At Indepak, we produce many different types of packaging, including blister packaging, clamshells, thermoformed trays, tubs and even plastic parts. Plastic clamshell containers have been a popular type of packaging for more than 40 years, and while we can design clamshells for just about any product, we’d also like to share some facts about this versatile packaging option.
1. Clamshells Are A Type Of Blister Packaging
Blister packaging has been around for about 50 years, but in the late 1970s, someone eventually figured out that if you create a hinge at one end of a package that includes two custom thermoformed plastic cavities, you could create an extremely durable and tamper-resistant type of packaging and the plastic clamshell container was born. The first patent for clamshell packaging was given to inventor Thomas Jake Lunsford in 1978.
2. Clamshells Can Be Tamper-Proof
If you’ve ever purchased a retail product in a tightly sealed plastic clamshell container, you know just how difficult it can be to open the package. While it might be a hassle sometimes for consumers, these sealed clamshells can protect retail products from theft and damage as they sit on store shelves. So, while it might seem like a nuisance, that package protects the products we buy so that they are perfect from the moment they leave the factory to the moment you bring them home.
3. Clamshells Also Can Be Easy To Open
These days, it just makes sense for manufacturers to opt for sealed and easy-open packaging. Sealed packaging is a great option for plastic clamshell containers that sit on store shelves, but if you sell products online, easy-open eCommerce packaging is a good option to consider. At Indepak, we can design easy-open clamshells or seal them up tight with processes such as RF welding and heat sealing.
4. Plastic Clamshell Containers Provide Consumers A Good View
Multiple studies show that when consumers can see a product, they are more likely to purchase that product over something packed up in a box. People like to actually see what they are buying, and a clear plastic clamshell provides consumers with a 360° view of your product.
5. Plastic Clamshells Can Be A Sustainable Packaging Option
At Indepak, just about every material we use is recyclable. We can design your plastic clamshell container using recyclable materials as well as materials with recycled content. In some cases, we may be able to create your clamshells using starch-based biomaterials, which is a renewable material source. Of course, we also can provide you with other types of blister packs, such as trap blisters, which reduce the amount of plastic needed for your packaging.
6. Plastic Clamshells Are Impact-Resistant
There are no packaging materials that are as protective and impact-resistant as plastic. If your product jostles around during transport or is knocked off a store shelf, the plastic clamshell will absorb the impact and protect your product. While cardboard materials can absorb some impact, they aren’t nearly as impact resistant as thermoform plastics. Additionally, even if the cardboard protects your product, the packaging may be damaged, and consumers are less likely to purchase an item if the package is damaged.
7. Plastic Clamshell Containers Are Moisture-Resistant
Moisture and mold can spoil food items, but they also can damage many retail products. Using plastic materials, especially with a tight seal, can be a great way to ensure that your packaging is not damaged by water. Many plastics also are highly resistant to solvents and chemicals, protecting your product from many types of potentially harmful substances.
8. Plastic Clamshells Are Affordable
Plastic materials, even those with recycled content, are some of the most affordable packaging materials available. The light weight of plastics also is a factor because it costs less to transport lighter items and it even reduces the amount of fossil fuels needed to transport your products.
9. Clamshells Are A Great Option For Many Products
Plastic clamshell packaging is frequently used for specialty foods products, such as deli sandwiches, fresh fruit and veggies, bakery goods and other fresh items. It’s a great option for personal care items such as cosmetics, razors and health-related products.
Electronics can be well-protected with a plastic clamshell, and at Indepak, we have vast experience working with electronic products and can choose materials from dissipative to conductive to ensure that your static-sensitive products are well-protected.
Many tools, hardware-related products and office supplies are a good match for clamshell packaging or other types of blister packs. Sporting goods and toys are other products that might be a good fit for clamshells.
Plastics We Can Use
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – PET is durable and moisture-resistant, affordable and extremely easy for consumers to recycle. We also can create custom product packaging from PETG and rPET. PET also is approved for food contact.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – HDPE is highly resistant to chemicals, solvents and moisture. It’s a strong plastic, and while often used to hold chemicals or detergents, it also is approved for food contact and can be used to create custom clamshells and custom trays. As with PET, it is accepted by most curbside recycling programs.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – One of the most affordable options. Durable and impact-resistant, PVC can be recycled through many curbside recycling programs.
In addition to these three materials, which are commonly used for plastic clamshell packaging, we also can use other materials including HIPS, ABS, PP, OPS, starch-based biomaterials and more. Our facility includes multiple lines of high-speed thermoforming equipment allowing us to work with a variety of materials to meet the needs of a diverse clientele.
Why Choose Indepak?
• We have more than 50 years of experience designing all types of packaging for a wide range of industries.
• We have extensive experience with blister packaging, including clamshells and trap blisters.
• We are committed to providing you with the most eco-friendly options possible, and we are committed to being a low-waste operation in every part of our company.
• We keep everything in-house from design to prototyping to production. This keeps costs down and quality high.
• We offer extra services such as package fulfillment and inventory management.
If you need custom plastic clamshell containers, blister packaging, plastic trays or any type of thin-gauge thermoform plastic packaging, give the team at Indepak a call. We’ve been creating innovative plastic packaging since 1967 and look forward to providing you with a total packaging solution that meets your needs and budget.
