Active Packaging
Active packaging interacts with the contents to extend shelf life or enhance safety. Examples include oxygen absorbers, moisture regulators, and antimicrobial coatings.
Aseptic Packaging
Aseptic packaging involves sterilizing the product and the packaging separately and then sealing them in a sterile environment. This method is commonly used for dairy products, juices, and soups, allowing them to be stored without refrigeration.
Bag-in-Box
Bag-in-box packaging consists of a flexible bag inside a rigid or semi-rigid outer container. It is often used for liquids like wine, juice, and industrial fluids, providing easy dispensing and extended shelf life.
Blister Pack
A blister pack is a type of packaging where a product is sealed in a cavity with a clear plastic dome. This packaging is commonly used for small consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Boxboard
Boxboard, also known as paperboard, is a thick, sturdy paper used for making boxes. It is lighter and less durable than corrugated board but sufficient for most consumer goods packaging.
Cap Liner
A cap liner is a material placed inside a cap to form a seal when the cap is screwed on. It helps preserve the product’s freshness and prevents leaks.
Child-Resistant Packaging
Child-resistant packaging is designed to be difficult for children to open but easy for adults to use. This type of packaging is commonly used for medications and hazardous products.
Clamshell
A clamshell is a type of packaging that consists of two halves joined by a hinge, typically made of plastic. It is often used for food products, electronics, and toys.
Cling Film
Cling film is a thin, stretchable plastic film used to wrap food items to keep them fresh. It adheres to itself and the food container to create a seal.
Composite Can
A composite can is a container made from multiple layers of different materials, such as paper, foil, and plastic. It is used for food products, beverages, and industrial goods.
Corrugated Board
Corrugated board is a strong and durable packaging material made of three layers: an inner liner, an outer liner, and a corrugated medium. It is widely used for shipping boxes and packaging fragile items.
Cushioning Material
Cushioning material, such as foam, bubble wrap, or paper, is used to protect products during shipping. It absorbs shock and prevents damage from impact.
Desiccant
A desiccant is a substance that absorbs moisture to protect products from humidity. It is often used in packaging for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
Dispensing Closure
A dispensing closure is a cap or closure designed to dispense the product in controlled amounts. Common types include flip-tops, pumps, and sprayers.
Double-Wall Box
A double-wall box has two layers of corrugated board for extra strength and durability. It is used for shipping heavy or fragile items.
Euro Slot
A euro slot is a hole punched in packaging to allow it to be hung on display hooks. It is commonly used for retail packaging of small items like batteries and tools.
Fitment
A fitment is a device attached to a container to facilitate dispensing, such as a spout or pump. Fitments are often used in packaging for liquids and powders.
Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging is made from flexible materials like plastic, foil, or paper. It includes bags, pouches, and wraps, and is used for a wide range of products from snacks to industrial goods.
Folding Carton
A folding carton is a paperboard box used for consumer products. It can be easily folded into shape and is used for packaging food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Gusset
A gusset is an additional piece of material used to expand or reinforce a package, such as in a bag or pouch. Gussets allow for more volume and provide stability.
Heat Sealing
Heat sealing is a method of sealing packaging materials using heat. It creates a strong, airtight seal, commonly used for plastic bags and pouches.
In-Mold Labeling
In-mold labeling is a process where labels are applied to containers during the molding process. This technique integrates the label into the container, making it durable and resistant to wear.
Induction Sealing
Induction sealing is a process of sealing containers with a foil disk using electromagnetic induction. It creates a tamper-evident seal, commonly used for bottles and jars.
Insulated Packaging
Insulated packaging is designed to maintain the temperature of its contents. It is used for shipping perishable items like food and pharmaceuticals.
Label Stock
Label stock is the material from which labels are made, including the adhesive, face material, and liner. It can be paper, plastic, or foil.
Lidding Film
Lidding film is a film used to seal containers, often used in food packaging. It provides a secure seal and can be printed with branding or product information.
Multipack
A multipack is a package containing multiple individual units of a product. It is commonly used for promotional purposes and convenience in retail.
Overcap
An overcap is a secondary cap placed over the primary cap for added protection or branding. It is often used in aerosol cans and cosmetic packaging.
Overwrap
An overwrap is a plastic film used to wrap around a product or group of products for protection and stability. It is commonly used for retail packaging and palletizing.
Pallet
A pallet is a platform used for storing and transporting goods. Products are stacked on the pallet and secured with stretch wrap or straps for shipping.
Palletizing
Palletizing is the process of stacking and securing products on a pallet for transport. It improves handling efficiency and reduces the risk of damage during shipping.
Polybag
A polybag is a plastic bag used for packaging products. It is lightweight, flexible, and provides protection from dust and moisture.
Pouch
A pouch is a flexible container typically made of plastic, foil, or paper. It is used for packaging liquids, powders, and other products, offering convenience and resealability.
QR Code
A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned for product information or promotions. It is commonly used on packaging for marketing and traceability.
Resealable Packaging
Resealable packaging has a closure system that allows it to be opened and closed multiple times. Common resealable closures include zippers, sliders, and adhesive strips.
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)
RFID is a technology used for tracking and identifying items using radio waves. It is commonly used in packaging for inventory management and anti-theft purposes.
Shrink Wrap
Shrink wrap is a plastic film that shrinks tightly over a product when heat is applied. It provides protection and stability for packaging and shipping.
Slip Sheet
A slip sheet is a thin, flat sheet used as a base for stacking products. It is often used in place of pallets to save space and reduce shipping costs.
Skin Packaging
Skin packaging involves placing a product on a backing material and covering it with a clear plastic film that is heat-sealed. It is used for small consumer goods and tools.
Stand-Up Pouch
A stand-up pouch is a flexible pouch that stands upright on its own. It is commonly used for snacks, pet food, and other consumer goods.
Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging is designed to reduce environmental impact. It is often made from recyclable or biodegradable materials and aims to minimize waste.
Tamper-Evident Seal
A tamper-evident seal indicates whether the package has been opened or tampered with. It provides security and assurance to consumers.
Tear Strip
A tear strip is a strip of material designed to be torn away to open a package easily. It is commonly used in packaging for snacks and consumer electronics.
Thermoforming
Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated and molded into a specific shape. It is used for creating packaging like trays, clamshells, and blisters.
Tubular Packaging
Tubular packaging is in the form of a tube, often used for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. It is convenient for dispensing creams, gels, and pastes.
Vacuum Packaging
Vacuum packaging involves removing air from the package before sealing to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. It is commonly used for food products.
Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS)
VFFS is a packaging process where the product is inserted vertically into a bag formed from a flat roll of film. It is used for packaging snacks, grains, and other food products.
Wrap-Around Label
A wrap-around label is a label that wraps completely around a container, often used for bottles and jars. It provides ample space for branding and product information.
Window Patch
A window patch is a transparent film applied to a package to create a window for product visibility. It is commonly used in food and retail packaging to showcase the product inside.
Understanding these packaging terms will help you communicate more effectively with packaging professionals, designers, and suppliers. Whether you’re developing new packaging for a product or simply looking to improve your knowledge, this guide provides a solid foundation in the key concepts and terminology of the packaging industry.