Packaging materials are used to keep products identified, protected and undamaged during delivery. There are different types of packaging, depending upon the types of products being packaged. The most important and popular one is encapsulated air plastic sheeting, which is commonly known as bubble wrap and uses encased air bubbles in the midst of plastic sheeting to protect goods from shock during transportation. This is an ideal packaging material for lightweight goods and can be shaped to wrap around any size of product. If the product is heavy then these products may deflate the sheeting, making it ineffective.

Corrugated cardboard is another important packaging material. It cushions the goods and provides a protective shield, due to the rigidness of the board. It is better used for heavy items. Unfastened fill peanuts are made of durable polystyrene. However, this is not a full-proof method for flat objects that move during transportation. Foam sheeting made of polyethylene is lightweight and provides padding for lightweight products. Inflated packaging uses air pressure to secure the goods. Craft paper, when stacked, makes excellent package material. Apart from these there are alternative packaging materials also which hang the product within the package, but these are expensive.

Packaging materials use huge quantities of the world's natural resources and currently account for around five percent of waste materials. About sixty percent of all packaging is for food products; most of them are not to protect and preserve the goods but to enhance the appearance and increase sales of the product. The best packaging materials from an ecological standpoint are cardboard and wooden boxes.