Primary packaging refers to materials in direct contact with the final product and the packaging surrounding it during consumer purchase. Essentially, it serves as the initial layer containing the product and is designed with consideration for both the product and any existing secondary layers of packaging.
This initial layer houses the finished product, such as a plastic pouch enclosing whole-grain cereal or the cardboard box containing the cereal pouch. Geared towards end-users, primary packaging has diverse applications influenced by product, transit, and storage variables. Its fundamental purpose is to protect and preserve the product from damage, external interference, contamination, spoilage, and chemical imbalances.
Moreover, primary packaging facilitates the storage of products over extended periods. Historically, it has been used to count items that were challenging to tally individually when unpacked, using the package as a unit of measurement (e.g., bottles, boxes, bags).
The selection of primary and/or secondary packaging materials depends on factors such as the required level of protection, compatibility with contents, filling method, and cost considerations.
Primary packaging: Packaging System Overview
