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A classic blister pack features cardboard back and is known as a face seal blister. To enclose and preserve the product, the plastic blister is attached to the front of the cardboard.

What is blister packaging?

Blister packaging is made by heating a sheet of plastic and moulding it into shape to form a bubble or pocket, known as a 'blister,' that surrounds the object.

The blister can be produced in any shape, including a uniform shape for tablets or a unique shape for a product with a less consistent shape, such as football figurines.

What is clamshell packaging?

Blister packing in the form of clamshell packaging (also known as clam packaging or clam packs). Unlike blister packs, it does not have a cardboard at back. Instead, it has a plastic back that is hinged to the packaging's front, either on the side or at the bottom. For closing, these are either heat-sealed or a button is provided.

What are the types of blister packaging?

1.  Face seal blister:

The product is encased in a plastic blister that is heat-sealed to a cardboard at back. Because this style of blister packing is quite affordable, it is commonly utilised for products produced in big quantities.

2.  Full-face sealing blister:

The blister protects not just the goods but also the card backing. On each side, the plastic is heat-sealed to the card. Alternatively, it is slipped through additional plastic bits. This style of blister packaging is used to make the packing more durable (the corners, for example, are more difficult to bend) and more attractive.

3.    Full card blister:

The blister, like the full-face seal blister, covers the entire card. It features flanges that wrap around it rather than being sealed to the card with heat. The card is put into place and sometimes stapled.

4.  Trapped blister:

A trapped blister is similar to a regular blister pack, except that the plastic element that adheres to the cardboard is sandwiched between two pieces of cardboard that fit around the shape of the blister. The plastic is then sandwiched between two cardboard pieces. The top portion of the card is die-cut to fit within the blister in which the product is packaged. This type of blister packaging is less expensive to make than those that employ heat-sealing processes. This makes it tamper-proof even more since if the front cardboard is ripped, it will be evident. It also improves the appearance by concealing the plastic.

5. Clamshell: Two sides of a hinged blister fold together to form a closed container. 

What are the products that are well-fitted with blister packaging?

The most important aspect of blister packing is that it protects the goods. If the design of the product makes specific sections vulnerable, blister packing can protect it in a way that a bag or box can't. Some of the commonly used product items are:

1. Electronic items and accessories like headphones
2. Toys
3. Stationery items like pens, paper clips
4. Batteries
5. Toothbrushes and Dental floss
6. DIY goods like nuts and bolts
7. Capsules and Tablets
8. Products that can break easily
9. Products with delicate parts or units

What are the pros and cons of blister packaging?

Pros

1. Visibility of product: Clear visibility of the products in blister packs stand out significantly more than those that come in cartons.
2. Protection: Blister packs protect the product from damage and help in detecting the tampering
3. Not prone to stealing: These are frequently designed in unique shapes, making them more difficult to hide and steal.
4. Lightweight: These are lightweight that lowers transport costs.

Cons

1. It is expensive than some other commonly used alternatives
2. Production time is more than other alternatives

Which products are well-suited with clam packaging?

Clam packing provides the same level of safety as the regular blister packaging but is better suited to products that won't fit in a blister pack or sets with multiple parts. Consider the following scenario:

1. Small toolsets
2. sets of lightbulbs
3. Gift sets
4. Cosmetic sets

Comparison between blister and clam packaging

Packing blisters is not a low-cost choice!

When compared to a single carton, the cost of setting up a standard blister pack is extremely high. If a big number of units need to be packed, however, these costs can be spread out over several different items.

Clamshell packaging, on the other hand, is frequently available as an "off the shelf" item. Many companies provide a variety of moulds in a variety of conventional sizes. This saves money on setup and, if done correctly, can be a highly competitive choice.