Clamshell blister packaging – a form of trapped blister packaging – is produced from preformed clear PVC or PET bubbles that are used to accommodate a variety of items. If this type of packaging is done with cardboard backing, the same packaging becomes a tamper-proof container that is very strong and almost impossible to open. Clamshels enable customers to see the products well while also safeguarding the products from physical harm. It is usually utilized in packing consumer goods that are sold in retail shops as they can easily be manufactured and designed to fit the products.
If you are looking to package your product in clamshell blister packaging, there are several factors to consider:If you are looking to package your product in clamshell blister packaging, there are several factors to consider:
Evaluate Your Product
The first step is to know the characteristics of the particular product you have to sell. Important details include:
- Dimensions – length, breadth, height as well as thickness and any other uncommon form present on the container.
- Weight – This determines how thick/rigid the required component has to be
- Vulnerability – The capacity to cause damage or easily get spoilt.
- Parts – Whether more parts need to be fastened
Such details will go along way in refining the nature and size of the clamshell that is required to be most effective. It is advisable to ensure that products are measured correctly with regard to planes and any differences accounted for when the different versions or combinations are packed.
Determine Interior Configuration
There are a few common interior clamshell configurations:There are a few common interior clamshell configurations:
- Single product compartment
- Two compartments
- Divided compartments which can accommodate tiny pieces
- Another technique that has received significant focus in the recent past is the creation of shaped parts to match the shape of a product.
Decide what way you want to position and fix your item within the packaging material. This can be slightly pricier than a standard interior, but in some cases, the interior may need to be customized in order to either showcase the product or to shield it for some reason.
Assess Required Rigidity
The levels of clamshell rigidity that can be achieved depends on the thickness and quality of the plastic shell material selected. Basic options include:
- Standard grade PVC – PQ has good clarity and flexibility for use in lighter applications.
- Premium grade PVC – Improved mechanical stability and light transmission.
- APET/PET – Higher clarity but environmental friendly as compared to PVC
It should be noted that when using thicker materials, they offer better protection for the items inside, especially if they are bulky or delicate, but it comes at a higher price. Think about the least possible yet effective level of rigidity that still guarantees the safety of your product.
Determine Sealing Method
There are two main sealing methods:There are two main sealing methods:
- Self-locking tabs – Plastic tabs that require being inserted into the slots in order to shut
- Adhesive – Cardboard backing is bonded onto the plastic base
While tabs are designed to lock and unlatch easily, glued tabs can be harder to open, and thus are often more secure. It is important to consider regulatory specifications (for instance, with regards to food packaging), shelf life considerations as well as the customer accessibility factors.
Select Clamshell Dimensions
Standard clamshell sizes are tiny as 2” x 2” up to a maximum of 8” x 12” though it is possible to order a clamshell in any size at an additional cost. The best dimensions are the ones that state the minimum distances one needs to keep from the item. Areas inside the building that are not utilized effectively appear untidy and are also an added expense.
Take into consideration more the total clamshell dimensions so that packaged products are optimally placed on shelves or peg hooks. This leads to what is known as an ‘oversized clamshell,’ which is disadvantageous since it slows down the rate of sales. Ensure correct product measurements with measurements.
Explain Accounting for Labeling & Branding
Decide on label dimensions and location – printing on clamshells directly or using traditional adhesive labels. Ensure that necessary smooth space is provided to reflect the major product information, barcodes, cautionary statements, and logos. Place it in a conspicuous area that makes it easy for the customers to notice it.
Choose Colors
The clamshell standard colours are transparent and black. Some additional features are available for creating unique packaging and making it stand out: Custom colors, Color gradients, etc. , for example, clear color transitions from black. However, it is important to note that transparency helps to keep the product in focus thus, the number of color distractions should be kept to a minimum.
Assess Add-Ons
Consider other clamshell features:
– Security hang tabs – A technique that make it impossible to open the hang tabs easily.
– Perforations – To be used for tearing open with a single hand
– Anti-theft devices – One of the ways through which shoplifters can be prevented from taking their loot.
– Promotional headings – Make an impact
Avoid all frills that do not add customer value but increase product cost beyond the acceptable level.
Review Shipping Considerations
Assess the cost and efficiency of the clamshell packing when planning the size, shape and ways to stack the chosen packaging. Bigger and nonstandard packages or bundles tend to pose higher cost commonly attributed to transportation.
Use cost estimations on the proposed configurations and make further adjustments in the given scale to achieve the sweet spot of protection, functionality, and cost.
Evaluate Vendors
Selecting the proper clamshell manufacturer is key to creating top-notch clamshell packaging that is well-suited to your specific items. Key vendor criteria include:
- Training and years of exercise in a specific area
- Versatility of design, print and manufacturing resources in-house
- Know-how to lead the customers in the selection of the specification
- In terms of the many and varied services it offers it can be described as having a competitive and transparent pricing policy.
- Quality control and quality assurance and accreditation and certification
Do not forget to ask to send samples of previously provided customer blister packaging to see the workmanship in action. Sourcing of quality vendors also assist in defining the most suitable solutions.
Test Packaging with Products
Once you have chosen your vendor and agreed on the preliminary clamshell specification, ask for first proto types. It is a prerequisite to physically assess form, fit, and function using your actual products before final production approval.
Carefully check aspects like:
- Another feature that is evident from the presentation is how easy it is to insert a product into the CPG framework and the fit that this provides.
- Sufficient internal space – Losing items
- All pieces have to be put in a secure envelope or any other type of container.
- Another characteristic that has been noted is accessibility for unlocking tabs or seals
- These awareness elements include visibility of labeling and branding means and ways.
- The overall appearance when loaded however depends with the design and type of the machine in question.
Now it is important to confirm general concepts or hypotheses; To refine details further, if necessary, after this step. It is usually possible to observe such effects only during the live project, that is why confirming the performance during the design stage frequently reveals adjustments needed before the full-scale manufacturing.
Taking time to go through the following when selecting your custom clamshell blister packaging will help you know what is best for packaging your products to enhance their value in the eyes of the consumers: Find a packaging producer to help you turn your clamshell visions into full-fledged products. Efficient blister packaging has positive impacts on the product protection as well as the sales of the products.
