Packaging is the first thing customers interact with. Therefore, choosing the right packaging material is important to create packaging that offers the desired tactile experience, feel, and protection during storage and transit. It is challenging to determine which material best suits your packaging needs because of various material options.
Whether you are a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer, looking to optimize your packaging strategy. Fret not! This guide explores popular material types, from eco-friendly to packaging trends 2025 in detail. Keep reading to learn more about everything related to materials for packaging.
What Are the Most Common Types Of Packaging Materials?
The most popular types of materials are used for various objectives, from protection to premium look. Some of them are given below in some detail:
High-Quality SBS Paperboard
The packaging industry lives and breathes paperboard. The primary reason for such a high consumption of this material is its high printability and smooth surface. This material is flexible to die-cut into ant size, from small to large. It can be turned into any shape and style, from gable to tuck end.
It comes in varying thicknesses, from 12pt. to 24pt, to fulfill the packaging needs with optimal protection.
Corrugated Cardboard
This material is one of the best treasures in the packaging industry. Corrugated cardboard is the practical solution when it comes to storing and shipping products with added protection. It is not only designed to protect but also promote and display your products with extra flair.
It is available from A flute to E flute. Choose the one that best aligns with your brand and product needs.
Non-Bendable Rigid
Rigid is a type of material that is sturdy, inflexible, and maintains its shape. Its structural strength provides optimal protection for various products throughout their entire journey. It is also the best option to show off premium products on the display shelves and enhances positive first impressions.
This material is available in premium wrapping options, from linen to paper.
Recyclable Kraft
Sustainable packaging materials are widely used for packaging to promote sustainable practices. Recyclable kraft is an eco-friendly option celebrated for its rustic look and natural feel. It has a lower carbon footprint than virgin paper. It is also a renewable and curbside recyclable option used for a range of products.
It is available in thickness of 60 gm to 80 gm.
A Table That Summarizes That Details Of Box Materials
| Material | Description | Key Features | Applications | Sustainability |
| Paperboard | SBS paperboard & white-coated material. | Smooth surface, highly printable, & lightweight. | Cosmetics boxes & retail boxes | Recyclable; often from sustainably sourced wood pulp. |
| Recyclable Kraft | kraft paper and eco-friendly. | Natural look & recyclable. | Mailer boxes & subscription boxes. | 100% recyclable and compostable. |
| Non-Bendable Rigid | Sturdy & luxury packaging. | High durability & premium feel | Luxury boxes & gift boxes. | Recyclable (varies by composition). |
| Corrugated Cardboard | Cardboard for protection. | Strong & versatile | Shipping boxes & repack boxes. | Recyclable; often made from recycled content. |
Some Types Of Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials
Brands and businesses look for recyclable materials to reduce their carbon footprint and promote their green initiative. Here, we discuss some of the packaging materials that are eco-friendly:
Recyclable Packaging Materials
The materials of the packaging can harm the environment. Therefore, the demand for sustainable packaging materials is growing among businesses and shoppers alike. This is where recyclable materials come in. These materials are collected, processed, and remade into new products.
This packaging strategy extends material life and reduces the demand for raw materials as well. Popular examples are PET plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard boxes.
Biodegradable Packaging Materials
Nowadays, people are more concerned about the materials used to craft packaging to reduce their carbon footprint. Therefore, businesses use biodegradable packaging materials that break down into natural elements such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.
It takes a short interval of time to decompose when exposed to the environment. The most common examples of biodegradable packaging materials are cornstarch packaging, bagasse trays, and mycelium-based packaging.
Glassine Packaging Materials
Businesses look for packaging that is not only recyclable and biodegradable but also entices customers at first glance. This is where glassine packaging materials come into play. These materials are used to craft transparent packaging.
This material is a smooth & glossy paper and manufactured from wood pulp, making it eco-friendly. It’s also pH-neutral and acid-free.
