information to be printed clearly on secondary packaging. Squid Ink’s high-resolution piezo and DOD (drop-on-demand) printing systems provide:
-High-quality barcodes for inventory tracking
-Crisp logos and brand messaging
-Lot codes for traceability
With the ability to print on corrugated cases, shrink wrap, and cartons, Squid Ink ensures manufacturers meet compliance standards while maintaining strong branding.
What Is Tertiary Packaging?
Tertiary packaging is designed for bulk transportation and storage, ensuring large quantities of products arrive at their destination safely.
Purpose of Tertiary Packaging:
- Protects goods during shipping and warehouse storage
- Facilitates easier handling with pallets and bulk containers
- Reduces damage and loss in the supply chain
Examples of Tertiary Packaging:
- Palletized shipments wrapped in plastic film
- Large shipping crates containing multiple cases of products
- Heavy-duty corrugated boxes used for wholesale distribution
How Squid Ink Supports Tertiary Packaging:
In large-scale logistics, clear and durable marking is essential for tracking shipments and ensuring fast, accurate delivery. Squid Ink’s large-character inkjet printers and laser coders help businesses print:
-Scannable barcodes for tracking
-Lot numbers and shipping details
-Large-character text for warehouse identification
By enabling fast, reliable coding on wood, corrugated boxes, and other bulk packaging materials, Squid Ink helps streamline warehouse operations and reduce shipping errors.
Why Packaging Marking Matters
Across all three levels of packaging, clear and compliant product marking is crucial for:
-Ensuring product traceability and compliance with industry regulations
-Reducing the risk of mislabeling and shipping errors
-Enhancing brand visibility and consumer trust
With over 30 years of expertise, ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturing, and a commitment to real-world printing solutions, Squid Ink is a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable, low-maintenance coding and marking systems.
Optimize Your Packaging with Squid Ink
From primary product coding to bulk shipment labeling, Squid Ink delivers cost-effective, high-performance printing systems for manufacturers worldwide. Whether you need TIJ, CIJ, DOD, or laser marking solutions, our technology ensures sharp, durable, and compliant printing on all packaging materials.
Ready to enhance your packaging process? Contact Squid Ink today to find the right printing solution for your business!
