The Ultimate Guide to Blister Packaging: What, Where, Who, How, Why, and When
Blister packaging describes the packing method in which a sheet of plastic is heated and then moulded around an object, encasing it in a bubble. In this handy guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about blister packaging, and how it can benefit your business.
What sort of products are best suited for blister packaging?
Blister packaging and plastic security seals are used in a variety of products, as you may have seen. Some of the products most commonly encased in blister packaging include:
● Medication
● Small electronic devices (such as USB sticks and batteries)
● Stationary (such as pens, pencils, and glue)
● Hygiene products (such as toothbrushes)
● Toys and action figures
Types of blister packaging
The purpose of blister packaging is to protect the product, and there are various types of blister packaging depending on the product being sealed.
● Face seal blister
This is the most wide-spread form of blister packaging, where the plastic is heat-sealed to a cardboard back. Face seal blisters are cost-effective, which makes them ideal for packaging small products produced at a high volume, such as toys and batteries.
● Full-face seal blister
This is similar to the face seal blister; the only difference is that the plastic surrounds the back cardboard too. The purpose of a full-face seal blister is to reinforce the strength of the packaging.
● Full card blister
This differs from the full-face seal blister as the plastic is attached to the back using overhangs rather than being heat-sealed and is folded tightly around the edges of the cardboard, securing it in place.
● Clamshell
Clamshell packaging does not have a cardboard back and is made with a single sheet of plastic divided into two halves by a hinge, allowing it to be closed shut to effectively keep a product sealed.
● Trapped blister
This is when the blister pack is sandwiched between either a single folded card or two cards sealed together. This blister pack type provides a reasonable level of security making it suitable for a wide variety of products.
What are blister packs made of and why are they used?
The plastic used to form blister packs is typically polyethylene terephthalate (PEV). It is a very tough plastic and is transparent, allowing it to effectively showcase the product inside.
Blister packaged products are tamper-proof and keep products untainted, meaning you will be able to see if someone has broken into the product if the plastic is damaged: this is why they are widely used in packaging medicine.
Why use blister packaging?
Blister packaging at https://www.andex.net/blister-cards/ is a sustainable way to package your products. Due to being made out of plastic, they are easily recyclable, and the lightweight nature of the plastic allows for cheaper transportation costs.
It is also an effective way to market your product; the transparent plastic allows the product to speak for itself as it immediately catches the eye of the consumer. The durability of PEV also makes products harder for thieves to tamper with or steal. This durability similarly keeps the product clean and less likely to be damaged.
In short, packaging your products in blister packaging is an environmentally friendly way not only to visually market your product, but to keep it safe and secure, so that your customers can enjoy its full benefits.