Packaging does more than just protect a product - it plays a critical role in how items are kept, shipped, handled, and perceived. You may know all about primary and secondary packaging, but have you ever thought about tertiary packaging? It often gets overlooked, however it's important for all logistics, especially in industrial and warehouse settings.

In this blog, we’ll explain what tertiary packaging is, how it's different from other types of packaging, and look at the different kinds you can use in your operations.

What is tertiary packaging?

Tertiary packaging is essentially the outside layer of packaging used when you're moving, storing, and handling goods in bulk. Its main job is to keep multiple products safe during shipping, and make it easier to handle them efficiently.

Tertiary packaging is not intended for consumer use, unlike primary or secondary packaging. It’s more practical and made to resist movement, stacking, and exposure to the elements. It’s mainly used in business-to-business (B2B) contexts and helps consolidate items into single units - typically on pallets - to make large-scale distribution easy.

In essence, tertiary packing is essential to ensure that items reach their destination securely and helps the logistics of moving and shipping commodities at scale.

What is the difference between primary and secondary packaging?

To really get an understanding on tertiary packaging, we first need to look at the differences between primary and secondary packaging, and see how all three layers work together.

• Primary packaging is the layer that actually touches the product. Its main job is to keep the item safe and sound, while also showing off the brand's look. This can be things like bottles, cans, sachets, or wrappers and is what customers see and interact with.

• Secondary packaging is used to bundle primary packages together. It's mostly for making logistics easier and presenting the product nicely in stores. Think sleeves, shrink film, cartons, or branded boxes that help with stocking, storing, and displaying the product. While it's mainly for distribution and retail convenience, customers will also see this layer of packaging too.

• Tertiary packaging holds together multiple units of secondary packaging to form one consolidated load. This could be a pallet wrapped with film, a large cardboard box containing smaller cases, or a crate used to ship multiple cartons. It typically contains no consumer-facing information or branding - it’s purely for transporting and protecting large amounts of products.

What are some examples of tertiary packaging?

Used across a wide range of industries, tertiary packaging comes in many forms, with some of the most common examples including:

Pallets

Pallets form the foundation of most tertiary packaging systems. Usually made from wood, plastic, or cardboard, pallets provide a stable base where multiple boxes or units can be stacked. They’re also compatible with pallet trucks and forklifts due to their regulated dimensions, which ensures safe and effective handling during storage and transportation.

Pallets are ideal for putting goods into one, easy-to-move unit. This helps stop products from moving around during shipping and makes warehouse operations more streamlined.

Stretch wrap and shrink wrap

Once goods are stacked on a pallet, they’re often secured with stretch film or shrink wrap. Stretch wrap is tightly wrapped around the load to hold items together and prevent movement. Shrink wrap is applied loosely and then heat is used to shrink the material tightly around the load.

These films help stabilise the load and provide protection against dust, dirt, and moisture. They’re also cost-effective and easy to apply, making them a popular choice for high-volume operations.

Pallet covers

Pallet covers are heavy-duty plastic or polythene sheets used to protect palletised goods from the elements like rain, UV rays, or dirt. They’re particularly useful for outdoor storage or long-distance transportation. As well as that, if you need extra load stability, or if you want to make your products tamper-proof, you can heat-seal shrink pallet covers.

Bulk outer cartons

Large double wall or triple wall corrugated boxes are used to bundle multiple units of secondary packaging. These large boxes offer better protection for grouped products - like bottles, electronics, or everyday goods - and make it much easier to move around during shipping. They’re generally strong enough to stack and can handle a few knocks while on the move. 

Crates and cages

For goods that are fragile, irregularly shaped, or of high-value, plastic or metal crates are a great option. These provide a highly durable form of tertiary packaging that can be sealed, stacked, and reused.

Crates and cages are very common in supply chains like automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturing. That’s because the products in these areas often need extra support or padding when they’re being shipped.

Strapping and banding

Plastic or metal strapping can be used to hold loads together - either to secure cartons to a pallet, or bundle multiple boxes for better stability. This type of tertiary packaging is particularly useful when transporting heavier items or when the load may move or vibrate. Strapping also adds a layer of tamper resistance too and helps prevent products from shifting or opening mid-transit.

Corner and edge protectors

Although smaller in size, edge protectors and corner boards are considered part of the tertiary packaging system. They reinforce the structural integrity of palletised goods, helping to distribute tension from straps or shrink wrap and reduce crushing or deformation of boxes during stacking. They’re very helpful when moving fragile items and are typically made from cardboard, plastic, or foam.

Speak to our packaging experts today

At Plus Packaging, we understand that each layer of packaging plays a key role in your supply chain. Whether you’re looking for reliable tertiary packing materials, need help sourcing high-quality pallet wrap and shrink film, or you simply want to streamline your packaging process, we’re here to help.

Our expert team can advise you on the best packaging solutions for your business. We have a variety of products that are intended to keep your goods safe and sound at every stage of your logistics process - from sturdy cardboard boxes for transit to heavy-duty pallet covers.

Speak to our team today to find the right tertiary packaging solutions for your operation.

Tertiary packaging FAQs

What is tertiary packaging used for?

Tertiary packaging is used to protect and transport large quantities of products. It isn’t customer facing and its purpose is to consolidate multiple units into a single, manageable load - often on pallets - to improve handling efficiency and reduce damage in transit.

What materials are commonly used in tertiary packaging?

Common materials include wooden or plastic pallets, stretch wrap, shrink film, heavy-duty cardboard boxes, plastic strapping, and edge protectors. The choice of materials will depend on factors like the type of product, its fragility, shipping conditions, and whether the packaging needs to be weather-resistant or reusable.

Can tertiary packaging be sustainable?

Yes, many businesses use recyclable or reusable materials in their tertiary packaging. This can include recycled cardboard, biodegradable shrink wrap, or reusable plastic crates. Sustainable tertiary packaging not only reduces environmental impact, but can also improve brand perception and help meet your corporate responsibility goals.