The 6 Types of Packaging Materials Explained: How to Choose

Q: Q5: What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary

Primary packaging is the material that directly touches your product (e.g., the bottle holding perfume). Secondary packaging is the outer box that holds the primary packaging (e.g., the paperboard box the perfume bottle comes in). Tertiary packaging is used for shipping and logistics (e.g., the corrugated box that holds 20 perfume boxes).

Written by: Dauxin Team
Last Updated: November 1, 2025

Choosing the right packaging material is one of the most important decisions for any product-based business. Your material doesn’t just protect what’s inside—it defines how customers perceive your brand, influences shipping costs, and shapes your sustainability footprint.

In this guide, we’ll explore six major types of packaging materials—from traditional paperboard and corrugated board to innovative new eco-materials—so you can select the one that best fits your product and brand goals.

1. Paperboard Packaging (Carton Board)

Colorful printed paperboard packaging boxes displayed to show branding and custom print quality.

Paperboard (also known as carton board) is a lightweight, printable material made from pulp. It’s the go-to choice for retail packaging, including cosmetic boxes, folding cartons, and food sleeves.

Pros:

- Lightweight and easy to fold or cut into custom shapes
- Excellent printability for branding and product information
- Cost-effective and widely available
Can be made from recycled paper or sustainable sources (FSC-certified)

Cons:

- Less durable for heavy or moisture-sensitive products
- Not ideal for long-distance shipping unless reinforced

Best Uses:

- Cosmetic packaging
- Cereal boxes, confectionery boxes, and food sleeves
- Retail cartons and display packaging

Sustainability Angle:
Paperboard is increasingly produced from recycled fibers or sustainably managed forests. Many brands now opt for coating-free, recyclable finishes to align with eco-friendly goals.

2. Corrugated Board (Shipping Boxes)

Stack of corrugated shipping boxes illustrating durable cardboard packaging for logistics and eCommerce.

Corrugated board consists of a fluted inner layer sandwiched between linerboards, giving it impressive strength and cushioning. It’s the backbone of e-commerce and logistics packaging worldwide.

Pros:

- Superior strength and protection for shipping
- Lightweight yet rigid structure
- Recyclable and biodegradable
- Supports various grades for strength customization

Cons:

- Bulky compared to paperboard
- Limited printing aesthetics unless laminated

Best Uses:

- Shipping boxes, mailer boxes, subscription boxes
- Point-of-sale displays and protective inserts

Sustainability Angle:
Corrugated packaging boasts one of the highest recycling rates among all materials. Modern innovations like water-based inks and lightweight flutes make it even more eco-efficient.

3. Glass Packaging (Bottles & Jars)

Assorted cosmetic glass bottles and jars highlighting premium glass packaging for beauty and skincare.

Glass is a timeless material known for its premium appeal, chemical stability, and recyclability. It’s a favorite for beverages, cosmetics, and gourmet food packaging.

Pros:

- Non-porous, inert, and preserves flavor or scent perfectly
- Infinitely recyclable without losing quality
- Premium look and feel for luxury products
- Resistant to temperature and chemical changes

Cons:

- Heavy and fragile, increasing transportation costs
- Requires more energy to produce and recycle

Best Uses:

- Perfume and cosmetic bottles
- Wine, beer, and beverage bottles
- Jars for sauces, honey, or candles

Sustainability Angle:
Glass is a closed-loop material, meaning it can be recycled indefinitely. Brands are also exploring lightweight glass and refillable systems to minimize carbon emissions.

4. Plastic Packaging (Rigid & Flexible)

Various plastic bottles, containers and pouches demonstrating common plastic packaging formats.

Plastic remains one of the most versatile packaging materials due to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and durability. It can be molded into rigid containers, bottles, or flexible films for pouches and wraps.

Pros:

- Lightweight, durable, and cost-efficient
- Moisture- and tamper-resistant
- Ideal for both rigid and flexible packaging applications
- Compatible with transparent or colored finishes

Cons:

- Environmental concerns over plastic pollution
- Some types are hard to recycle or require specialized facilities

Best Uses:

- Food containers, beverage bottles, flexible pouches
- Medical and pharmaceutical packaging
- Personal care products

Sustainability Angle:
The industry is shifting toward recycled PET (rPET) and bio-based plastics made from renewable resources like sugarcane or corn starch. Refill programs and mono-material films are gaining traction as greener solutions.

5. Metal Packaging (Aluminum & Steel)

Aluminum beverage cans stored in bulk inventory, representing recyclable metal packaging.

Metal packaging—typically aluminum or steel—offers unmatched protection and a long shelf life. It’s widely used in the food, beverage, and aerosol industries.

Pros:

- Excellent barrier against light, air, and moisture
- Extremely durable and tamper-resistant
- Infinitely recyclable with no loss of quality
- Suitable for pressurized or perishable products

Cons:

- Heavier than some alternatives
- Higher production and energy costs

Best Uses:

- Beverage cans, coffee tins, and food cans
- Aerosol sprays, paint cans, luxury containers

Sustainability Angle:
Aluminum and steel are infinitely recyclable materials—around 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. Brands are adopting thin-wall technology to cut weight while maintaining strength.

