Q1: What Is Clamshell Blister Packaging
Clamshell blister packaging comprises two layers: the forming layer or the ‘blister’ (cavity, bubble, or pocket), is made of a thermoformed plastic and essentially used to cover the product and secure it in place, while the backing (lidding) come in different material like paperboard, cardboard back, foil backing, aluminum foil or plastic sheet, the lidding is heat sealed with a strong adhesive. Clamshell blister packaging is designed to protect the product for an extended period from external factors, such as contamination, moisture, humidity, oxygen, and UV rays. Clamshell blister packaging is manufactured using a thermoplastic polymer which is processed at an elevated temperature, molded into the desired shape, and solidified upon cooling.
Clamshell blister packaging is also referred to as clamshell packaging, clamshell blisters; clamshell blister packs, clam packaging, clam packs, and clamshell packs.
Q2: What Are The Applications Of Clamshell Blister Packaging?
Clamshell blister packaging has become the most convenient packaging solution for a wide range of products including the following:
Food and Snacks
Pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
Toothbrushes and dental floss
Health care products
Cosmetic sets and personal care products
Gift sets and treats
Electronics and accessories
Retail goods
Hardware, tools and electrical items
Small consumer goods
Small tool sets
Light bulbs set
Fishing and hunting accessories
Toys and games
Stationary and office supplies
Auto parts and automotive products
Battery products
DIY goods and craft supplies
Light-sensitive products
Products with fragile parts
Products vulnerable to breaking
Products sensitive to environmental factors
Q3: Why PET (polyethylene terephthalate) Is Preferred for Clamshell Blister Packaging?
Nowadays, the packaging industry relies heavily on PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) in everyday life, thanks to the transparent, strong, light, safe and cost-effective thermoplastic polymer material, which makes it preferred for a variety of packaging applications. Also, when compared with other types of plastic sheets such as HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and Polylactic acid (PLA), PET (polyethylene terephthalate) contains gas-barrier properties, and ensures more protection against the transmission of oxygen, CO2 and moisture, this preserves food product and prolongs the shelf life of food beyond the basics. Besides this, PET is extremely inert, free from plasticizers, and repels microorganisms. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic is approved FDA for food and beverage contact and storage.
Q4: What Are The Benefits of Clamshell Blister Packaging?
Clamshell blister packaging is essentially designed to ensure containment, protection, visibility and branding, while the transparent and tamper-proof thermoplastic material used, makes the clamshell blister packaging one of the safest blister packs:
Protection
Clamshell blister packaging is designed and manufactured to protect effectively products against various factors such as contamination, oxygen, humidity, moisture, UV, light, and temperature changes, due to the robust material and attractive design features, clamshell blister packaging can keep products clean and uncontaminated till it reaches the end consumer in pristine conditions, while it also maintain product quality, and protect the packaging from impact, pressure and mechanical damage during transportation, storage and retail display. Besides, clamshell blister packaging helps prolong the product’s shelf life till it reaches the consumer in the same condition as it left the manufacturer. Clamshell blister packaging is manufactured according to good manufacturing practice guidelines, this allows products to be packed according to the highest quality standards which prevent contamination and keep products safe until consumed by the end customers.
Visual impact
Creating eye-catching packaging that grabs buyer’s attention is crucial to the marketing of any product, clamshell blister packaging is mainly designed to influence customers’ behaviour and buying decision, the cavity (or bubble) comes in a visually appealing transparent plastic that helps consumers distinguish products on shelves, while, it allows them to examine the product before purchasing, likewise, the backing space (or cards) is used to convey information to consumers, graphics, images, advertising, usage instructions, and other features. Therefore, clamshell blister packaging enhances product presentation, and catches the consumer’s eye easily which makes the product incredibly valuable and at the same time helps build long-term brand awareness.
