Primary Packaging: Definition, Functions, and Examples in the Packaging Industry

Imagine you are walking through the supermarket, looking for a snack to enjoy at home. So, of the hundreds of products displayed on the shelves, which one first caught your attention? 

It could be a product with a packaging design that is striking, attractive and looks premium, right? Therefore, this is the reason why packaging plays an important role in sales.

In the business world, primary packaging is an element that is often taken for granted, even though it has a big impact on the attractiveness and quality of the product. So, what is primary packaging? 

In short, the primary gold is the packaging directly in contact with the product, protecting it from damage, while also functioning as a branding tool. For example, glass bottles are used to store fresh drinks.

Well, this glass bottle is not just a container, but also gives a premium impression to buyers. Likewise with vacuum plastic which keeps meat or coffee fresh in foil packaging to maintain the aroma.

So, what is the role of this primary packaging? Actually, there are many roles and benefits of primary packaging. Therefore, you must read this article to the end, OK!

The Role of Primary Packaging in Increasing Competitiveness

As previously explained, primary packaging is packaging that can display branding. In this day and age, products without attractive packaging risk being lost among competitors. 

This is why big brands always update their packaging designs, to stay relevant and attractive. Besides that, another function of primary packaging is to provide important information to customers.

This important information such as expiration date, composition, and storage method. Just think about it if a product is only packaged in plain plastic, without any labels or information. 

Customers will definitely hesitate to buy it. They want to know what they are consuming, how to store it, and whether the product meets their needs.

In the food and beverage industry, packaging can also influence customer perceptions of product quality. A chocolate with elegant packaging certainly feels more exclusive than chocolate that is just wrapped in ordinary plastic. 

Likewise, glass bottle packaging for healthy drinks gives a more premium impression than plastic packaging. How? There's already a picture, right? Apart from that, there is another important role of this primary packaging.

Read Also: Want to sell even better? Come on, try these 10 promotional strategies to increase sales!

The Importance of Primary Packaging in Branding and Marketing

Source: jarsking.com

So, aside functioning as product protection, packaging can also be used as a marketing tool, you know! Many successful brands make packaging part of their branding strategy. 

Unique and attractive packaging can make the product more easily recognized and increase its attractiveness in the eyes of customers. For example, primary packaging with a minimalist design is often used by premium brands to create an exclusive impression. 

On the other hand, bright colors and playful illustrations are often found in children's food products to attract their attention. Well, function other than primary packaging is to form a brand identity and provide a visual feel for consumers.

No Not only that, informative packaging can also increase customer trust. For example, if you sell healthy food products, including nutritional information and health claims on the packaging can help convince potential buyers that your product is truly high quality.

Primary Packaging Innovation: Latest Trends and Developments

Currently, trending Packaging continues to evolve, along with increasing consumer awareness of the environment and the importance of practicality. 

One innovation that is starting to be widely implemented is environmentally friendly packaging. 

Many brands are now switching to biodegradable materials or reusable packaging to reduce the impact of plastic waste. 

Additionally, smart packaging or smart packaging is also starting to become popular. 

Of course, innovative gold like this will help increase customer trust as well has become a selling point that differentiates your product from competitors.

Primary Packaging in the Culinary Business, Its Role in Maintaining Product Quality

For culinary businesses, choosing the right packaging can determine how long the product will last in its best condition. Hence, packaging primer is the finishing touch that protects the product from exposure to air, moisture and contamination. 

The goal, of course, is not to reduce the quality of the food. For example, fast food is often packaged in food-grade paper or plastic boxes to maintain cleanliness and ease of consumption. 

Meanwhile, contemporary coffee drinks often use plastic bottles or cups with seals to maintain their freshness. No wonder if Packaging selection can also influence customer experience. 

Read Also: Get to Know the Meaning of Expired: Definition, Examples and Complete Explanation!

Examples of Effective Primary Packaging

Source: Freepik

Now we move on to a direct example of the application of this primary packaging. In fact, every industry has different packaging needs. 

In the food sector, for example, an example of primary packaging is vacuum plastic for fresh meat, cans for soda drinks, or aluminum foil wrap for snacks. 

All types of packaging are designed to maintain product quality while increasing its appeal. 

Meanwhile, in the beauty industry, small glass bottles for facial serum or plastic tubes for hand cream are examples of primary packaging that emphasizes exclusivity. 

Not only that, this primer packaging can also be applied to skin care products. Why is that? 

Because as we know, many skin care products often rely on packaging to create an elegant image and convince customers of the quality of the contents.

Strategy for Choosing the Right Primary Packaging

After understanding the role and examples of primary packaging, now you have to know the strategy. 

Not all packaging is suitable for all types of products. Choosing the right packaging must consider several important factors, such as material, design and target market.

For example, if the product being sold is healthy food, environmentally friendly packaging can be an added value. 

Consumers who care about health usually also pay attention to the environmental impact of the packaging. 

Therefore, packaging made from recycled or biodegradable materials could be a more attractive option. 

Apart from that, the size and shape of the packaging must also be adjusted to how the product is used. 

Cooking oil in pouch packaging is more practical for customers who want to buy in small quantities. Meanwhile, bottle packaging is more suitable for long-term use.

Big brands such as Nestlé and Unilever often conduct research on customer preferences before redesigning product packaging. This means that the brand understands that primary packaging is aesthetics, comfort and functionality.

Read more: Steps to Create Professional Food Packaging for Your Restaurant

Conclusion

That's the article about primary packaging that you need to understand, so from this explanation, of course you can determine the strategy. Indeed attractive gold can help increase sales, but what about overall business efficiency? 

In the digital era like now, apart from product quality, systems that support business operations are also an important aspect in managing a culinary business. 

For those of you who want your culinary business to be neater and more efficient, ESB POS could be the best solution. 

So, through ESB POS, you can manage transactions, accept various payment methods, and monitor sales reports. 

That's all, this system is also equipped with features Order Management System (OMS) which allows you to manage orders from various channels more easily. 

In fact, with ESB Order integration, you can increase the number of orders up to 13.5%. 

If you have found it difficult to manage your culinary business transactions, it is time to switch to a more modern system. Use ESB POS and make your business operations more efficient!