Usually, packaging makes one think of a plain plastic bag or cardboard box. But have you given blister packaging any thought? This kind of packing guarantees product protection using security and aesthetic appeal.
So, it’s about more than just looking good. It emphasizes packaging efficiency, safety, and usefulness. Interested? Let’s investigate what this packaging is and why it’s becoming a popular choice for many businesses!
What is Blister Packaging?
They are usually used to firmly contain items; blister packing is made from a pre-formed plastic chamber or pocket. Usually, with a backing of plastic or paperboard, it offers protection and a view of the contents.
Think of those tiny, transparent bubbles that hold tablets or toys. Blister packs are typically attached to a backing material, often paperboard.
This packaging is very common for pills and tablets in the pharmaceutical business. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are often used materials.
Read About: The Best Food and Beverage Batch Coding Solution
Types of Blister Packaging
Blister packs come in various forms, each intended for specific purposes and demands. Some common types include:
-
Face Seal Blister Packs
These are some of the simplest and most cost-effective types of blister packs. The design comprises a plastic blister sealed to a paperboard card that showcases product information and images.
The plastic covers only the front, allowing branding and advertising to show through the rear. Small objects like batteries, toys, and tools are often seen in this style.
Because they are lightweight, face seal blister packs are reasonably priced to manufacture and transport. Their quick access to the goods improves user-friendliness.
They are appropriate for objects that are not too fragile or easily damaged, as only the front is covered; hence, they may provide less protection than other designs.
-
Full Face Seal Blister Packs
As the name suggests, this type improves the face seal design as plastic encloses the front and back of the package entirely.
This design increases the lifetime of the package and provides better resistance against environmental elements. It lowers the possibility of harm to the backing card, for delicate objects, making it perfect.
Retailers prefer this packaging, especially for things like cosmetics or tiny devices requiring extra protection.
Because of the extra security, they are an excellent solution for companies trying to keep their items secure throughout transportation and exhibition. The additional materials allow better graphic designs, improving their attractiveness on store shelves.
-
Clamshell Blister Packs
Based on their name, these packs have a unique design that resembles a clamshell. They include two transparent plastic pieces snapped together to provide an inner protective casing for the goods.
The clamshell opens like a book, allowing easy access to the item. This design is often used for packaging tools, electronics, and health and beauty products.
It protects goods against theft and manipulation. The design discourages shoplifters by allowing for complicated openings without apparent damage. Its excellent product visibility can also attract customers to retailers.
However, sealed blister packs may cost more because sophisticated production techniques and additional materials are required.
-
Trapped Blister Packs
If you need a blend of the advantages of clamshell and face seal designs, trapped blister packs are the answer.
In this type of packaging, the product is enclosed between two layers of material (typically a plastic bubble and a card), making it difficult to access the product without breaking the seal.
This design provides excellent visibility while offering robust protection, making it suitable for a wide range of products.
Because of their spacious design, which emphasizes the products and offers plenty of graphic areas, these packs are becoming increasingly popular in club store merchandising.
Next, the trapped blister design helps prevent product damage during shipping and handling, making it a reliable choice for manufacturers.
The extra security layer guarantees that items are protected from contamination and manipulation, increasing customer trust.
Benefits of Blister Packaging
Now, let’s explore some of the critical advantages of this packaging method that make it a favorite for both manufacturers and consumers:
-
Product Visibility
Blister packing provides outstanding product exposure. Clear plastic highlights the goods, therefore improving its shelf attraction.
Imagine coming into a shop and seeing your preferred item on display in a transparent plastic casing. This visibility draws customers and helps them make purchase decisions without opening the packaging.
-
Individual Packaging
Blister packets are designed to hold individual items securely. This is very helpful for medications, as every tablet or dosage is housed in its own compartment.
This approach ensures that the medication remains uncontaminated and helps users keep track of their doses. Should one package element be broken, the rest remain intact and retain usability and quality.
-
Product Integrity
Product integrity is crucial, especially for sensitive items like medications. Blisters pack guard contents from moisture, light, and oxygen, in this case, using barrier materials.
This protection is essential for preventing degradation and ensuring the product remains effective. Suitable materials, such as opaque layers to block UV light, can significantly extend the shelf life of products.
-
Tamper Protection
Also, this package’s tamper-evident properties guarantee customer safety. The opened packets clearly show traces of tampering, verifying the integrity of the goods and helping to prevent fraud.
For consumer products and medications, this is specifically very vital as it gives customers confidence in their purchases.
-
Preventing Accidental Product Misuse
Blister packets can be designed to require specific actions to open, which is especially useful for preventing accidental misuse. Products like pharmaceuticals might be harmful if misused, so this function is necessary.
While older people may manage their prescriptions with suitable direction, child-resistant designs limit simple access for young children, enhancing responsibility and safety.
-
Minimal Product Movement
Blister packs are tailored to minimize product movement inside the box. Custom molds provide a tight fit for good, maintaining security throughout handling and transportation.
This function is vital for fragile objects to reduce damage risk during transportation. Preventing items from moving around guarantees safe purchases and improves user experience.
Common Uses of Blister Packaging
This type of packaging can be found in a wide range of products across various industries. Here are some typical applications:
- Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, include tablets, capsules, lozenges, and beauty products.
- Consumer goods and general items such as batteries, electronics, and small toys.
- Food items, such as snacks and single-serving products.
Printing on Blister Packaging
Companies usually use specialized techniques for printing, such as flexographic printing. This method is quite popular because it applies vibrant designs and important product information directly to the packaging.
It’s efficient and works well even with the heat involved in the sealing process, which can reach temperatures of about 572°F (300°C).
Another commonly used technique is thermal inkjet printing. This method guarantees industry conformity by allowing exact, high-quality marks that are readable by machines. So, it’s perfect for marking blister pack batch codes or expiry dates.
Challenges in Blister Packaging Printing
Though they have several advantages, printing on blister packs presents unique difficulties. Different package portions of the dual-material construction call for different inks and printing techniques.
Another issue is the need for high-resolution prints. Blister packs often use foils, which require specific printing technologies to ensure that codes are crisp and machine-readable.
Unclear print may lead to regulatory compliance and quality control challenges, causing delays and material waste. To get the best blister packaging printing solutions for your business, see a complete list of thermal inkjet printers here!
Read About: DSI Product Review: Inkjet Batch Code Printer for Cosmetics
Referensi:
https://www.visipak.com/what-is-blister-packaging.html
https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/contract-packaging/blister-packaging.html
https://www.domino-printing.com/en-us/blog/2021/best-ways-to-print-onto-blister-packaging
