Industrial packaging is used to package products at the manufacturing site or supply process, although it can be used at any point in the supply chain. This type of packaging is for products that are sensitive and rely heavily on stability. They can also be products that are hazardous, bulky, and products that have components that are sensitive to each other. Many products need additional protection from vibrations, moisture, and rough handling and industrial packaging is the solution for the same.
Industrial packaging is designed or specifically tailored to suit particular products that are used on a large, industrial-scale like chemicals or hazardous substances for health and safety reasons.
It is often used in various end-use industries, such as building, construction, chemical, automotive, technology, machinery manufactures, etc. The increasing need for the safe transportation of products has lead to an increased demand for effective industrial packaging from these industries.
The global industrial packaging market size is projected to reach USD 72.6 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2020 to 2025. This growth is based on the increased demand in food & beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, petroleum, and modern retailing industries.
The difference between industrial and consumer packaging is the dimensions of packaging involved. Industrial packaging is meant to package large quantities of a single product whereas consumer packaging is designed specifically for the end-user.
Few other qualities that make industrial packaging different are:
- Customised to protect a specific product
- Primary purpose is for protection during shipping and storage
- Designed to meet international standards
Every product has different packaging requirements hence it is essential to find out which type of packaging works best as they need to be robust, tough, and strong enough to protect the products from jolts, dents, or spillage during transit and storage. Sometimes it is also used to label, track, and advertise products. It also contains information or warnings printed related to the product stored within.
Basic Materials Used in Industrial Packaging
Industrial packaging can be designed with a combination of materials that work together to provide safe, secure shipping and storage of the products. Some of the materials that can be used are wood, formed stainless steel, other metals, corrugated cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, shrink wrap, and many more.
A Few Basic Materials Used are in Industrial Packaging are:
- Plastic
Plastic packaging materials are sturdy, cheap to manufacture, mouldable to suit a variety of shapes and sizes making it an apt packaging material for many industrial needs. Recycling has become a major challenge in the packaging industry to which plastic packaging is a major contributor. With the increasing usage of recyclable plastic, this problem can be solved.
- Steel
Steel is known for its versatility, durability, and reusability. It acts as good protection against the weathering effects of humidity, UV light, and gases. Also, it is most commonly used to store pressurized aerosol products. Steel frames are used to provide additional layers of protection for industrial products.
- Cardboard
Cardboard, one of the most commonly used materials in industrial packaging is affordable, recyclable, customisable, and strong material. One of the common forms is corrugated cardboard that is available in a wide variety of sizes, designs, strengths, and shapes. The increase in the demand for corrugated packaging can be credited to the rise in the demand for lightweight and convenient packaging solutions.
Also Read: Wooden Based Packaging – Types and Benefits
Industrial packaging helps to deliver products safely and especially ensures compliance with laws and regulations that govern how industrial goods need to be stored and transported.
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