How to choose the right packaging for your product？

Packaging isn’t just a container—it can protect, sell, and even extend the life of your product.

The right packaging material depends on your product’s texture, shelf life¹ needs, exposure risks, and brand positioning.

I once had a snack manufacturer switch from single-layer plastic to a laminated pouch. The result? Longer shelf life¹ and a new listing in a premium retail chain.

What product factors affect packaging material selection?

It starts with understanding what your product needs.

Key factors include moisture sensitivity², fragility³, shelf life¹, temperature tolerance, odor strength⁴, and shipping risks.

Dive Deeper: Evaluating product needs in detail

When I consult with new clients, this is the first checklist we walk through. The wrong packaging can result in wasted stock, increased returns, or worse—damaged brand trust.

What packaging is best for food products?

From dry to oily, each type of food needs different protection.

Dry food needs moisture and oxygen barriers, while oily or liquid foods need high-seal strength and leakage resistance.

Dive Deeper: Packaging choices for different food categories

Dry foods (e.g. nuts, snacks, cereal)

• Needs: Moisture barrier, shelf visibility
• Suggested: PET/VMPET/PE or Kraft/AL/PE

Coffee and tea

• Needs: Odor retention, oxygen barrier, one-way valve
• Suggested: PET/AL/PE with degassing valve

Spices and seasonings

• Needs: UV protection, aroma barrier
• Suggested: PET/AL/PE or Matte PET/AL/CPP

Liquid and sauces

• Needs: Leak-proof seal, oil resistance
• Suggested: NY/PE, Retort pouch for hot-fill

I worked with a Japanese tea brand that struggled with aroma loss. After switching to PET/AL/PE, customer reviews soared.

What packaging fits non-food products?

Not all packaging is about taste—some are about function and perception.

Non-food items like cosmetics, detergents, and supplements need packaging that reflects the brand and protects active ingredients.

Dive Deeper: Protecting non-food product performance

Supplements and vitamins

• Needs: UV protection, moisture control
• Suggested: PET/AL/PE or Glassine paper laminate

Detergents and cleaners

• Needs: Leak-proof, chemical resistance
• Suggested: PET/NY/PE or Spout pouches

Cosmetics and skincare

• Needs: Aesthetic appeal, ingredient stability
• Suggested: Matte PET/AL/PE, stand-up pouch with spout

Electronics accessories

• Needs: Anti-static or waterproof properties
• Suggested: Static shielding bag or resealable PE bag

In one case, a skincare client moved from plastic jars to matte laminated pouches. It saved 40% in shipping and added a premium unboxing experience.

How to choose eco-friendly packaging⁵g materials](https://www.packagingdigest.com/careers-education-training/5-types-of-packaging-materials-and-their-best-uses)[^1]?

More buyers ask this today than ever before.

Choose mono-material pouches⁶, compostable films⁷, or recyclable PE/PE laminates to reduce environmental impact.

Dive Deeper: Balancing sustainability with performance

Mono-material (e.g. PE/PE or PP/PP)

• 100% recyclable in existing systems
• Less barrier than multi-layer

Compostable films (PLA-based)

• Biodegradable, ideal for short shelf-life items
• Not suitable for high-moisture or oily contents

Recycled content laminates

• Use post-consumer resin (PCR)
• Reduce carbon footprint

I recommend mono-material PE/PE for dry goods like grains or pet snacks. It’s clean, printable, and recyclable in many countries.

Which packaging works best for export?

Shipping adds pressure—literally and financially.

Products for export need materials that withstand long storage, fluctuating temperatures, and handling stress.

Dive Deeper: Export-oriented packaging strategy

Consider:

• Long transit time (2–3 months or more)
• High humidity or temperature shifts
• Rough handling at ports

Export-ready suggestions:

• PET/AL/PE for oxygen-sensitive items
• Matte PET/AL/CPP for luxury shelf display
• NY/PE for liquids under compression
• Thicker laminate (100–120 microns) for durability

I always advise clients to test samples under simulated export conditions before final bulk orders.

Conclusion

Different products need different packaging materials⁸—choose based on barrier needs, shelf life¹, and shipping conditions.