Archives for October 2018

When is Clamshell Packaging the Right Option?

When you have a product, packaging it is very important.  Not only does it help with branding and offer information that customers need but it is also a safety and security issue for many items.  You want to be certain people can’t interfere with the products and that security tags can be added.  There are various types of packaging available so how do you know if clamshell packaging is the right choice?

What is clamshell packaging?

It is a style of packaging where the top of the pack is hinged and allows it to open while remaining connected – like a clam shell.  This kind of packaging normally includes a hanger tab to allow items to be easily displayed and sometimes other options such as a flat base, so they can free stand.

Clamshell packaging is tamper resistant and offers great protection for the product while also allowing people to easily see what the item is.  Clamshell packages are created to be a tight fit around the item so there’s no wasted space or room for it to move around.  And the clamshell packaging is created as a single piece construction so there’s no assembly required.

When is clamshell packaging the best option?

There are lots of uses for clamshell packaging but some of the most common include for food, smartphones, electronics, ink cartridges and more.  Often this is used for higher value items because security tags can easily be added and not easily removed to deter theft.

It is also more expensive than blister packs, so this is why it tends to be found on higher value items.  Both the need to protect the products and also for customers to easily see the contents makes the investment in stronger, tamper-proof clamshell packaging more worthwhile.

The clamshell packaging can also easily include instructions or information that customers need and have branding, and product information displayed on it.  This makes it easy to brand an item and to offer valuable information to help with sales without any extra marketing around it.

If you would like to know more about our eco-friendly clamshell packs, you can find out more on our Eco-Pack webpage.

What Type of Packaging Should Your Product Have?

When you are designing a new product, one of the important things to consider is how to package it.  Depending on what the item is, there are packaging options that can protect it, make it easier to secure and also easier for customers to use. We offer a wide range of packaging services that can help suite your needs. Here’s our handy guide to the basics of product packaging and a list of our packaging services to help pick the right option.

The blister pack

The blister pack is a familiar sight around homes as many different types of products come packaged in some variety of blister packs.  Tablets and pills are two examples where blister packs are the most common option, allowing people to push the product out of the packaging easily but also ensuring that it is unopened when received – it is easy to see if it has been tampered with.

There are companies that offer blister packaging services so you don’t need to worry about having to start buying equipment to package these yourself.  You can also easily brand the packaging or the boxes that the blister packs are contained in as well as adding instructions for users.

Clamshell packaging

Clamshell packing is another easy to use system that is very effective for protecting items.  It is often seen on electrical goods such as mobile phones as well as ink cartridges and other products that are prone to theft.  The clamshell packaging is clear, so people can see what is inside and also can be branded or have instructions added.

Like blister packs, companies offer services to create clamshell packaging.  They are made as a single unit that closes around the product and keeps it safe and secure.  It is also easy to add security tags to the clamshell packs, hanging tabs to display them or to have them able to free stand.

Shrink wrap packaging

Shrink wrap packaging is a polymer plastic film that is wrapped around a product and subjected to heat.  This causes it to shrink around the product, keeping it in place and ensuring it is protected.  Many food and health products are packaged in larger numbers in this kind of shrink wrap packaging to allow transport to retailers.

When looking at a producer of this kind of plastic, consider what you want to have packaged.  For example, if you are producing food products, you want to ensure the packaging is a multilayer system that is suitable for food.  Also look for shrink wrap that is clear, so it is easy to see what is inside.

Sleeve wrapping

Sleeve wrapping is similar to shrink wrapping but works on a specific pack, rather than a group of them.  You can either wholly or partially enclose the product in the wrap and it can be plain or have up to four different colours added to it for branding purposes.  It can enhance the appearance of a plain bottle or container as well as include information about its use.

Tamper evident packaging

Tamper evident packaging tends to be used on shipping containers, wholesale goods and items where there is a risk of consequences if the item is tampered with.  Some medications come in tamper proof packaging such as plastic bottles with seals.  You can also see this kind of packaging on some electrical items to ensure that no-one has opened them before you do.

Pallet displays

As well as packaging the item, you may also want to consider packaging the pallets on which they are delivered.  Shops often have branded and attractive pallets standing in the shop, offering a simple and eye-catching way to market the product.  By working with a  company that offers this service, your items have a better chance of getting a high traffic spot as it makes it simple for retailers to display them.