Author: Ian Nairn

Ian Nairn / February 26, 2026

It can be difficult to conceive of all the moving parts that are required for large organizations to successfully ship product around the world. On top of the materials already needed to make your product, you need plenty more just to ensure safety when transporting it.  Unfortunately, for a lot of business owners or operators, all these different supplies can be overwhelming.  

In this article, we look at the different subcategories of packaging and shipping supplies so you can make a more informed decision when it comes to what’s best for your product and your budget 

The levels of packaging and shipping supplies. 

There are four generally accepted ‘levels’ of packaging and shipping supplies. These are as follows: 

1. Primary 
2. Secondary 
3. Tertiary 
4. Ancillary 

This might sound complicated, but it all follows the supplies’ relationship to your product. 

For simplicity’s sake, as we go through the different levels, let’s say we’re a beverage manufacturer that makes drinks in single-use containers and ships them across the country.  

Primary supplies. 

Simply put, the primary level of supplies relates specifically to the product packaging. It’s primary packaging if it comes in direct contact with the product, and its purpose is to protect, preserve and make it easier to handle the product.  

So, in the example of a beverage manufacturer, the primary packaging could be the aluminum can, plastic or glass bottle, or plastic pouch that the drink is stored in. Think of them as the single-item containers  

Other examples of primary packaging supplies include: 

• Cans and tins 
• Blister packs 
• Glass bottles 
• Plastic bottles 
• Plastic wrappers 
• Tubes 
• Poly bags 
• Vials 
• Cardboard trays 

Primary packaging is the last place you want to cut corners on quality. Not only does it protect your product from damage and deterioration, but seeing worn or defective packaging can make customers think twice before making a purchase.  

Secondary supplies. 

Secondary packaging supplies include the materials necessary to group multiples of your product together in one container.  

In our beverage manufacturer example, this could look like the cardboard box, plastic casing, or six-pack rings used to group together cans or bottles.  

Examples of secondary packaging supplies include: 

• Cardboard boxes and cases 
• Paperboard trays 
• Plastic boxes 
• Shrink wrapped packages 

Some important facets of secondary packaging are protecting the primary packaging and making the products easy to store for the seller. Usually, secondary packaging needs to be stackable for shelving and displays.  

Tertiary supplies. 

Tertiary supplies refer to the materials needed to ship your product from the factory to the store where it’s being sold. This can also be called shipping supplies, bulk packaging, and transit packaging. It’s meant to safely group large quantities of secondary containers into a single distribution unit for transportation, making it easy for loading and unloading into vehicles and warehouses. 

Tertiary shipping supplies include: 

• Pallets/skids 
• Shipping crates 
• Large cardboard boxes 

Your tertiary supplies – and setup with your shipper – need to be secure enough to withstand any bumps and bruises during the transit process.  

Ancillary supplies. 

Ancillary supplies refer to all the additional materials needed to accompany your first three levels of packaging and shipping supplies. This includes tape, film, labels, etc. – it’s going to look different for every business. 

In conclusion… 

A lot goes into packaging and shipping your product. A lot goes around your product, too; specifically, four different kinds of supplies that all need to be considered, ordered through a vendor, and kept track of to ensure you’re not overspending or under-receiving.  

Ian Nairn / February 26, 2026

If your business ships goods to customers or retailers, choosing the right packaging and shipping supplies is an utmost priority. Faulty packaging and shipping supplies can damage your product, reputation, and therefore, profitability. Part of this is choosing the right tape for the job.  

How complicated can tape be, really? Well, as it turns out, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a tape for your packaging and shipping needs. In this article, we take a look.  

The risk of choosing the wrong tape. 

Did you know, 7-11% of packages shipped in the United States arrive damaged or broken? Not only does this result in costly refunds or replacements for businesses, but damaged customer relationships as well. Especially in the B2C world, shoppers are less likely to return to a brand that has sent them a damaged package in the past. 

Tape can make all the difference in preventing this. While other packaging supplies are certainly crucial, without the proper adhesive to seal it all together, even the best packaging efforts are useless.  

How do you pick the right tape? 

