Skip to main content

From Protection to Promotion: The 3 Levels of Packaging



Your company’s packaging design plays a vital role in your marketing efforts.

Most American consumers (72%) agree that a product’s packaging design influences their purchasing decisions. Therefore, investing in quality design and materials can help customers easily recognize your products and distinguish them from the competition. 

One way to focus your efforts when creating effective and memorable packaging is to think through the three levels of packaging: primary, secondary, and tertiary. 

What to Know About the 3 Levels of Packaging

Read on to learn about each level and how it can help you promote and protect your products.

1. Primary Packaging

Primary packaging is the initial container that directly holds the product itself.

The fundamental goal of primary packaging is to preserve and protect the product, ensuring that it reaches the customer in its ideal condition. Examples include the can or bottle of a beverage, the bag containing potato chips, or the cardboard box that a blender comes in. 

The primary packaging has multiple purposes: the design should identify the product, share best-before dates or nutritional facts, and help your product stand out on the shelves. 

Additionally, it’s essential to consider the materials from which your primary packaging is made. In recent years, consumers have become increasingly interested in sustainability, with 83% of consumers considering it as a critical factor in their buying decisions

2. Secondary Packaging

Secondary packaging goes either outside of or around the primary packaging.

Secondary packaging serves a primarily functional purpose, protecting the primary packaging and the products inside while making transportation easier. Examples include the cardboard carton surrounding a 12-pack of soda cans or the plastic wrap around a case of water bottles. 

Secondary packaging is a great way to create multi-packs, allowing customers to buy your products in bulk. Still, it can be more challenging to incorporate your personal branding or creative design elements. However, there are still ways you can make your secondary packaging eye-catching and recognizable: consider using a material that matches one of your brand colors or printing your company logo onto it.

3. Tertiary Packaging

Tertiary packaging is even more functionality-focused than secondary packaging, as it is the one type typically never seen by customers on the sales floor. 

Tertiary packaging examples include crates, shipping containers, boxes, and plastic-wrapped pallets. Tertiary packaging does not provide opportunities for promotion, unlike primary and secondary packaging, so you should instead focus on ensuring that your tertiary packaging is made of sturdy materials that will help protect the quality of your products.

Understanding and optimizing the three levels of packaging enhances your marketing strategy and elevates your brand's presence in the marketplace. Visit our company's website today or contact us to learn more ways to bring success to your company through print. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Make a Statement with Flyers: 5 Things You Might Not Know About Effective Design

  Flyers have been around for decades, but they’re anything but old news. In fact, when done well, they can be one of the most cost-effective and attention-grabbing tools in your marketing mix. The trick? Knowing what most people miss. Here are five flyer design strategies that often go overlooked—and how you can use them to your advantage. 1. Headlines Don’t Have to Explain—They Have to Stop People Your headline isn’t a label. It’s a hook. A lot of flyers start with something safe: “Annual Clearance Sale” or “Join Us for Our Spring Open House.” That’s fine—but it’s also forgettable. If you want someone to actually read your flyer, the headline has to stop them in their tracks. Some options to consider: Ask a question: “Tired of Overpaying for Car Repairs?” Use urgency: “This Weekend Only. No Extensions.” Go bold: “You Bring the Crowd. We’ll Bring the Fireworks.” You can always explain more in the subhead. But the headline’s job is to earn that second glance. 2. White Spa...
Post a Comment
Read more

Showcase Your Brand with Unique Printing Techniques That Reflect Your Style

  Your print materials don’t just share information—they express who you are. Whether you’re designing brochures, business cards, or product packaging, the finishing choices you make can help your brand stand out in ways that are memorable, tactile, and entirely you. But not every technique fits every brand. What feels premium to one customer might feel over-the-top to another. Here’s how to think about pairing your brand’s personality with unique printing techniques that leave a lasting impression. The Bold and Energetic Brand You’re not trying to blend in—you want to get noticed. For brands with a high-energy identity—think entertainment, retail, hospitality, events—the goal is to attract attention fast. That doesn’t mean going over the top. It means choosing finishes that emphasize movement, light, or contrast. Examples to consider: Spot UV that highlights just one element (like a logo or product image) against a matte background Neon inks for a punch of color that sta...
Post a Comment
Read more

When to Start Planning Your Year-End Print Projects (with Stats to Back It Up)

As the leaves start to turn, savvy marketers and business owners know it’s already time to think ahead; way ahead. Year-end print projects like calendars, holiday cards, and branded gifts aren’t just festive extras; they’re powerful tools for brand visibility, customer loyalty, and employee appreciation. But timing is everything. Here’s a breakdown of when to start planning each major print category and the data that proves why early birds really do get the worm. 🗓️ Calendars: Start Planning by   July–August Why so early? Calendars are long-lead items that require design, proofing, and often bulk mailing. They’re also one of the most visible branded items used daily, all year long. Stat to know: 80% of consumers hang onto promotional calendars for the entire year, and 76% recall the brand on them months later. Pro tip: Finalize your design by September to allow for production and distribution by October. 💌 Holiday Cards: Start Planning by August Whether you’re sending...
Post a Comment
Read more