A Guide to Industrial Packaging Solutions
Industrial packaging is designed for the safe transportation of industrial-grade goods across such varied sectors as construction and chemical processing.
Such packaging is vital for the protection of potentially hazardous goods during storage, handling, and distribution to end customers.
It must be robust and durable, protecting the industrial goods from damage, contamination, and other dangers.
Read on as we explain the different types of industrial packaging and how the right choice is vital for product integrity.
Consumer and Industrial Packaging Differences
As might be expected, there are key differences between consumer and industrial packaging.
While product safety is a priority in each instance, there’s more of a focus on the aesthetic appeal, convenience, and branding of consumer packaging. It’s commonly lightweight and made for easy handling.
Consumer packaging is used across a variety of sectors, including:
As mentioned, there’s a particular focus on durability and protection in the design of industrial packaging.
It’s commonly used for the containment of goods that are bigger, heavier, and more hazardous than those produced for the consumer markets.
Such packaging may have to withstand exposure to harsh environments and rough handling.
Types of Industrial Packaging Solutions and Materials
It’s vital to choose the right type of industrial packaging, considering factors such as cost efficiency, product safety, and compliance.
Each kind of industrial packaging is suited to a particular purpose, as highlighted here.
Plastic
Plastic is a highly flexible and versatile form of industrial packaging. It’s also a cost-effective choice, protecting goods against exposure to moisture, air, and contaminants.
Such properties make plastic packaging ideal for transporting powders, resins, and chemicals.
Tough and chemical-resistant polyethylene packaging is typically used for bottles and liners, with the low-density variety used for bags, films, and squeeze bottles.
Alternatively, there’s the choice of polypropylene packaging, with common industrial packaging varieties such as rollstock film, shrink film, and stretch film.
Steel
The tough and durable properties of steel make it another good choice for industrial packaging.
Available in a range of sizes, steel drums and containers are often used for the protection of hazardous, heavy, and bulky materials.
Such steel packaging is ideally suited to the transportation of chemicals and building materials.
Corrugated Cardboard and Fiber
Cardboard is another widely used material for the transportation of industrial and commercial goods.
Such containers can be easily customised and are an efficient choice for the distribution of everything from small components to palletised products. The cardboard can be double or triple-layered, with other protective materials added for enhanced product safety.
Fiber packaging is also an eco-friendly choice for the distribution of industrial products. This relatively light but surprisingly strong material can be used for the transportation of everything from dry goods to pharmaceuticals.
Wood
The strength of wood packaging makes it a great choice for the packaging of some industrial products.
For instance, large wooden crates and pallets are often used for the transportation of bulky machinery and equipment.
Such sturdy packaging types can withstand rough handling and are ideal for long-haul transportation.
IBCs
Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are often chosen for the transportation of liquid-based products. They may take the form of solid or collapsible containers and are used across such sectors as chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Protective Packaging
As mentioned, the primary packaging types are often combined with protective inserts such as foam and bubble wrap.
This is particularly true in the movement of fragile and sensitive products, with such inserts minimising the risks of vibration, temperature variations, and damage during transportation.
The layering of shrink and stretch film might also help in keeping products safe.
Sector-specific Packaging Variations
There’s some variation in the suitability of packaging types across different sectors and for the transportation of particular products.
For instance, strength, moisture protection, and the capacity for bulk handling are key criteria in the selection of packaging for building materials.
Large wooden pallets are typically considered the best choice, with strapping, wrapping, and hooding also used to keep the materials secure.
Efficiency, stackability, and the prevention of material damage are among the priorities in the selection of packaging for warehousing and logistics.
Wooden pallets and containers are preferred for the transportation of heavy and bulky goods, with shrink and stretch wrap used for material protection.
Packaging Innovations In Focus
Besides the standard packaging formats, there are a variety of innovations available for use across the industries.
These innovations will be in focus at the upcoming PPMA Show, with opportunities to explore newly developed industrial packaging, materials, and machinery.
PPMA Show visitors will have the chance to review the latest technologies for use in everything from the palletising of warehouse goods to the packaging of pharmaceuticals.
BIG names, BIG innovations, and BIG opportunities are promised, with 350+ exhibitors and representation of 1500+ brands.
Book your free PPMA Show tickets for the most valuable insights into the optimisation of industrial packaging.
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