Tertiary packaging 101: All you need to know as a business

In this guide, we explore all things tertiary packaging, its importance, and how to optimise it for your business, product and customer needs.

What is tertiary packaging?

Tertiary packaging is the outermost layer of packaging designed to protect and transport multiple units of products in their primary and secondary packaging. It serves as the final barrier between your products and the environment during storage and shipping.

Tertiary packaging is typically used by manufacturers and warehouses to ship products in bulk, making it easier to handle, move, and store items securely and efficiently.

The importance of tertiary packaging

Often overlooked, tertiary packaging plays a pivotal role in the supply chain. For businesses of all sizes, the right tertiary packaging can make a significant difference in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. By understanding its importance, you can make informed decisions that not only protect your products but also enhance your brand reputation.

Protection during transit

One of the primary functions of tertiary packaging is to safeguard your products during transportation. It acts as a shield against rough handling, vibrations, and potential impacts that can occur during transit.

By using the right tertiary packaging solution, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your products, ensuring they reach customers in perfect condition.

Efficient handling and storage

Tertiary packaging enables the grouping of multiple product units into a single, manageable load. This helps to simplify loading, unloading, and warehouse storage processes, saving on both time and labour costs.

For small businesses with limited resources, this efficiency can be particularly beneficial in streamlining operations.

Cost efficiencies

Another critical aspect of tertiary packaging is its contribution to cost efficiency. Properly designed tertiary packaging can minimise waste and reduce shipping costs by optimising space utilisation.

When products are securely packed and stackable, it allows for more efficient use of delivery trucks, leading to fewer trips and lower fuel expenses.

As well, by reducing product damage during transit, you can save on costly returns and replacements, improving your bottom line.

How to optimise tertiary packaging

Optimising your tertiary packaging for a success is a process that requires a tailored approach. There's no one-size-fits all solution. Instead, the ideal packaging strategy should be customised to your specific product, packing process, and distribution cycle.

When it comes to thinking about your tertiary packaging solution, consider the below:

• Think sustainable packaging – Is your tertiary packaging environmentally responsible? Can it be easily recycled or repurposed? Are you using materials with minimal environmental impact? Assess your packaging's eco-friendliness and look for opportunities to align with sustainable practices without compromising product protection.
• Use innovative materials – Have you explored cutting-edge packaging materials or designs? Are there more efficient and effective versions of your current solution? For example, simply switching to Precisionrap from traditional stretch wrap can increase wrapping times by up to 33% and improve load containment by 50%.
• Test your tertiary packaging solution – Have you had your packaging tested with real-world simulations? Are you using industry-standard testing protocols to verify your packaging's performance? Have you considered variables like climate conditions, handling practices, and transportation methods in your tests?

Looking for tertiary packaging help and advice?

Want to cut costs, increase efficiencies, and improve customer satisfaction? Then speaking with a packaging expert should be your next step.

With over 45 years’ experience and a passion to deliver superior packaging solutions, our expert team at Swiftpak can help your business thrive. Why not get in touch today, and we’ll be in contact to answer any question you may have.