Bulk Packaging
Bulk packaging refers to packaging many articles/products of a similar kind into a single packaging box or bag or creating a large Packaging container/box/bag of smaller containers, boxes or bag
Bulk packaging is mainly required by manufacturers who wish to transport a large quantity of goods to their distributors in various parts of the world. The distributors unpack the goods and distribute the goods directly as is, either in loose or original packed condition or they repack it and resell it to their retailers.
Bulk packaging materials made of polypropylene resist water and protect contents from moisture. This packaging feature also prevents mold and mildew growth. In addition to moisture control, odors are not passed between bags when transported or stored close to each other. The result? Quality products delivered to the consumer.
Retail Packaging
Retail packaging often refers to wholesale retail boxes or other packaging made for the end user consumer who is going to consume the product after opening the packaging.
Retail packaging is made visually/aesthetically more appealing as it has to attract the consumers to buy it. Whereas in bulk packaging most of the times focus is not given to the aesthetics. As the retail’s packs are packed inside the bulk packaging container/gunny bag.
Retail packaging holds MRP on it, whereas the bulk packaging is not mentioned with MRP, unless it is meant for selling in loose condition, for example tea powder. Tea powder might be ordered in bulk, but sometimes sold in small individual packs of 250gms or 1kg at traditional tea shops. Another example is Coffee beans. They are ordered in bulk but when received the beans are grounded into powder to sell in loose packs at specialty coffee stores.
So bulk packaging is done mainly by the manufacturers to supply their goods to the wholesalers/retailers. The retail packaging is also done by the manufacturers by for the consumption of the end consumers, although it is sold via wholesalers or retailers. For example, Cadbury or Nestle or Amul may pack their products in retail packaging but while sending it to their wholesalers they send it in a box, which can be referred to as bulk packaging. When the wholesaler opens the box, they sell directly the packaged ready products from these brands to the end consumers.