6. Innovative & Eco-Friendly Materials

Compostable disposable tableware made from plant-based bio materials as innovative sustainable packaging.

Sustainability and technology are driving the development of innovative packaging materials that combine performance with environmental responsibility. These include plant-based, compostable, or renewable materials designed to replace plastic and foam.

Examples:

- Mushroom mycelium packaging (grown from fungi, biodegradable)
- Cellulose-based films (transparent, compostable alternatives to plastic)
- Seaweed or corn-based bioplastics
- Recycled textile fibers or stone paper

Pros:

- Environmentally friendly and compostable
- Great for brand storytelling and sustainability positioning
- Visually distinctive, often aligning with eco-conscious markets

Cons:

- Higher production costs
- Limited industrial infrastructure for large-scale recycling or composting

Best Uses:

- Premium eco-brands, start-ups, and limited-edition product lines
- Sustainable e-commerce packaging and gift boxes

Sustainability Angle:
Innovative materials often use renewable feedstocks and minimal energy inputs. Many startups focus on closed-loop solutions, where packaging naturally returns to the environment without harm.

Comparison Table: Types of Packaging Materials

Material	Key Strengths	Weaknesses	Best Uses	Sustainability
Paperboard	Lightweight, printable, cost-effective	Limited strength	Folding cartons, retail boxes	Recyclable, FSC-certified options
Corrugated Board	Strong, protective, recyclable	Bulky, less aesthetic	Shipping boxes, e-commerce	High recycling rates, eco-inks
Glass	Premium, inert, reusable	Heavy, fragile	Beverages, cosmetics	Infinitely recyclable
Plastic	Versatile, durable, lightweight	Pollution risk	Food, bottles, pouches	Moving toward rPET and bio-based plastics
Metal	Strong barrier, durable	Heavy, costly	Cans, aerosols, luxury	Infinitely recyclable
Innovative	Eco-friendly, unique	Expensive, niche	Sustainable branding	Compostable and renewable

How to Choose the Right Packaging Material

Before choosing a packaging material, consider these factors:

1. Product Nature: Fragile, perishable, or lightweight products need different levels of protection.
2. Brand Positioning: Premium products may require glass or metal; eco-brands might choose paperboard or bioplastics.
3. Shipping & Logistics: Corrugated board remains king for global deliveries.
4. Sustainability Goals: Look for recyclable, renewable, or compostable options.
5. Budget: Balance between material cost, printing, and finishing.

A smart strategy often combines primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for protection, presentation, and shipping efficiency.

Future Trends in Packaging Materials

The packaging industry is evolving fast:

- Circular economy models are reshaping how we think about waste.
- Smart and connected packaging (like NFC tags and QR codes) are enhancing traceability.
- Bio-engineered materials are turning agricultural waste into usable packaging.
- Minimalist, mono-material designs are improving recyclability and reducing waste streams.

Brands that adapt early to these shifts will stand out in both sustainability and innovation.

Future Trends in Packaging Materials

The packaging industry is evolving fast:

Circular economy models are reshaping how we think about waste.
Smart and connected packaging (like NFC tags and QR codes) are enhancing traceability.
Bio-engineered materials are turning agricultural waste into usable packaging.
Minimalist, mono-material designs are improving recyclability and reducing waste streams.

Brands that adapt early to these shifts will stand out in both sustainability and innovation.

Conclusion

Each packaging material has unique strengths—and the right choice depends on your product, brand identity, and sustainability goals. Whether you choose recyclable corrugated boxes, premium glass, or next-generation bio-materials, understanding these six types of packaging materials helps you design packaging that protects your products and your reputation.

FAQs

Q1: What are the main types of packaging materials?

There are six main types: paperboard, corrugated board, glass, plastic, metal, and innovative eco-materials.

Q2: What is the most durable packaging material for shipping?

Corrugated board is the most common and cost-effective choice for shipping, offering excellent protection and customization. For extremely heavy or industrial items, metal or custom wooden crates may be used.

Q3: What are innovative packaging materials?

Innovative materials include biodegradable, compostable, or renewable alternatives like mushroom packaging, seaweed bioplastics, and cellulose films.

Q4: What is the most eco-friendly packaging material?

"Eco-friendly" depends on the goal. Glass and metal (aluminum/steel) are infinitely recyclable without quality loss. Paperboard and corrugated board have very high recycling rates and come from renewable resources (trees). Innovative materials like mushroom mycelium are compostable and biodegradable. The least sustainable options are typically single-use plastics that are hard to recycle.

Q5: What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary

Primary packaging is the material that directly touches your product (e.g., the bottle holding perfume). Secondary packaging is the outer box that holds the primary packaging (e.g., the paperboard box the perfume bottle comes in). Tertiary packaging is used for shipping and logistics (e.g., the corrugated box that holds 20 perfume boxes).