The purpose of packaging is to ensure the load integrity of the product so that it can be safely stored, transported, and sold. It involves three tiers:
- Primary packaging. The packaging surrounding and being in direct contact with the product. Cans, bottles, jars, bags, boxes, and warps are commonly used to directly protect against damage and contamination and are a measure of itemization by number, volume, or mass. It is designed for display and shelf storage with the ability for the end consumer to directly carry the item.
- Secondary packaging. The packaging used to bundle products so that they can be handled, stored, or displayed. Boxes and bags are the most common packaging, which can usually be handled manually.
- Tertiary packaging. The packaging used to bundle products for the main purpose of transport and storage. Boxes and, particularly, pallets are the most common forms. The container can be considered the ultimate form of tertiary packaging since it is a package used to transport bundled cargo. Most of this packaging cannot be handled manually and requires mechanized equipment such as forklifts.