Blister packaging is plastic packs used to pack small goods, such as pharmaceuticals and food products. These packs are best to keep the product safe from contamination and humidity. In this packaging, a sheet of plastic is heated and transformed to form a blister that covers the packet. The back of this blister is often cardboard or plastic and sometimes aluminum. These packs can be made in any shape and size according to the product, wheatear it has a uniform shape or a non-uniform shape. Plastics like PET [polyethylene terephthalate] and PVC [polyvinyl chloride] are used to make these blisters.
Interesting facts and what are they made of?
PET is transparent and holds the product well whereas PVC is less transparent. To make these blisters, plastic is heated and transformed to make a Blister Packaging with an aluminum resin tool, the blister is then added to the machine with the product in it, the back cardboard sheet is then added, and the blister is sealed into the cardboard by heating and applying pressure. To make this cardboard is printed using adhesives so that the blister would easily stick to it.
Some of the common uses:
Some of the common uses of blister packs are:
- Pharmaceuticals; tablets and capsules.
- Food items; frozen meat, salmon, and baked products.
- Electronics; headphones, USB, cables.
- Stationary; pens, colored pens, ink cartridges.
- toys
- Batteries, screws, nails.
Types of blister packaging:
4 main types of blister packs are plastic-paper, plastic-plastic, aluminum-plastic, and aluminum-aluminum.
- Plastic-paper
Plastic-paper packaging is also known as blister cards, they are made by heating PVC film and molding it into the desired shape and it is then stuck to the cardboard sheet. This sheet can be plain or with an opening on the back. these packs are used for electronics, batteries, tools, stationery, etc.
- Plastic-plastic
The plastic-plastic pack is usually a single-piece pack where two halves are joined from one side and make a hinge that closes the pack. This pack requires force to open due to its hard structure. These packs can be lined with paper or transparent. Moreover, customers can use these packs to store items at home. They are also known as clamshell boxes. These packs are usually used for food products like butter, cheese, meat, etc.
- Aluminum-plastic
Aluminum-plastic packs are similar to paper-plastic packs with aluminum back instead of the paper pack. PVC plastic sheet is heated and transformed to form the plastic blister and an aluminum lining is attached to the back to secure it. These are mostly used for tablets and capsules as the plastic can be deformed to make small portions hence it is easy to use tablets because you can open one portion for one tablet. However, these packs can be closed again like plastic-plastic packs.
- Aluminum-aluminum
In aluminum-aluminum packaging both parts are aluminum and there may or may not be a plastic film inside. These packs are completely sealed and the product is not visible from the outside. These packs are more expensive than other kinds of packs. These packs are used for more sensitive medication.
Subtypes of blister packs- interesting facts:
- Face seal blister
In this packaging plastic only surrounds the product and is heat-sealed with the cardboard. This is inexpensive hence is commonly used for products produced in large quantities and sizes.
- Full face seal blister
These packs include blisters that cover the whole cardboard along with the product. They come in two types: heat sealed cardboard backs and sliding cardboard backs where extra plastic is bent to make holds on 3 sides of the pack. These packs are comparatively stronger and hence expensive than face seal blister packs.
- Full card blister
Full card blister packs cover the whole cardboard back just like full-face seal blister packs but they also cover the back of the card and the 4 sides of plastic are sealed together. With the product area molded accordingly and popping out. This type of packaging is more expensive as it includes a larger chunk of plastic to be made. Moreover, this pack is totally sealed using a machine hence it adds to the cost.
- Trapped blister
Trapped blister packs include three layers, two of cardboard and one of plastic. The plastic layer is trapped in between the two cardboard layers. The back piece of cardboard is plain and the front piece is molded to fit the plastic blister. This packaging doesn’t require heat and hence is less expensive. These packs are usually used by brands that want to put content on both the front and back sides like the company’s name and logo along with the specifications of the product.
Which blister packs are best for your business?
Blister packaging is an amazing business investment as it keeps your products safe from damage. Blister packs are easy to use hence your customers will have easy access to the product. Blister packs keep the product fresh, hence they are ideal to use for food products and medication. Moreover, through these packs, you can build a trust bond with your customers as these packs are invisible and they are able to see the product before they spend their money on it. These packs are cost-effective and won’t put a lot of pressure on your finances, they are a great choice for new businesses.
What type of blister packaging is best?
With a vast variety of blister packs, it is hard to decide which one to pick. Well, the answer is simple, you pick the pack which is best for your product according to its shape, size, and material. You can’t put tablets in a clamshell box or you can’t put meat in a face seal box, it will e expensive and would look ridiculous. Marketing is not just about telling people about your product, it is about making them comfortable with your product. To do so you’re packaging has to be just right for the product and appealing to the eyes. Custom blister packs are available in which you can add different shapes and sizes of blisters along with the desired size of the pack itself. These packs can be printed on to add the brand’s logo and information.