Packaging is more than just wrapping a product. It involves three key stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary packing, each serving a specific purpose to ensure safe and effective product delivery.
Secondary packing plays a crucial role. This layer—which wraps around the main packaging—bundles and further protects the product. However, due to its time-consuming nature when done manually, many industries have adopted secondary packing automation to make the process more efficient and faster.
The importance of secondary packing
Secondary packing fulfils several important roles:
- Branding and labelling - Effective branding on secondary packaging can influence a buyer's decision. Additionally, it allows for the inclusion of critical product information and marketing messages, which can further entice customers and enhance brand recognition. Remember, secondary packaging is the most visible part of a product.
- Luxury feel - This layer can enhance the perceived value of a product. For example, premium scotch whiskey in a glass bottle is further enhanced by its secondary paperboard box packaging. The aesthetic and tactile quality of secondary packaging can also create a sense of exclusivity and prestige, making the product more appealing to consumers seeking premium items.
- Protection - It protects products from damage during handling and shipping and stabilises the primary packaged product to prevent tampering and excessive movement. This layer of packaging also plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the product, especially during long transit periods or in varying environmental conditions.
- Regulatory compliance - It ensures products remain in optimal condition to meet safety and regulatory standards. Secondary packaging also helps in providing necessary legal information, such as ingredients, usage instructions, and safety warnings, which are essential for consumer awareness and compliance with various regional and international regulations.
Types of secondary packing
Secondary packing automation assists in handling various types of secondary packaging:
- Chipboard boxes - These come in different thicknesses and durability levels. Although less sturdy than corrugated cardboard, chipboard is suitable for products such as tea bags and cereals.
- Corrugated cases - These cases have a fluted paper layer between two paperboard layers, providing enhanced strength and durability for transport and handling.
- Heat shrink wrap - A newer technology in secondary packing automation, this method uses a polymer film that shrinks under heat to secure products. While cost-effective, it may require additional labour for unpacking and shelving.
Do you need a secondary packing solution?
For businesses aiming to enhance their packaging process, secondary packing automation is a beneficial investment. Companies such as Cybernetik offer customised automation solutions, including various components such as metal detectors, pouch packing, multi-head weighers, wrappers, robotic palletising, and more. Implementing secondary packing automation can significantly improve product quality and safety while also optimising your production process.
About the author:
Cybernetik is a leading global automation solutions provider based in India. With over 25 years of experience, the company offers innovative automation solutions for various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive, and more. Their services include process design, equipment supply, integration, and after-sales support. They specialise in delivering customised solutions to meet clients' specific requirements, resulting in higher efficiency, improved product quality, and reduced costs. Cybernetik's expertise in advanced technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine vision enables them to provide cutting-edge automation solutions to clients worldwide.
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