On the other hand, clamshell blister packaging, otherwise referred to as plastic clamshell packaging, is a particular form of plastic packing that uses two pieces of plastic that are already formed and are joined to create a sealed cover over the product within it. It’s from the opening of the device which resembles the shell of a clam.
Clamshell packaging is perfect for small items that are purchased by end-consumers, and they include toys, electronics, and hardware items. Its properties make it suitable for use in the protection of products, as well as in offering the products to customers in shops. Below you will find the information on what clamshell packaging actually is, how it operates, the areas where it is typically used, and its key providers.
It is made from a wide range of paperboard material that is available in the market today.
The sheets that are used to form clamshell blister packs are thermoformed plastic either PVC or PET sheets. They are transparent hence the customer gets to see what is inside the packaging from outside. These are specially formed and shaped grooves and depressed areas on the sheets to match the contours of the package’s content.
In this part of the clamshell seal analysis it will be necessary to understand how the clamshel seal works.
The two thermoformed plastic sheets are arranged with the product in the middle of the two thermoformed plastic sheets. Subsequently, a specific heat sealing procedure joins the two sheets from the outside edges to encapsulate the contents of the product inside. Heat seal is used to ensure that the package is sealed tight so that it cannot open, and neither can water get in.
Some clamshell packaging for a second layer of cardboard over the plastic part of the clamshell to add more rigidity for the purpose of stacking or hanging on pegs in stores. The surface of the cardboard often contains marketing textual and graphic information to persuade the consumer to buy the product.
Clamshell packaging has actually had its fair share of advantages in many industries and some of the benefits are highlighted as follows;
There are several key advantages clamshell packaging offers compared to other solutions:There are several key advantages clamshell packaging offers compared to other solutions:
- Tamper evidence – Fused at the top corner of the plug, the plastic attachment is clearly broken if the pack has been opened earlier. This is useful for ensuring that products are safe for use and are in good condition before taken to the market.
- Protection – It shields products through enclosing them within a polymeric material that is rigid. The waterproof and dustproof enclosure is especially useful for electronics, especially portable audio and video players that may be used outdoors or in humid conditions.
- Functionality – It avails customers with an opportunity to see products with ease without having to open the packaging material. Branding is also done openly.
- Hanging/stacking – due to its upright design and structural integrity it is easier for clamshell packaging to hang on pegs or neatly stacked in the supermarkets.
- Prevent cases of theft – The arrangement of packing material makes it difficult to steal products compared to when they are placed in cardboard containers.
In what industries can clamshell packaging be applied to?
Clamshell packaging is used across many industries, but most commonly for:Clamshell packaging is used across many industries, but most commonly for:
- Toys – For safeguarding and to prevent opening or access by unauthorized personnel. It also allows them to be easily hung for display.
- Electronics – For the storage of devices such as headphones, cables, and accessories so as to avoid accumulating dust or getting damaged by moisture. Provides rigidity for stacking.
- Hardware including fuses, fasteners, and components are well arranged to ensure they are easy to order and simple to restock.
- Household items – All the products starting from cosmetic products like lipsticks, compacts, hair products, skincare products, toiletries, stationery, sewing kits, etc. are packed in plastic clamshells. Enables products to have a unique and noticeable appearance hence a competitive edge on the shelves.
Other products that are packed in clamshells include sunglasses, medicine, tools and replacement parts. It can also be used for food such as cakes, cookies and other baked products to maintain its freshness.
Major Clamshell Packaging Suppliers
Currently, there are many companies that supply plastic packaging and one of the common forms is clamshell blister. Some of the most prominent include:Some of the most prominent include:
- Placon – An environmentally conscious enterprise providing bespoke clamshell solution and services to various fields of operation.
- Dordan Manufacturing – a prominent supplier of distinctive clamshells, trays, and cases for various products.
- Sonoco – A large packaging manufacturer with a broad range of both off-the-shelf and bespoke clamshells available to businesses across the spectrum.
- Plastic packaging manufacturers include ClearPack Engineering, which offers industrial plastic clamshells and trays for electronics and other custom uses.
- Universal Protective Packaging – This company specializes in clamshells and has an array of stock clamshells and clamshells that can be tailored to meet individual needs as well as secondary packaging products.
All these companies have vast experience in manufacturing rigid and hermetically sealed clamshell plastic packaging to fit the specific products through tailored molding and heat sealing settings. They often include extra features such as the logos application, the testing of the packages, and the packaging of the shipping cases.
Clamshell packaging has also been predicted on its future as follows:
Some sustainability concerns about clamshell packaging include it being single-use plastic, although there are some ways in which the sustainability of clamshell packaging is being made better. For instance, plant-derived bioplastics that come from sugarcane are being adopted for clamshells than the oil-based kinds.
Even the production processes are being streamlined to reduce the raw material especially the use of plastics. On the same note, it is important to note that plastic clamshells offer far better product protection which in turns means that there is lesser product wastage due to damage.
In conclusion, clamshell blister packaging has unmatchable advantages in terms of visibility, protection, anti-tamper, and easy accessibility across a large range of products in the consumer market. In this regard, clamshels that are used to package food items will continue to have enhancements based on the plastic technologies and recycling systems in the future.
