Clamshell Packaging: Clamshell Blisters

One of the popular forms of plastic packages manufactured today, is clamshell packaging. Clamshell packaging is the term referring to a type of plastic package, that is used to encapsulate and clearly reveal the product inside. This form of plastic is used for packing myriads of retail products. Clamshell can be defined as two hinged halves of clear and thin plastic shell, which can be opened or closed, as and when desired. Clamshell packaging is known for its clear and transparent qualities, which allows customers to view the contents of the package clearly. In case of electronic gadgets and products, customers want to see the item before purchasing it. Moreover, toys packed in clamshell packing enable children and their parents to have a good look at the features of the toy inside. It is also useful for retailing fruits and vegetables, and since the packaging will keep them fresher and better protected, customers are willing to buy them. This type of plastic packaging increases the item's appeal and marketability.

Clamshell Blister Packaging

A type of clamshell packing is clamshell blister packaging, which is an inexpensive option of obtaining transparent, durable and tamper proof packaging material. Clamshell blister packs are used in conjunction with cardboard blister cards, so as to provide a complete view of the product to the customer. The two primary components of a blister pack are the pre-formed plastic blister cavity and a blister card. The blister cavity encompasses the product, while the blister card seals the product within.

Blister cards can be made of various materials, such as printed cardboard, plastic, foil or any other laminated material. They are attached to the blister packs by a heat sealing process, which activates an adhesive on the blister card. The adhesive is such that it is strong enough to handle the weight of the product, when hung on a peg, and weak enough so that the package can be opened easily. This procedure is carried out by highly automated equipments. However, the application of blister packs is limited to light weight items alone, while for heavier items, plastic clamshells are required.

Clamshell blisters are available in two forms: sealing blister packaging and sliding blister packaging. In the sealed type of packing, it is fabricated using high grade PVC, rigid films, etc. The packing is such that it seals the product completely and requires to be broken for obtaining the product. Thus, these blister packs are meant only for one time use, and eliminate tampering and pilfering. These are generally used for theft prone items such as consumer electronics, etc.

On the other hand, the sliding type involves a pack, whose blister card is not sealed. The three sides of the blister pack are bent to hold the blister card, thus the customer can remove the item from the pack and have a good look at the product. He can then place it back into the blister pack and slide the blister card across. The pack is once again closed.

Blister packs have been commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as unit-dose packaging for tablets, capsules or lozenges. These blister packs provide protection to medicines and helps increase their shelf life. In some parts of the world, blister packs are called push-through-packs. Then, there are the medical blister trays which are not the push through type, instead feature a solid tray. Such medical blister trays are used to pack medical devices used in hospitals.

Clamshell blisters are advantageous as they clearly display the product, eliminate the chance of product tampering, reduce theft in stores and allow the products to be easily displayed. This type of packaging, enables customers to have a good look at the product before actually buying it. Moreover, the clear visibility of the product allowed by the clamshell packing attracts customers and coaxes them to make the purchase.