The right tape is all going to depend on what kind of packages you’re shipping. The perfect solution for one may not work for another. Some package considerations to keep in mind are: 

• The weight of your boxes/packages – heavier weights may need stronger adhesives and more durable material.  
• Box/package material – not all materials will take to the same tape as well; recycled cartons, for example, may require specific tape. 
• Your packages’ storage conditions – temperature, moisture, and movement and handling frequency might make an impact on the tape used.  
• The shipping distance and process – any packages travelling further and that  may pass through more checkpoints, and therefore more hands, need more damage-resistant tape.  

With your packaging requirements laid out, you can look into finding the right kind of tape to support it. Some variants to consider are: 

• Adhesive – several types of adhesives are used in packaging tape, some of which are more suitable for some materials than others.  
• Backing material – is it vinyl, cloth, or something else? 
• Core size – the diameter of the roll.  
• Elongation – or how long the tape can stretch without breaking. 
• Tensile strength – which is a measurement of how much force is required to break the tape. 
• Thickness and width of tape on each roll.  

Take cost optimization into consideration. 

With any sort of ongoing supplies purchase, it’s critical that your spend is optimized. Otherwise, this could reflect in a build up of significant wasted money over months and years. The funds may seem small when comparing individual rolls of tape, but over time, it can take a big bite from your budget.  

Some thinks to keep in mind are: 

• The length of the tape on each roll – a cheaper roll may not be cheaper when it’s less tape overall.  
• Don’t cheap out on low quality tape – this often leads to the need for double layering to match the strength of higher quality tape, costing you more in the long run.  
• Look for bulk purchasing deals where possible – this usually reduces the price per roll.  

In conclusion… 

There are a lot of different types of packaging tapes out there; from acrylic, to hot melt, to water activated, and more. However, none of these are a ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to your shipped goods. Knowing your specific needs will lead to choosing the best product, and likely save you money and improve customer relationships in the long run.  

Ian Nairn / February 26, 2026

There’s a fine line when it comes to packaging. You don’t want so little packaging that items get damaged, but you also don’t want to frustrate customers by overdoing it with tape and other difficult materials to break open.

One way to toe this line is frustration-free packaging; a method of packaging your shipped goods that helps you increase customers satisfaction sustainably. If your company isn’t ahead of this trend, you may want to consider switching processes. In this article, we take a look.

What is frustration-free packaging?

Simply put, the objective of frustration-free packaging is to make your products easy to ship, open, and reuse or recycle. The idea is to minimize packaging materials without compromising product safety, making it more accessible for the customer, and less costly and wasteful for you.

The term was coined by Amazon, which has a frustration-free packaging program; a set of guidelines for Amazon merchants to reduce packaging waste, lower shipping and packaging costs, and improve the customer experience.

There are benefits for you.

Ultimately, frustration-free packaging allows you to reduce packaging and shipping supplies costs, as well as the waste generated by this expense. If your brand aligns itself with sustainability or eco-friendliness as a value, this is one initiative that can show consistency with your values, all while saving money.

Other advantages it offers are reduced chances of returns chargebacks,  saving you significant money in the long run.

There are benefits for your customers.

Lowered shipping costs for you also mean lower shipping costs for your customer. Likewise, the benefit is in the name. Simple, scaled down packaging that still protects shipped goods reduce frustration for the customer during the order fulfillment process. This will improve their experience with your business and potentially increase the likelihood of return business.

Even if you’re not selling on Amazon, you can use frustration-free packaging.

Although this strategy started with Amazon, it doesn’t mean you can’t implement it on your own.

Of course, there are challenges to consider. These include:

• Finding the balance between product protection, simplicity for customers, and minimal waste.
• Implementing the change to your packaging system without disrupting operations.

Some tips to make this easier include:

• Analyzing the current packaging type you are using to assess its biggest advantages and disadvantages regarding protection, design, and other factors – what must be changed and what can stay the same?
• Investigating packaging vendors with frustration-free options – shop around, don’t go with the first option you see right out of the gate.
• Prioritizing product protection – if there’s anywhere to scale back, it’s not here.
• Considering a consultant with expertise – if you’re concerned about what packaging supplies solutions you’re paying for, a third-party, independent consultant may be able to give you peace of mind.

