Define Ancillary Packaging

Packaging costs for products typically average $1 for every $11 spent by a company, according to an Ohio State University report. Ancillary packaging is not a primary source of packaging. However, improper ancillary packaging materials can hinder the aesthetic or statutory purpose of primary packaging.

Types

Ancillary packaging includes adhesives, printing ink for labels, bottle caps and container closures. This type of packaging is common for food products, although most other primary packaging will use ancillary materials.

Features

Adhesives in ancillary packaging are water or heat activated. Printing ink has two classifications: external and direct contact packaging. New types of ink --- such as UV, water or toluene free --- are becoming more common in use, increasing safety for use in food packaging.

Purpose

Packaging companies will use ancillary packaging materials in conjunction with product labels. These labels may contain information about the product, government safety guidelines or instructions. The placement of the label will vary by product and the best use for product advertisement.

References

• Ohio State University: Purposes of Packaging
• Envis-icpe: Ancillary Materials for Food Packaging