Selecting the right packaging materials is integral to ensuring the protection, presentation, and sustainability of products across industries. From safeguarding fragile items to addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging, the choices businesses make today significantly impact their supply chain effectiveness and environmental impact.
This guide will explore 11 different types of packaging materials, their uses, benefits, and how they contribute to optimal product storage and transport. By understanding the wide array of options, brands can make informed decisions, enhancing product integrity and consumer trust.
The Importance of Packaging Materials in Industries
The packaging industry plays a crucial role, not only in protecting goods but also in branding, sustainability, and costs. For example:
- The global packaging market reached a valuation of £800 billion in 2023, with sustainable packaging showing 12% year-on-year growth.
- Around 40% of consumers actively choose products with biodegradable packaging, underlining how critical this has become.
Whether it’s food packaging that keeps perishables fresh or corrugated boxes used for shipping, selecting packaging that’s fit for purpose directly influences a company’s success.
Plastic Packaging
Plastic remains widely used in both consumer and industrial packaging due to its lightweight, durable, and versatile nature. From trays to shrink wraps, it’s relied on for both protective and display purposes.
However, plastic’s environmental reputation has led to the growth of biodegradable plastics and recyclable plastic films. In many sectors, especially food and retail, plastic is being replaced with alternatives such as plant-based films, sugarcane polymer, or recycled PET.
Cardboard
Cardboard is lightweight, recyclable, and easy to customise. It’s widely used across industries—from fashion and e-commerce to food and stationery.
Use Cases
- Subscription boxes, retail packaging, takeaway cartons
- Perfect for brands seeking recyclable material with good structural integrity
Benefits
- Made from renewable and recycled materials
- Available in finishes like laminated, kraft, and SBS (solid bleached sulfate)
- Easy to dispose and decompose in home recycling streams
Corrugated
Corrugated packaging consists of fluted cardboard sandwiched between liner boards, offering excellent shock absorption and strength. They are typically used for packaging heavier, fragile items such as glassware or appliances.
Common Uses
- Shipping fragile items
- E-commerce packaging
- Food delivery and logistics
Advantages
- Fully recyclable and often made from recycled materials
- Ideal for industrial composting in its raw form
- Can be customised with kraft or black card liners for enhanced branding
Their durability also makes them an eco-friendlier choice as they can be reused multiple times before recycling.
Kraft Card
Kraft card is a brown paper-based material made from wood pulp. It’s a popular biodegradable material known for its rustic aesthetic and environmentally friendly credentials.
Ideal Uses
- Bakery boxes, eco-friendly fashion packaging
- Product sleeves, tags, and bags
Why It Works
- Strong, tear-resistant, and compostable
- Reinforces a natural, ethical brand image
- Easily paired with black card for contrast in luxury products
Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS)
SBS board is a premium, white-coated paperboard made from bleached virgin fibres. It is widely used for high-end packaging where print quality matters.
Applications
- Cosmetics, confections, medical and pharmaceutical boxes
Strengths
- Excellent surface for printing, embossing, or foiling
- Stiff yet lightweight—great for retail-ready displays
- Often paired with laminates or spot UV for enhanced aesthetics
Glass
Glass packaging, often used for beverages, cosmetics, and luxury food items, stands out for being non-reactive and 100% recyclable. It preserves taste and product integrity better than most other materials.
Although heavier and more fragile, its aesthetic value makes it ideal for brands targeting premium markets. Many glass containers are now produced using post-consumer recycled glass, reducing energy use and CO₂ emissions.
Metal
Metals like aluminium and tinplate are commonly used in cans, tins, and aerosols. Their strength and airtight seal make them ideal for products requiring long shelf life, such as beverages, canned foods, and cosmetics.
Aluminium is not only lightweight and strong but also infinitely recyclable without losing quality—one of the reasons it’s favoured by brands aiming for low-impact custom packaging solutions.
Bubble Wrap
When shipping fragile items, few materials match the good-old bubble wrap. Its cushion-based protection absorbs shocks effectively. Though it’s a form of plastic, bubble wrap deserves its own category due to its unique shock-absorbing structure.
Sustainability concerns have led to new versions made from recycled plastic, paper-based alternatives, or biodegradable options, helping reduce its environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.
Biodegradable Packaging
Biodegradable packaging materials like plant-based plastics and compostable films align with the global push for greener alternatives.
Biodegradable packaging materials are designed to break down naturally under specific environmental conditions. Materials such as plant-based films, corn starch bioplastics, and cellulose wraps are now being widely adopted.
They are particularly suitable for single-use packaging and foodservice products. Businesses investing in biodegradable and compostable packaging not only reduce landfill waste but also appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Wooden Crates
Used predominantly in agriculture, art transport, and industrial shipping, wooden crates provide robust protection and can be reused multiple times. They’re also gaining popularity in premium gift packaging, where presentation matters.
Responsibly sourced wood, especially FSC-certified, enhances the material’s sustainability profile. And although bulkier than alternatives, wooden crates are often seen as high-value packaging by recipients.
Pouches
Lightweight and flexible, pouches are commonly seen in food packaging, such as for snacks, sauces, or pet food.
Benefits:
- Minimal storage space
- Frequently resealable, adding convenience
These materials like mylar or foil-backed plastic are highly adaptable, making them a versatile option across sectors.
Tetra Pak
Best known for its applications in the beverage sector, Tetra Pak combines paper, plastic, and foil layers.
Key Features:
- Long shelf life for perishable food items
- Lightweight and less space-consuming
Being recyclable further enhances its appeal in the modern packaging industry.
Sustainable Innovations
Emerging materials such as mushroom-based packaging, edible films, and seaweed derivatives are pushing the boundaries of sustainable packaging.
Benefits:
- Zero waste production
- Fully biodegradable solutions
Industries are rapidly adopting these for their reduced environmental impact and futuristic appeal.
How to Select the Right Packaging Materials?
When selecting the right packaging, consider factors like:
- Product type – What are you packaging? Fragile items demand different protection than liquids.
- Brand identity – Does the packaging align with your brand values, such as innovation or sustainability?
- Cost-effectiveness – Ensure materials meet performance needs within budget.
Wrapping It All up
Understanding the types of packaging materials available is key to making informed decisions that benefit consumers, the environment, and your bottom line. Whether it’s corrugated boxes for industrial use or eco-friendly packaging to resonate with green-minded customers, the options are vast and evolving.
Looking to upgrade your packaging supplies? Contact Healey Packaging today to explore sustainable, cost-effective solutions tailored to your business needs!
FAQs
What factors should I consider when choosing packaging materials?
Look at product type, transportation needs, sustainability, and your supply chain requirements.
How can I make my packaging environmentally friendly?
Opt for biodegradable packaging, materials that are easy to recycle, or reusable options like corrugated boxes.
Why is sustainable packaging important?
It reduces waste, supports sustainability, and meets growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging.
What is the role of bubble wrap in packaging?
Bubble wrap provides a protective cushion to safeguard fragile items during transit.