Most Popular Industrial Packaging Materials
Different industries have different purposes when it comes to packing, presenting, and protecting their good. Therefore, understanding the intended use is important to fulfill the required packaging needs. Below are some of the common materials used in different industries:
Packaging Materials for Food
No one likes to have food in a packaging that changes the taste of the food items packed inside. Therefore, food businesses must use food-graded materials for their packaging to pack, showcase, and secure their food items during storage and transit.
These materials must be FSC-certified and align with FDA guidelines to preserve the quality of food items.
Packaging Materials for Shipping
With the advent of technology, customers like to have products at their doorstep. This increases the demand for shipping products from the manufacturer to the consumers’ place and requires optimal product protection. This is where packaging materials for shipping come in.
These materials are used to keep the packed products protected while handling, storing, displaying, and shipping.
Packaging Materials for E-commerce
E-commerce is the backbone of various countries. Packaging e-commerce products need packaging that is stylish and durable. Packaging materials for e-commerce play a crucial role in providing a protective heaven to your products while shipping and displaying.
Subscription boxes and sample boxes are also made from these materials to offer upscale presentation and maximum protection.
Packaging Trends 2025 —What You Need to Know
“2025” brings new opportunities as well as challenges for businesses and brands alike. Therefore, they feel the push to go green. The target customers expect more & more and the rules are getting tougher day by day. How can you stay ahead of the competition?
Sustainability Leads the Way
Sustainability is the new trend of 2025. So, all the stakeholders want packaging that is eco-friendly. Therefore, recyclable materials are the best option to reduce the need for virgin resin.
Convenience is King
Buyers want stylish and convenient packaging that makes their life easier. The features such as resealable options, easy-open closures, and smaller portion-sized packs make the packaging more user-friendly.
Proactivity for New Regulations
The laws on packaging are tightening at a booming rate. Packaging safety, traceability, and environmental impact are the most crucial aspects of these laws. Therefore, understanding them all is crucial to aligning your packaging with government legislation.
Flexible Packaging Materials
Businesses always look for flexible packaging materials that can be shaped into round boxes or any design when filled or during use. These materials are produced from paper, film, or any combination of materials.
Innovative Packaging Materials
Innovative packaging materials are used to pack, organize, and protect products. These are the custom packaging materials to keep the product in place while on shipping and storage. Some of the materials are given below:
High-Quality Inserts
Customizable Packaging inserts keep the products secure and organized. These inserts can be customized in any size and shape that perfectly fits into your packaging. these inserts are personalized with full printing for an unforgettable unboxing experience.
Packaging Dividers
The packaging dividers are used to separate your products from others packed in a single box with two or more compartments. These dividers can be crafted to fit almost any box style to keep the products organized and protected.
Tycoon Packaging Is Your One-Stop Shop For High-Quality Packaging Materials
Looking for affordable packaging materials? Tycoon Packaging is your ultimate packaging partner that sources only high-quality materials for our valuable clients at affordable rates. Don’t know what material is best for you? Just share your packaging needs.
We assist you in selecting the right packaging materials that align with your brand and product needs.
The Final Verdict Of Packaging Materials
Selecting the right materials for the success of your brand. By understanding their uses, unique properties, and the benefits of these materials allows you to make informed decisions. These materials enhance product protection, presentation, and sustainability to meet your packaging needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is a packaging material?
Packaging materials are used to create packaging that protects packed products and holds their weight.
Q: What are the 4 four types of packaging materials?
The most important materials are given below:
- SBS paperboard
- Recyclable Kraft
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Non-Bendable rigid
For more details about each material, read the above blog post to understand their nature.
Q: What is the best packaging material?
It depends on the intended use of the packaging. For protection use cardboard and for high printability use SBS paperboard. Read the above post to learn more about the best materials that align with your product needs.
Q: What is packing vs packaging material?
Packing involves wrapping products with materials like bubble wrap and foam. While packaging on the other hand encompasses designing attractive boxes branding and protection with materials like cardboard & plastic.
Q: These materials are avail in varying thicknesses?
Absolutely! These materials are available in varying thicknesses to fulfill your protection needs.
