Technical terms explained: Packaged goods

Grouped goods

The term describes a bundling of general cargo. This can involve both identical and different unit loads. Packing aids combine smaller units into a larger transport or delivery unit. By combining several deliveries, transport can be optimised in this way.

Filling goods

This term describes substances that are filled into bags, containers or similar packaging materials. Typical filling goods are, for example, milk, rice, shampoos or washing-up liquid. If the respective contents are in a liquid state, a packaging must be chosen that prevents any potential interaction with the contents.

If the contents contain harmful substances, they must be treated separately. In this case, the filling is carried out in packaging specified for this purpose.

Flowing and bulk goods

In freight transport, products are referred to as flowing goods if they do not have a fixed geometrically defined shape. This is the case, for example, with liquids and products with a viscous consistency, but also with bulk goods such as sand, chippings or gravel.

Goods containing harmful substances

According to the Packaging Act (VerpackG), for example, pest control substances, plant protection agents, polyurethane foams, and certain other chemicals or chemical-containing products, as well as fuels, oils, and oil-based products (lubricating oil, brake fluid, etc.), are considered hazardous contents. They must be labeled with appropriate hazard symbols or GHS pictograms.

Dangerous goods

Goods of this type have special requirements with regard to safe packaging, transport and storage. The term dangerous goods covers all substances that may pose a risk to the health and life of people and thus also to public safety. Here, too, requirements apply to labelling, e.g. with labels. The transport of dangerous goods is strictly regulated by law. These primarily relate to transport in public traffic. Other rules apply to the transport of dangerous goods within closed company premises. 

The right packaging solution for every packaged good

Poorly and not carefully packed products can be damaged more easily. This can lead to considerable additional costs on the one hand and also to a loss of image on the other. The company department responsible for packing goods or the responsible packaging service provider must therefore ensure that the goods arrive undamaged at the recipient.

For this reason, they must find increasingly product-specific solutions with regard to the shape, construction and material of the packaging e.g. custom-made cartons. This ensures the best possible protection for the respective packaged goods. The development of new packaging solutions and the most individual design options possible are also high on the agenda here.

The most important tasks in handling packaged goods

The handling of packaged goods must always be carried out according to the specifications.

• The integrity and quality of the packaged goods must be guaranteed at all times.
• The maximum packaging volume must be specifically designed for the respective package.
• Packaged goods should not have any protruding elements in order to prevent potential hazards to people or other goods.
• Easily destructible or fragile packaged goods must be secured separately.
• Substances hazardous to water and the environment
• Each packaged good must be assessed on the basis of its individual specification. Depending on the requirements, packaging service providers must implement protection against electrostatic discharge or corrosion, for example.

Particularly in the case of dangerous goods, special laws and regulations also come into play. In Germany, the handling of packaged goods in this category is regulated in the Dangerous Goods Ordinance for Road, Rail and Inland Navigation (GGVSEB). Among other things, this results in obligations with regard to dispatch, transport, packaging and loading and unloading.

Packaged goods and the sustainability factor

High demands are also placed on packaged goods in terms of climate and environmental protection as well as sustainability. For the commercial market players as well as for the end consumers, this topic is more in focus than ever before. Therefore, packaging professionals must present suitable solutions accordingly and focus on resource- and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. In the context of production, packaging and transport, there are many possible approaches to reduce the consumption of energy and resources such as water and raw materials (e.g. wood) as well as pollutant emissions. 

An essential step is the choice of material. Which is the most sustainable packaging solution depends on various factors - the necessary protection, possible material cycle structures (deposit systems) or even the type and length of the transport route.

• Wood fibres are used to manufacture paper, cardboard and paperboard. Wood is a renewable raw material when suitable conditions for forest regeneration and management are maintained. The origin of the fibres can be documented through recognised certification and chain-of-custody systems, where applicable. The recyclability of finished paper and cardboard packaging depends on its complete material structure, including any coatings, adhesives and other components, as well as the available recycling infrastructure.


• Corrugated board is made from paper-based materials and typically combines corrugated paper layers with flat linerboard. Depending on the specific board grade, these layers can contain recycled paper fibres, primary fibres or a combination of both. The recycled fibre content is a property of the material used in production, while the recyclability of the finished shipping box depends on its complete structure, including coatings, laminates and adhesives, as well as the relevant collection and recycling systems.


• Grass is similar to wood: this raw material grows back quickly, is available regionally and is suitable for the production of cardboard and paper.


• Cellophane is a transparent film made from regenerated cellulose, which is usually obtained from plant-based raw materials such as wood pulp. Its properties and suitability for packaging applications depend on the specific film grade and any coatings or additional layers. Biodegradability and compostability must be assessed separately for the finished material under the applicable conditions and testing standards.


• Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) is obtained from melted-down PET waste. Processed into granules, it can be used to produce a wide variety of things.


• Adhesives are often used in packaging production to join different materials and components. Depending on the application, starch-based adhesives made from plant-derived raw materials may be used. Their suitability depends on the packaging materials, processing conditions and required bonding performance. The environmental characteristics of an adhesive must be assessed separately from its raw material origin.

In addition to material selection, energy supply and packaging design are relevant factors when assessing the environmental impacts of packaging production. Using electricity from renewable sources can influence the greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing, while the packaging's dimensions, material structure and intended use affect other aspects of its environmental performance. The actual impacts must be assessed in relation to the specific production process and packaging design.

Quality controls - the basis for continuous improvement

The aim is also always to avoid superfluous waste. This is achieved by using packaging materials that are tailored to the goods to be packaged. This can be well illustrated by the example of cartons: The better the dimensions of a shipping carton fit the packaged goods, the less packaging and filling material is needed. Inlays for packaging are, of course, ideal.  

Likewise, appropriately designed inlays can help secure products inside their packaging and, depending on the product and packaging design, may reduce the need for additional loose filling material. The amount of material required must be determined for each packaging solution while ensuring adequate protection of the contents.

Packaging service providers should also establish quality control procedures to review relevant environmental aspects of their materials and production processes, including raw material sourcing, energy consumption and compliance with applicable requirements.

Quality controls can begin with examining the origin and composition of the raw materials used and assessing their relevant environmental characteristics. For materials containing recycled content, the type, source and proportion of recycled material should be documented where appropriate. Packaging service providers can also review and measure their energy and resource consumption regularly to identify potential improvements in their production processes.

This provides insights and a basis for optimization throughout the entire packaging process.

Conclusion: Research and development bring dynamism to the packaging industry

Large quantities of goods are packaged, transported and delivered every day, generating packaging waste and requiring energy and raw materials. The extent of these impacts depends on the packaging materials, transport arrangements and handling processes involved. Combining individual shipments into consolidated loads can improve vehicle utilisation and transport planning. Whether this also reduces energy consumption, emissions or material requirements depends on the specific logistics process.

Modern production facilities make it possible for packaging solutions to be highly individualized and adapted precisely to the respective requirement. This applies, for example, to the dimensions, optional printing and selectable finishes. Accompanying quality controls ensure compliance with specifications for the product and material cycle.

In principle, recyclable materials are also pushing more and more into the foreground. Many types of plastic are also recyclable - but not all. For functional reasons, however, they still represent an important factor as packaging materials. One challenge for the packaging industry is to develop new material solutions that meet the required product protection standards while taking into account their environmental characteristics and suitable end-of-life treatment options.

The latest developments clearly indicate that packaged goods will also be wrapped in smart packaging in the future. For example, research is underway into smart fibers that could replace classic plastic film in the long term.