- Primary packaging: the layer that holds the product
- Secondary packaging: grouping products for shelves and stock
- Tertiary packaging: protecting goods in transit
- Primary, secondary and tertiary packaging side by side
- Where shipment packaging fits in
- Why the three packaging levels matter
- Packaging levels and UK recycling rules
- Writing about packaging and logistics
- Frequently asked questions
Primary packaging holds and protects a single product, such as a bottle or tin. Secondary packaging groups several products together for display or stock, such as a cardboard tray. Tertiary packaging protects goods during handling and transport, such as crates and pallet wrap. Each layer has a different job, from branding to logistics.
Every product you buy travels inside layers of packaging, and each layer has a different job. The bottle holds the drink, the cardboard tray groups the bottles together, and the crate or pallet wrap keeps everything safe on the lorry. Those layers have names: primary, secondary and tertiary packaging.
Whether you run a small product business, study logistics or just want to understand the jargon, here's how I'd explain the three levels. I've used the definitions from the UK government's extended producer responsibility (EPR) guidance on gov.uk, plus Wikipedia's overview of packaging and labelling for the wider purposes of each layer.
Primary packaging: the layer that holds the product
Gov.uk defines primary packaging as the packaging on a single item sold to an end user, such as a bottle of wine, or on multiple items intended to be sold as one item, such as a multipack of beans. It includes all the packaging that contains and protects the item or items. Wikipedia puts it simply as the material that first envelops the product and holds it.
Everyday examples include:
- A tin of soup or a jar of jam.
- A shampoo bottle and its cap.
- A crisp packet.
- The box and inner wrapping round a phone.
- The film wrapped round a multipack that's sold as one item.
Secondary packaging: grouping products for shelves and stock
Gov.uk says secondary packaging is used for grouping several sales items, meaning products in their primary packaging, together. Retailers may also use it to display goods, such as a cardboard tray. Wikipedia adds that secondary packaging can also be used to prevent theft.
- The cardboard tray holding a row of tins on a supermarket shelf.
- A shrink-wrapped pack of drinks bottles that's split up for sale.
- An outer carton holding a dozen boxed products.
Tertiary packaging: protecting goods in transit
Gov.uk describes tertiary or transit packaging as packaging used for handling and transporting primary or secondary packaging, for example crates to prevent damage during transport. It notes that tertiary packaging doesn't include road, rail, ship and air containers. Wikipedia says tertiary packaging is used for bulk handling, warehouse storage and transport shipping, with the most common form being a palletised load.
- Wooden pallets carrying stacked cases.
- Stretch wrap holding cartons onto a pallet.
- Plastic crates moved between a warehouse and a shop.
Primary, secondary and tertiary packaging side by side
| Level | Main job | Everyday example | Who usually sees it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Holds and protects the product | A bottle of wine, a tin of beans | The shopper |
| Secondary | Groups items for display or stock | A cardboard tray of tins | Shop staff, sometimes shoppers |
| Tertiary | Protects goods during handling and transport | A crate or a wrapped pallet | Warehouse and delivery teams |
Wikipedia points out that the categories can overlap, and the same material can play different roles. Shrink wrap, for example, can be primary packaging when it's wrapped round a product, secondary when it bundles packs together and tertiary when it holds cartons on a pallet.
Where shipment packaging fits in
Online shopping has added a fourth term you'll see in the UK guidance. Gov.uk describes shipment packaging as tertiary packaging on items supplied to a consumer rather than a business. It covers packaging on goods sold online or delivered to the buyer from a shop or collection point, with examples including cardboard boxes, carrier bags, bubble wrap and mail bags.
That's why the box your parcel arrives in counts differently from the crate a shop's stock comes in. And if you'd like to know how picking orders up in store works, I've explained what click and collect is in a separate guide.
Why the three packaging levels matter
Wikipedia lists several purposes packaging serves, and each layer leans on some more than others:
- Protection. Guarding against knocks, vibration, temperature, moisture and dust.
- Containment. Holding liquids, powders and small items together.
- Information. Labels tell people how to use, transport, recycle or dispose of the product.
- Marketing. Primary packaging in particular carries the brand and encourages people to buy.
- Convenience. Features for handling, stacking, opening and reclosing.
- Security. Tamper-evident seals and features that reduce theft.
- Logistics. Wikipedia notes transport packaging needs to match its logistics system, such as pallet loads or parcel delivery.
Packaging levels and UK recycling rules
The levels aren't just jargon. Under the UK's extended producer responsibility rules, organisations above set size and tonnage thresholds must collect and report data about the packaging they supply, including its type, material, weight and class. Gov.uk explains that secondary and tertiary packaging must be classed as non-household, while primary and shipment packaging is classed as household unless specific conditions apply, such as being supplied to a business that's the end user.
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Gov.uk also covers reusable packaging, which it describes as packaging designed to be reused and refilled multiple times, giving a wooden pallet for shipping goods as an example. If your business may be affected, read the gov.uk guidance directly, as the rules and thresholds are set out there in full.
For shoppers, the practical takeaway is to check the label. Wikipedia notes that packaging information tells people how to recycle or dispose of it, and your local council's guidance tells you what your collection accepts.
Writing about packaging and logistics
If packaging's your trade, explaining the choices behind each layer, from materials to pallet loads, helps buyers and brands make better decisions.
Packaging suppliers and designers can reach buyers through packaging industry blogs that accept articles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between primary and secondary packaging?
Primary packaging holds the product you buy, such as a bottle or tin. Secondary packaging groups several of those items together, such as a cardboard tray of tins used for stock or display in a shop.
What are examples of tertiary packaging?
Gov.uk gives crates used to prevent damage during transport as an example. Pallets and the stretch wrap holding cartons onto them are other common examples.
Is a delivery box primary or tertiary packaging?
Under the UK government's EPR guidance, boxes, mail bags and bubble wrap on goods sent to consumers count as shipment packaging, which gov.uk describes as tertiary packaging on items supplied to a consumer.
Can the same packaging be more than one type?
Yes. Wikipedia notes the categories can overlap. Shrink wrap can be primary round a single product, secondary when it bundles packs together and tertiary when it holds cartons on a pallet.
Do shipping containers count as tertiary packaging?
No. Gov.uk's guidance says tertiary packaging doesn't include road, rail, ship and air containers.
