Primary packing is part of the product packaging process and is relatively essential. It is the first layer of packaging that comes into direct contact with the product, protecting it from external factors such as moisture, air, and light.

In this article, we will discuss the different primary packaging material types and their characteristics. Moreover, we will introduce Levapack, a leading packaging machine manufacturer that offers automatic can packaging machines for granules, powders, and paste/sauce primary packing needs.

What Is Primary Packaging?

Definition

What is primary packaging material? Primary packaging material is the packaging material that is in direct contact with the product. It is the first layer of packaging that the customer sees and interacts with. Primary packaging is responsible for protecting the product from external factors, maintaining its integrity, and enhancing its presentation.

Primary packaging should be prepared using materials that are safe for contact with the product and meet regulatory requirements. It also needs to be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to use for the consumer. Primary packaging is often the most visible and recognizable aspect of a product, and it plays an important role in shaping the consumer’s perception of the product. For example, the tin can is the primary packaging of canned food.

Primary vs. Secondary vs. Tertiary Packaging

Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging are three different layers of packaging. Read on to know about what is primary secondary and tertiary packaging. 

Primary packaging is the foremost packaging layer that directly includes the product. Whereas secondary packaging groups and safeguards numerous units of primary packaging. On the other hand, tertiary packaging is utilized for logistics purposes to safeguard products during transport and storage. 

Still wondering what is primary and secondary packaging? Primary packaging is available in numerous forms and examples of primary packaging material include jars, bottles, cans, tubes, pouches, blister packs, bags, etc. Secondary packaging is generally prepared using cardboard, paperboard, or plastic along with trays, cardboard boxes, and more. For tertiary packaging, sturdy containers, pallets, and stretch wrap are mainly used. 

Examples of Primary Packaging Material

Primary packaging is an integral part of the product and is responsible for the product’s preservation and presentation. When it comes to primary packaging, several packaging material types are used such as tin cans, composite or paper cans, glass containers, plastic containers, paper bags, parchment paper, cartons, laminated pouches, shrink wrap, laminated tubes, woven sacks, etc. 

Tin Cans

Tin cans are one of the prominent primary packaging materials for food and beverage products. Tin cans are made from tin-coated steel. The tin coating prevents the steel from rusting and reacting with the food or beverage stored inside the can. In addition, the tin coating also helps to maintain the flavor, aroma, and freshness of the product.

Pros:

• They are durable, tamper-evident, and protect the product from external factors. 
• Due to the protection offered, tin cans have a long shelf life compared to other types of packaging. 
• Tin cans are recyclable and lead to sustainable packaging practices. 
• Tin cans are a budget-friendly packaging solution, making them a perfect option for both small and large-scale businesses. 
• Tin cans are easy to use and store, and they come with easy-to-open and resealable lids. 

Cons: 

• However, tin cans are not eco-friendly and have a high carbon footprint. 
• Tin cans are available only in a few standardized shapes and sizes. 

Applications

Tin cans are widely used in the food industry for packaging canned vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. Apart from that, they are also utilized in several other industries, such as beverage packaging, personal care, cosmetic products, chemicals and paints, veterinary products, industrial goods, etc. 

Composite Cans / Paper Cans

Composite cans, also known as paper cans, are made of paperboard. They are light in weight and recyclable. Also, composite cans are strong and durable. These cans are also airtight. Composite cans can be customized with various colors, shapes, and sizes to match the requirements of different products and businesses. 

However, they have a shorter shelf life than tin cans. In addition, they have limited heat and moisture resistance. They are widely used for packaging snacks, coffee, tea, and powdered drinks. Apart from food packaging, paper cans are used for packing cosmetic products, industrial goods, gifts, and more. 

Related Post: How to Seal 10 Cans

Glass Containers

Glass containers are an excellent primary packaging material for food and beverage products. They are durable and can withstand high temperatures. Glass containers are 100% recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely.

They are non-reactive and impermeable, so they do not affect the taste or quality of the product. 

However, glass containers are heavy and fragile. They are more expensive than other types of packaging materials. Glass containers are likely to break or shatter if fell over or exposed to harsh temperatures. Glass containers are widely used for packaging jams, sauces, pickles, and juices. Other common applications include pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products, decorative items, and more. 

Plastic Containers

Plastic containers are made from various plastic polymers and are a common type of storage and packaging material. They are lightweight, durable, and affordable in comparison to other packaging materials. Plastic containers are also resistant to moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors, which makes them suitable for long-term storage. 

However, plastic containers have a negative impact on the environment and take a long time to decompose. A few low-quality plastic containers can release harmful chemicals and they are very hard to recycle. Coming to the applications, they are widely used for packaging food and beverage products such as water, milk, and soft drinks.

Paper Bags

Paper bags are prepared from wood pulp or recycled paper, which makes them an eco-friendly option compared to plastic bags. They are strong, durable, and inexpensive. Paper bags are biodegradable, recyclable, and made from renewable resources. Paper bags are customizable as they are available in different sizes and styles, which makes them suitable for a variety of applications.

