Difference Between Packing and Packaging

The words packing and packaging often confuse us, as they play a very significant role in the field of Marketing and are used in the context of covering or wrapping the product for proper storage and transportation. While packing is more about protection, the packaging is focuses on the design and appearance of the product which makes it attractive.

So, packing implies the act of covering up the item or product, to protect it from any damage, whereas packaging refers to a set of activities, which involves designing a proper cover for the product, which not only stores the product and protects it from any damage, but also attracts customers with its appearance and instigates them to buy it. In this article, you will get to know about the critical differences between packing and packaging.

Content: Packing Vs Packaging

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Packing	Packaging
Meaning	Packing implies the process of wrapping up of product into a case or container, for the purpose of protection.	Packaging is the process of creating a cover for the product which identifies the brand and also ensures its safety for storage and transport.
Includes	Wrapping and storing the product in a proper way.	Designing package, labeling and sales promotion.
Objective	To facilitate safety.	To identify the brand and attract customers.

Definition of Packing

Packing is a part of packaging in which the product is prepared for storage, transport, handling and delivery by putting packaged product in large cartons or containers. The products are packed as per their nature. It aims at preventing the product from any damage, leakage, breakage, pilferage and so forth, keeping them well organized and easily carrying them during transit.

The word ‘packing’ is mainly used in connection with the Shipping industry. It involves sealing, wrapping, cushioning, weatherproofing and so forth, which protects the product for any loss and making it ready for transportation and storage. The material used for packing the product includes packing tray, packing tape, foam, bubble wrap, cartons, etc.

Definition of Packaging

Packaging is a marketing technique of placing products in attractive packages, as per the convenience of the customers. It covers all the activities of designing and developing a suitable container, for the product, so as to ensure its safety along with the appearance.

A package communicates the required information of the contained material or item and its contents to the consumer. It is so designed which grabs the attention of the consumer, in the first instance, through its appeal.

A product’s package plays a vital role in the product’s overall sales in the market, as it is the first thing that the customer notices. So, it can be said that packaging acts as a silent salesman. It has the capability to turn shoppers into buyers, by serving as an advertisement for the product as it identifies the brand, communicates detailed information, facilitates transportation and protection, assists at-home storage, facilitates the use of the product. There are three levels of packaging:

• Primary Package: The immediate cover, in which the product is made available, which can be a polythene wrapper, tube, cane etc.
• Secondary Package: Apart from the primary packaging, one more package is provided to the product, to ensure its safety. You might have seen a cardboard box, in which the product is covered.
• Final Packaging: Final packaging is mainly for transportation and storage purposes. You might have seen that when a product is transported in large quantities, from one place to another, a number of products are placed in cartons and in this way several cartons are used to transport the product, to protect them from any damage.

Conclusion

Both packing and packaging is an important part of logistics management which not only facilitates protection of the items, to make sure goods reach the destination in the right condition but also ensures proper transportation, handling and storage.

In today’s scenario, the packaging of the product plays a crucial role in boosting the sales of the business. It has also gained importance due to increasing standards of health and sanitation, as well as it differentiates the company’s product from the various products available in the market. Thus, the better the packaging is, the more is the sales of the business.