Packaging plays a crucial role in not only protecting products from external factors but also extending their shelf life. A well-designed and appealing packaging box doesn’t just protect—it attracts and convinces customers to purchase. With numerous packaging materials available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
Beyond material choices, understanding the different levels of packaging is essential, as each serves a distinct purpose. Whether you’re considering sustainable options or custom designs, the packaging materials you choose will have a direct impact on your brand’s success.
In this article, we have listed down some of the most common types of materials that are used in the packaging industry throughout the world.
1. Paperboard Packaging

The most common type that has been used and can be seen in almost every corner is paper and cardboard packaging. This type of packaging box material has a wide range of uses, benefits and options to choose from. You have the freedom to opt according to your needs and requirements.
Corrugated Cardboard
Often used for shipping, corrugated boxes have a layering system in them. The outer layer are the linerboard sheets, and the inner one is fluting. This also has further types according to the purpose it is being used for.
Somewhere it will have double or triple flutes or liners for extra support for heavy-duty products during their transit and sometimes it’s as thin as cardboard that is used for packaging cosmetics or even food items. Its sturdy and durable nature makes it ideal, especially for shipping.
Cardboard Boxes
Another versatile packaging material is cardboard. This can be used for a range of products. With a recycling rate of 92.9% , this material, when increased in thickness, became rigid and can also be used to package premium and high-end products.
With so many shapes and style options, cardboard boxes are flexible to customize to your needs. The most popular and widely used shape is a regular mailer box that can almost accommodate any product that you want.
2. Plastic Packaging

Plastic is one of the most widely used kinds of packaging material. Just because of its sustainable factors, it has been popular for a long period and plays a vital role in the packaging market.
It can be molded into almost any shape and still remain lightweight, providing the next level of protection to your products.
Not only can it be utilized in terms of box packaging but also plastic bags, bottles, jars, etc. are being in the race as a game changer.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Mostly used for water bottles, PET is commonly lightweight and transparent and can be recycled easily. This type of plastic is strong and cost-efficient, making it ideal for a range of liquids to be packaged.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Another type of plastic that is more sturdy and harder, HDPE, is made from thermoplastic polymer that is highly resistant to most chemicals. This type of plastic is preferred for storing detergents and other poisonous acids. It is used for shampoo bottles, milk jugs, pipes, bleach bottles, etc.
Shrink Wrap and Plastic Films
Shrink wraps are the type of plastic that is thin and flexible enough to wrap around objects tightly when heated. Just because it is not thick or sturdy doesn’t mean it cannot provide protection.
When passed through the appropriate amount of heat, it can shrink down to the size of the product, making it durable.
Another term we often hear in the packaging industry is plastic films. These films are used for waterproofing and are a preferred choice when it comes to storing frozen food.
While being versatile and useful, it is crucial to note that plastic has some serious environmental cons. It cannot be fully recyclable, promoting the need to transform it into something more eco-friendly.
3. Glass Packaging

Out of every packaging option available in the market, glass has been widely liked because of its aesthetic appeal. Despite being adaptable, glass packaging is used in industries like beverages, cosmetics, jewelry, food that need an airtight seal, and any other product that deserves an extra flair in presentation. It is highly non-reactive, so it doesn’t impact the flavor or quality of the product inside if it is any eatery. Last but not least, glass is fully recyclable.
Bottles and Jars
Glass is often used as bottles, jars, and boxes to store liquids such as juices, sauces, oils, and sodas. Due to the fact that glass is transparent, consumers can have a sneak peek of the product inside.
It also provides endless possibilities for customizations to be more attractive. Additionally, it is an incredibly durable material and can be a preferred choice among different other types of materials used for packaging.
4. Metal Packaging

Metal, especially aluminum and tin, is another material that is down when it comes to something durable and sturdy. This material has not gained so much popularity but is still versatile in so many industries where the product needs to be packaged in bulk without compromising its strength.
Aluminum Cans
This packaging option weighs less than any other metal, which makes it a convenient option when it comes to packaging frozen foods, sodas, and beers. It is strong, flexible, and recyclable, keeping the product away from light, moisture, and air. It also increases the shelf life of canned goods, helping them to stay fresh for a longer period.
Steel Drum
The steel drums we usually see where there is a need for transporting chemicals or oils in a bulk form. These heavy-duty drums are robust and can withstand rough handling. They have a tight seal to prevent spilling or spoilage before even being handled by the retailers.
5. Biodegradable and Sustainable Packaging

After getting awareness about environmental degradation, many companies have switched to all types of packaging materials that are sustainable, biodegradable, or made from renewable resources. The more eco-friendly your brand is, the more it will gain attention in the market. People are getting concerned about the carbon footprint their purchases leave on the environment.
Compostable Packaging
This type of material is fully made with natural elements like cornstarch or sugarcane and doesn’t harm any environmental factors. When broken down with natural factors like sunlight, it doesn’t leave any toxins in the atmosphere like other packaging materials.
Recycled Materials
Those materials are not actually waste but are re-used to create another new and sustainable packaging approach. Many brands have shifted to recyclable plastic or paper to promote eco-friendliness.
Kraft Paper
Known for its earthy, rustic look, kraft paperboard material is popular for packaging products that focus on sustainability and eco-consciousness. Available in multiple styles in boxes and bags, kraft has never gone out of style or trend.
6. Foam Packaging

Another packaging option that offers maximum protection and is ideal for delicate, fragile items because it provides extreme cushioning against many external factors.
Polystyrene Foam
Widely used as packaging material and often utilized as fillers, polystyrene foam is versatile because of its light weight and shock-absorbing properties.
Key Considerations Before Designing Custom Product Packaging

The ultimate goal of any packaging design begins with a clear vision of what you want for your product and how you want it to be perceived. After understanding what packaging is and how it impacts your branding, now is the time to think about what material you will choose for your product packaging. The answer to it has already been discussed above.
Before diving into the design, consider the following key questions:
What is your budget?
Your budget will influence everything from material choices to the complexity of the design and the level of customization.
What are the Dimensions of Your Product and Packaging?
Knowing the exact measurements of your product is essential to creating packaging that fits perfectly and minimizes material waste.
What Style or Structure Are You Envisioning?
Do you want a minimal, sleek design or something more elaborate? The style should align with your brand’s identity and the message you want to convey.
Who is Your Target Audience?
Consider who your customers are and how your packaging can appeal to their preferences—whether through colors, textures, or eco-friendly materials.
What are Your Packaging’s Functional Requirements?
Does the packaging need to protect fragile items, be easy to transport, or include certain labeling for safety or legal reasons?
How Sustainable Do You Want Your Packaging to Be?
If eco-friendly options are important to your brand, this will influence your choice of materials and design approach. You can also have a look at some creative shapes and styles that you can create from sustainable kraft material.
What Kind of Unboxing Experience Do You Want To Create?
A memorable unboxing experience can leave a lasting impression on customers and encourage them to share it, enhancing your brand’s visibility.
Why Choosing the Right Packaging Matters
Choosing the right type of material for your product not only influences its longevity but also its environmental footprint along with its shelf life.
By understanding thoroughly the nature of your product and then deciding how to package it in what type of packaging box material you can ensure that your product arrives in its best possible condition.
One thing to keep in mind is that not every material is suitable for every product type. You cannot simply package your fragile items in a cardboard box that is not sturdy enough to withstand the extremes of the shipping process.
Remember, using the right materials for packaging is the ultimate key to many crucial factors in the success of your marketing strategies.