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Packaging can be defined as materials used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery, and presentation of goods. Packaging can be divided into three broad categories:

Primary packaging is the wrapping or containers handled by the consumer.
Secondary packaging is the term used to describe larger cases or boxes that are used to group quantities of primary packaged goods for distribution and for display in shops.
Transit packaging refers to the wooden pallets, board and plastic wrapping and containers that are used to collate the groups into larger loads for transport, which facilitates loading and unloading of goods.
Because of its large volume, packaging waste tends to be very visible. Approximately 70% of primary packaging is used for food and drink which is often discarded in a dirty state and contaminated by residues of the original contents.

The UK produced an estimated 9.3 million tonnes of waste packaging in 2001. Of this 5.1 million tonnes came from households and the remaining 4.2 million tonnes from commercial and industrial sources.

Packaging materials top of page
The most common types of material used for packaging are paper, board, plastic, glass, steel and aluminium.