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The Advantages of Blister Card and Clamshell Packaging
Retail packaging serves several essential functions – protecting products, providing information, and attracting customer attention on crowded store shelves. Two packaging options that excel in these areas are blister cards and clamshells. Both utilize clear plastic and cardboard to securely display merchandise in a transparent bubble while promoting the product through graphics and text.
What are Blister Cards?
Blister cards feature a pre-formed plastic bubble attached to a cardboard backing. The plastic bubbles are made from thermoformed plastics like PVC or PET, which are heated and shaped using a mold. The blister holds the product securely while allowing customers to view it from all angles without needing to open the package.
The cardboard backing provides an area for high-impact graphics, product details, and hang tabs for peg hooks. Blister cards are popular for displaying and selling small consumer goods like hardware, toys, electronics, and beauty supplies in retail stores. The transparency allows easy product inspection, while the hang tab promotes branding and makes products noticeable.
What is Clamshell Packaging?
Clamshell packaging is a hinged plastic container that wraps around a product and snaps closed. The clear plastic fully encases the item but still allows consumers to get a 360-degree view of the contents. The plastic is vacuum-formed using molds, just like blister bubbles. Clamshells provide a higher level of protection for fragile merchandise or products with multiple parts.
The design keeps all pieces secure and prevents in-store tampering. Clamshells are commonly used for headphones, toys, consumer electronics, and food items. Although clamshells take more plastic to produce, they can be recycled after use.
Both blister cards and clamshells maximize visibility compared to boxes and bags. The transparent plastic bubbles create a floating effect on the shelf that attracts shoppers’ attention. The transparency allows brands to highlight desirable product features despite being unable to touch the merchandise. The plastic also creates a clean, upscale aesthetic for merchandise compared to cluttered cardboard packaging. Both blister and clamshell packaging save shelf space and can accommodate hanger tabs, hook holes, and stand-up features for extra visibility. They provide more area for shelf-ready packaging designs than box and bag packaging.
Final Word about Blister Card and Clamshell Packaging
The high visibility and secure seal of blister card and clamshell packaging make both options an intelligent choice for many retail products. Brands benefit from enhanced merchandising and anti-theft capabilities. Consumers can clearly see products from all angles and retain access to packaging information. With their visibility and protection advantages, blister and clamshell packaging deliver benefits for both shoppers and brands.
