Calculating the different packaging levels

In any comprehensive project involving packaging,understanding the different types of levels of packaging is crucial. Each level serves a distinct purpose, influencing logistics, presentation, and sustainability.

PIQET currently has five different packaging levels. If your packaging has fewer levels, you can unselect some at the ‘Project settings’ level, under ‘Project Scope’.

Let's delve into the distinctions among various tiersof packaging within the framework of a packaging system designed for drinks. At the forefront lies the primary packaging, represented by the individual drink purchased by the consumer. This packaging tier encapsulates the final layer that houses the product — a glass bottle sealed with an aluminium lid, comprising what we term the sub-retail unit.

Occasionally, these units are displayed on shelves as a collective six-pack, bound together by printed cardboard, constituting the retail unit. These primary packaging levels are assumed to transition beyond the retailer and enter the consumer's possession.

Moving beyond the primary packaging level, we encounter the secondary packaging levels, designed to remain within theretailer. A distinctive example is the merchandizing unit, which in this example could be a branded printed cardboard tray positioned on the shelf, accommodating retail and/or sub-retail units. For transportation to the store, these products are consolidated in a traded unit, such as a case housing several six-packs, also referred to as a shipper. These are usually unbranded, large cardboard boxes. Sometimes held together with shrinkwrap.

Finally, the highest tier encompasses, for example, 24 traded units within a single pallet unit. This unit facilitates the transportation of traded units from the sourcing location or manufacturer to various trading locations.

This comprehensive system delineates the intricate layers and stages involved in packaging, each serving a distinct purpose within the drinks distribution network.