Packaging 101
7 types of commonly used packaging materials
(and what to know about them to begin with)
2 min readJul 16, 2020
- Paperboards (Folding Papers) — These are usually what you see in toothpaste, soaps and other FMCG. These are highly personalize-able as we are able to print directly onto the material, die cut, pasted and folded into box shape that you might want to deliver.
- Corrugated boxes (Cardboards) — These are the mostly what you would see in majority of the packaging since its comes in various durability and strength of the box. This is mostly used for retail packaging, pizza delivery boxes, small consumer goods packages etc. If you wanted to understand the difference between paperboard and cardboard, then the idea is very simple. Cardboard have a three ply layering. Outer and inner are mostly straight plates but the inner one has a zig-zag formation.
- Rigid boxes — You would have noticed by now that your iphone and luxury boxes comes in more stronger and very strong boxes. These are called Rigid boxes due to their strength. Unlike the other two above, printing is not done on the boxes, its done separately on paper and stuck onto these boxes.
- Plastic boxes — These are you can say slightly more stronger than Rigid boxes, can be recycled and can be very cost effective. Since its not plastic related to food, this is actually faster to get out into the market.
- Chipboard packaging — This is used in industries such as electronic, medical, food, cosmetic and beverage. Made of reclaimed paper stock, is very cost effective and worked with (cut, folded and formed). Chipboard can also be directly printed on but it lacks strength to hold very heavy material. Used for cereals, crackers, tissue boxes etc.
- Foil Sealed Bags — Typically, these would be packaging that helps keep the flavor, essence and aroma intact. This helps increase the shelf life of your product while making sure the fresh batch reaches your customer. Typically you would see it on tea, coffee, aroma spices etc.
- Poly Bags — Also known as pouches can be manufactured our of thin, flexible, plastic film fabric. Its one of the most common packaging and carries a wide range of products like flowers, magazines, chemicals, food items etc.
