Glossary · Packaging and intralogistics
Secondary packaging
Also known as: Secondary package, Grouped packaging
German: Sekundärverpackung
In packaging, secondary packaging is the packaging that groups or surrounds one or more primary packages, such as a folding carton, shrink bundle or display tray, for handling, retail display or additional protection.
- Intralogistics
In one sentence
Secondary packaging groups or surrounds primary packages, such as a folding carton or shrink bundle, for handling and display.
Example
Six bottles in a shrink-wrapped bundle form the secondary packaging; the pallet with stretch film is tertiary packaging.
How it applies
- Engineering: Secondary packaging is made on cartoners, case packers, tray packers and shrink wrappers. Its design affects line speed, display and transport stability.
- Pharma: Under the EU Falsified Medicines Directive, the unique identifier and anti-tampering device are typically placed on the outer packaging, which is often the carton. Serialization equipment therefore sits at the secondary packaging stage.
- Documentation: Specify packaging configuration (units per carton, cartons per case) as master data, because it drives labeling, aggregation and logistics. Keep the definitions consistent across ERP, MES and packaging documentation.
Secondary vs. tertiary packaging
Secondary packaging is still a sales or handling unit; Tertiary packaging is the transport unit such as a pallet. Some industries call the shipping case secondary, others tertiary; state the definition used in your documents.