Terms such as “fair trade” and “free trade” are often used interchangeably, but they are different. It’s possible that one may fit your values better than the other. In short, the difference between fair trade and free trade is that the first focuses on equity in the global economy while the second wishes to remove trade restrictions.

In the packaging industry, specific levels of packaging determine how products are packed and shipped. If you attend a packaging expo, individuals will ask if a certain packaging product is primary, secondary, or tertiary, and it can be helpful to know the differences between these levels of packaging. So what are the levels of packaging?

Let’s start with an unboxing experience to showcase the levels of packaging from how most consumers interact with a product delivered to their home!

If you’ve gone for takeout recently and received your food in cardboard-like takeout boxes, then you may have met “bagasse” in real life. Many eco-friendly restaurants and companies are prioritizing sustainability within their single-use containers, choosing packaging that is made from environmentally-friendly materials. While bamboo is well-known for eco-friendly packages, bagasse is a lesser-known material.

At-home meal prep services effectively did away with night after night of plastic utensils, straws, lids, and bags from delivery and takeout, but now meal prep services like Blue Apron are preparing to get even more sustainable. 

As online ordering takes over traditional in-store shopping, the unboxing of products has become more important to brands who want to truly create an experience for their customers. In fact, there are YouTube channels that are devoted specifically to unboxing products on camera for both the pleasure and review of the item. How a product is unboxed can increase marketing, engagement, and customer connection.