They are widely used for packaging dry food products such as flour, sugar, and rice. However, paper bags are not durable and can be easily torn. They are also not water-resistant and can be reused only a few times. In addition, paper bag production can have an impact on the environment. 

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is a grease-resistant primary packaging material. It is prepared using vegetable pulp and is treated with sulfuric acid to make it non-stick and heat-resistant. As it is heat-resistant, it can withstand extreme temperatures. Parchment paper is disposable, which means that cleanup is quick and easy. 

Parchment paper is safe for use with food and does not contain harmful chemicals. However, parchment paper is not reusable and it is not biodegradable, leading to landfill waste. As for applications, it is widely used for packaging baked goods such as cookies and pastries.

Cartons

Cartons are made of paperboard and can be coated with different materials such as wax or plastic to improve their resistance to moisture or chemicals. They come in a variety of thicknesses and strengths, depending on the application. Cartons are lightweight, eco-friendly, recyclable, and budget-friendly. 

Compared to plastic or metal packaging, cartons are less durable. They are susceptible to damage from moisture or humidity. Cartons are not ideal for products that need airtight or leak-proof packaging. They have a shorter shelf life than tin cans. Coming to applications, they are widely used for packaging milk, juices, and cereals.

Laminated Pouches

Laminated pouches are made of plastic and aluminum foil and the layers are bonded together using adhesives or heat sealing to create a strong and durable pouch. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to transport. Laminated pouches provide outstanding barrier protection and keep the items fresh and prevent contamination. 

These pouches are cost-effective and can be produced in large quantities. However, they cannot provide airtight or leak-proof packaging. These pouches are less durable compared to rigid containers and are difficult to recycle because of the numerous layers of materials. They are widely used for packaging snacks, chips, and pet food. 

Shrink Wrap

Shrink wrap is prepared using various plastic materials like PVC, PET, and polyolefin. It is a transparent plastic film that is wrapped around products to protect them from external factors such as moisture, dust, and dirt. Shrink wrap provides a tight and protective seal around the product. 

It is a cost-effective and efficient packaging option. Shrink wrap offers tamper-evident packaging and is customizable. However, it is less environmentally friendly and is difficult to remove. It is widely used for packaging DVDs, CDs, and other electronic items. Shrinkwrap is also used for packaging food products such as meat and cheese.

Laminated Tubes

Laminated tubes are made from numerous layers of materials and are bonded together with the help of adhesives or heat sealing to construct a strong and durable tube. They are lightweight, durable, customizable, and easy to use. Laminated tubes provide excellent barrier protection, keeping products fresh and preventing contamination.

Laminated tubes offer professional and visually appealing packaging. However, these tubes are costlier than plastic bottles or jars. They are not easy to recycle and do not offer airtight or leak-proof packaging. As for applications, they are widely used for packaging toothpaste, creams, and lotions. 

Woven Sacks

Woven sacks are made of polypropylene or high-density polyethylene fabric, so they are resistant to moisture, chemicals, and UV rays. They are durable, strong, and retain high tensile strength. Woven sacks are reusable and recyclable, making them an eco-friendly packaging solution. They are affordable packaging options. 

However, woven sacks are not biodegradable and it is hard to dispose of them. In addition to that, they do not have visually appealing features compared to paper and cardboard packaging. They are widely used for packaging bulk products such as grains, sugar, and fertilizer. 

Levapack – Packaging Machine Manufacturer for Can Packaging

Levapack is a packaging machine manufacturer that specializes in automatic can packaging machines. At Levapack, we understand the importance of choosing the right packaging machine for different primary packaging materials. Our team of experts can help our clients select the right machine that suits their specific product and packaging requirements. Our machines are designed to meet the high demands of the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. 

Wide Range of Applications

We offer a wide range of can packaging machines and can packaging lines to meet our client’s needs. Our can packaging machines are versatile and can be used for packaging different types of products such as granules, powders, and paste/sauce. They are widely used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, making them ideal for companies with diverse product portfolios.

Expert Technical Support

At Levapack, we pride ourselves on providing expert technical support to our clients. We offer 24/7 assistance to ensure the smooth operation of our can packaging machines. Our technical team is highly experienced and can quickly diagnose and resolve any issues that may arise.

All-around Can Packaging Machine and Can Packaging Line

Our can packaging machines and can packaging lines are designed to be all-encompassing, with filling, sealing, labeling, and capping functions. Our can packaging machine has a filling and sealing capacity of 30 cans per minute and is designed to be used for non-carbonated drinks. Our machines are easy to operate, maintain, and clean, reducing downtime and ensuring maximum productivity.

Conclusion

Primary packaging material plays a vital role in the preservation and presentation of a product. At Levapack, we know how important primary packaging is and provide automatic can packaging machines for granules, powders, and paste/sauce to fulfill our clients’ diverse packaging requirements. 

We have a broad variety of machines and can packaging lines, along with expert technical support, to ensure the smooth operation of our equipment. Contact Levapack to streamline your packaging process, reduce downtime, and ensure the highest packaging quality for your products.