Visibility
Clear product display helps shoppers see the product and make a purchase decision, one of the primary advantages of clamshell blister packaging is its high visibility, thanks to the transparent plastic blister which allows the brand owner to distinguish its product from other competing products on the shelves, while it enable consumers to see the product clearly and boost purchasing decision, this makes clamshell packaging excellent for end-use industries such as food, healthcare, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
Cost savings
Clamshell blister packaging is the most cost-effective packaging solution for showcasing a product, due to the low cost of plastic and paperboard material, product packaging costs less than other packaging methods, additionally, clamshell blister packs are lightweight and compact, this lowers the cost of shipping and transportation, and take up less storage space which optimizes shelf space. Furthermore, clamshell blister packaging supports marketing efforts and reduces advertising costs.
Q5: What Type Of Plastic Material Is Clamshell Blister Packaging Made Of?
Clamshell blister packaging is made of transparent, strong and tamper-proof thermoplastic polymer material:
PP (Polypropylene)
PS (Polystyrene)
OPS (Oriented Polystyrene)
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
PVDC (Polyvinylidene chloride)
PCTFE (Polychlorotrifluoroethylene)
RPVC (Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride)
RPETG (Recycled Polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
COP (Cyclic olefin copolymer)
GAG PET, and similar materials.
Also, electronics clamshell blister packaging is usually made of electrostatic discharge (ESD) plastics (anti-static and dissipative plastic materials), while, food-grade clamshell blister packaging is available in a food-safe/bioplastic material, and pharmaceutical clamshell blister packaging comes in medical grade materials.
Q6: What Comprises A Clamshell Blister Packaging?
Clamshell blister packaging comprises a cavity made of clear, thermoformed plastic, while the lidding material is normally formed from transparent plastic sheets, cardboard, paperboard and aluminum foil. The cavity is designed to contain the product, provide stability and extend shelve life, while the lidding forms a tamper-evident seal and ensures protection against external factors such as moisture, oxygen, and light, the lidding space can also include graphics, logo, branding elements, and advertisements.
Q7: How Clamshell Blister Packaging Are Manufactured?
Generally, clamshell blister packaging is manufactured by thermoforming, the production process consists of heating a plastic film/sheet through a pre-heating station which makes the material pliable, then, the softened plastic passes by a forming station where single or multiple blisters (pockets or bubbles) are formed into the desired shape using air pressure and negative mold which is cooled and hardened to maintain its shape. After that, the clamshell blister packaging holds a product to be heat-sealed to a rigid backing material, such as printed cardboard, aluminum foil, or other heat-sealable lid material or foils. However, for cold-form foil clamshell blister packaging, cold forming is used an aluminum foil or aluminium-based laminate is pressed to the cold-form foil clamshell blister packaging with a stamp to form a barrier for oxygen, humidity and water, thereby extending the product’s expiration date.
Q8: What Are The Types Of Clamshell Blister Packaging?
Clamshell blister packaging is available in different materials, shapes, sizes and features that suit any product packaging requirements in terms of functionality, hygiene and aesthetics, the most commonly used types of clamshell blister packaging are as follows:
Face seal clamshell blister packaging
Full-face seal clamshell blister packaging
Full card clamshell blister packaging
Trapped clamshell blister packaging
Slide clamshell blister packaging
Interactive clamshell blister packaging
Clamshell bowl blister packaging
Custom clamshell blister packaging
Interactive clamshell blister packaging
Q9: What Are The Features of Clamshell Blister Packaging?
A clamshell blister packaging features a mold which is designed according to the product design drawing and engineered to form single or multiple transparent blisters, which are typically backed by a lidding seal of plastic film, aluminum foil, cardboard, and paper board. Clamshell blister packaging comes in various features, unique shapes, promotional cards, insert cards, eye-catching colorful graphics, labels or printing on the package, perfect opening and closing, push-through pack (PTP). Clamshell blister packaging can stand upright on shop shelves while it can be also hinged to the front of the packaging using multiple hanging holes styles or hanging elements (Hole hang tabs, Hook hang tabs, Slot hang tabs, etc).