Essential packaging vocabulary

Although we encounter it on a daily basis, the wide range of packaging vocabulary in the English language can be mind-boggling. Here are a few essential types of packaging to help you choose which one to go for:


Box a rectangular cardboard container, usually with a lid or removable cover
of chocolates
of tissues
of cereal





Packet/pack a plastic bag or wrapper or a small cardboard box
of crisps
of biscuits
of sweets
of cigarettes





Carton a cuboid container of waxed paper or plastic for liquids
of orange juice
of milk
of eggs





Tub a deep plastic or cardboard container, usually with a lid
of ice cream
of butter






Can a sealed metal container 
of coke
of beer
of deodorant







Tin any pot, box, can, or other container made of tin
of tuna
of baked beans
of biscuits






Bottle a glass or plastic container for holding liquids, usually with a neck and mouth.
of wine
of milk







Jar a cylindrical glass container, usually with a screw-on lid
of jam
of honey
of mayonnaise







Bag a container or receptacle of plastic or paper, usually sealed at the mouth
of flour
of crisps







Tube a small, cylindrical, plastic or paper container, sealed at one end and with a capped opening at the other
of tooth paste
of smarties