In conclusion…

Frustration-free packaging can save you money, reduce waste, improve your customers’ experience, and show your commitment to sustainable solutions. If your only hesitation is implementing a large scale change, there are plenty of experts and vendors who can help.

Ian Nairn / February 26, 2026

Packing peanuts are a staple for businesses that need to send potentially fragile or breakable products to customers. They’re inexpensive, efficient, and lightweight. In today’s economic climate, those are some considerable pros. But what if the cost is customer satisfaction? In this article, we take a look.

People don’t like packing peanuts.

Whether it be the traditional kind or the newer, more eco-friendly versions, customers aren’t fans of packing peanuts. Below are a few reasons why:

They make a mess: They easily scatter and are difficult to clean up.

Hard to dispose of: Due to static cling, they stick to every surface, and their lack of recyclability makes disposal complicated.

Environmental impact: While some versions are biodegradable, the environmental cost is still significant. Non-biodegradable versions remain in the environment for a long time, generating a substantial amount of waste.

Health impact: Traditional foam peanuts production methods can release carcinogenic fumes that could be harmful to workers handling the material.

Increase in shipping costs: For businesses, the biodegradable option can also increase shipping costs since they have a higher weight than traditional packing peanuts.

The impact on customer experience

When a customer receives a package filled with packing peanuts, the unboxing experience, which for many is a highly satisfying moment, quickly turns into frustration. They may even need to spend more time than expected cleaning up the mess and getting rid of the peanuts. This doesn’t only affect the perception of the product but also the company’s image.
More than that, many businesses today are concerned about the environmental impact of their products and processes. If a customer encounters packaging that is harmful to the environment, it could affect their brand loyalty and even damage the company’s reputation.

Alternatives to packing peanuts.

The good news is, there are more modern, eco-friendly packaging alternatives available. Some options include:

• Recycled paper fill (Kraft Paper): Recycled paper fibers are a popular choice as they are easily recyclable and biodegradable. Plus, customers may feel more satisfied knowing the material doesn’t pose a threat to the planet and is easy to dispose of.
• Shredded paper: Another eco-friendly alternative, shredded paper is a good filler option that can be recycled and composted. It’s also easy to handle and dispose of.
• Cornstarch foam: A biodegradable alternative that dissolves easily in water. While more expensive than traditional packing peanuts, this option has grown in popularity due to its lower environmental impact.
• Air pillows: Some companies are opting for recyclable air bubbles or inflatable air bags. While lightweight and effective, they are also less likely to scatter or cause a mess.
• Cardboard inserts: Custom-cut cardboard inserts are another sustainable option, as they securely hold products in place without the need for filler material. They can be recycled easily and offer a more structured and neat solution for packaging.
• Custom fit solutions: Packaging made to measure for products ensures that the item doesn’t shift and doesn’t require extra filler material. Although they require a higher initial investment, custom solutions can be more efficient and provide a better unboxing experience.

The shift in consumer mindset.

As consumers become more aware of their purchasing choices, the demand for sustainable (and easy-to-handle) packaging is growing. They want to know their purchases aren’t contributing to a larger environmental problem. Companies that adopt eco-friendly practices not only gain in terms of brand image but can also stand out as leaders in innovation.
Furthermore, customer experience is becoming increasingly valued. Customers who have a positive unboxing experience are more likely to share their impressions on social media, influencing other potential buyers. A well-thought-out package can be an excellent competitive differentiator.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, while packing peanuts may be cheap and functional, the hidden costs to customer satisfaction and the environment are significant. Businesses that prioritize eco-friendly and user-friendly packaging not only reduce waste but also create a better experience, strengthen their brand, and show they care about the planet. Choosing smarter alternatives is an investment that pays off in happier customers and a stronger reputation.

Ian Nairn / February 9, 2026

In this episode, William and Luke Cardillo have a conversation about his company, Atlas Professional Services. They handle clients IT support solutions and technology needs so they can focus on the things that make them successful. They provide scalable and innovative IT services in Tampa and surrounding cities to a variety of industries.