Blister packaging, or blisters, also termed as clamshells packaging, is a technique involving the usage of pre-formed clear plastic packs which are used to contain small consumer products. Blister packs are widely used in retail shops and are used for packaging a variety of products ranging from toys, electronics, and medicines. Here is the complete guide on what blister packaging is all about.
What Is It Made Of?
Blister packs are made of two basic parts, the blistering which is the clear, transparent bubble containing the product and the card which is the flat surfaced backing.
The blister is made from a clear plastic material with PVC or PET commonly used. It enables the consumer to have a view of the product enclosed in the plastic and at the same time safeguard the product. Depending to the size and the form of the particular product, the blister is built-in; deeper blisters are created for the large products.
It is commonly made from very stiff paperboard or thin cardboard depending on the design of the card. This makes it possible for the packaging structure to stand up. The cardboard also ensures that the packaging can be hung from display pegs.
How Does it Work?
The biggest benefit of blister packs is the fact that while packaging the product it makes it easily visible yet sheltered. The outer layer of the plastic blister is smooth and hard enough to protect the contents from contamination and other forms of damage. However, the transparent window provides consumers with an opportunity to assess the goods.
The back side of the card offers added stiffness and the ability to print branding elements, instructions and other information. It also does not allow users to view the contents without having to make a purchase.
To open a blister pack, the consumer has to apply force – be it with their hands by squeezing it or by using scissors. This makes blisters more difficult to manipulate as compared to boxes or bags. The tamper resistance guarantees that the consumers get products that have not been tampered with.
The vast majority of blister packs are also hangable and made to be hanged on the pegboard hooks or racks. This provides retailers a lot of flexibility in the way they display the products.
Most popular application of Blister Packaging
Blister packaging originated several decades back when it was the most suitable packaging for small consumable products that required visibility and protection. Today, blisters are ubiquitous:
- Toys – such as action figures, toy cars, dolls and other toys.
- Computer accessories – flash drives, batteries, headphones, chargers.
- Hardware/Tools – Screws, tacks, precision gear.
- Personal accessories – Disposable razors, grooming kit, small cosmetics.
- Household – Batteries, pads, mini cleaning products.
- Tobacco products, breath mints, piece-sized candy.
- Cold remedy, plasters, capsules.
In the case of all these goods, blister packs get the right combination of displaying, protecting, and the hanging feature.
Benefits of Blister Packaging
There are many advantages to the blister pack format that make it a top choice for packaging consumer products:There are many advantages to the blister pack format that make it a top choice for packaging consumer products:
- Display – The transparent cover of the plastic makes the product stand out. It is possible to look at fine details.
- Protection – Components enclosed in sealed glass and hard plastic protect from dirt and moisture and prevent tampering.
- Versatile – Blisters occupy only limited space on the shelf yet offer ample space for product display.
- Easy to transport – Thin plastic used makes it cheaper than other packing materials such as boxes, bottles.
- Hanging – Card backing is designed to facilitate hanging on store shelves.
- Stackable – Blister packs can be neatly stacked one on top of the other since their backsides are flat.
- Tamper Evidence – It is difficult to unscrew or to twist and requires signs of force.
In conclusion, where display, compactness, and security are paramount, blister packaging meets the need.
Innovations in Blister Packaging
While traditional carded blister packs still dominate store shelves, some clever innovations are also emerging:While traditional carded blister packs still dominate store shelves, some clever innovations are also emerging:
- Booklet Blisters – Multi-sided cards are even better because more products can be showcased.
- Shrink-wrapped Blisters – Additional layer of shrink film for added protection.
- Clamshell Blisters – Fully sealed plastic case for larger items.
- Child-Resistant – Difficult to pop blisters for medicine security.
- Eco-friendly and environment conservation – plastics and papers derived from the environment.
- Anti-Theft – An alarm goes off when the pack is touched.
- Electronic – Created to accommodate devices and tailored to complement.
- Tray Blisters – For holding smaller parts and components that need to be individually separated.
Manufacturers continue to improve the classic blister pack with better designs to fit the modern-day world.
Altogether, blister packaging consisting of plastic bubbles and cardboard backing, is the best type of packaging to retail products in terms of visibility and protection. After serving consumer needs for decades, blister packs have continued to be relevant due to the advantages that characterize them. Given increasing improvements making it even more engaging, these creative packages will remain to present products for years.