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6 Benefits of Blister Packaging

January 27, 2015|BY: Rob Helmke

Custom thermoformed thin gauge rigid retail packaging
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6 Benefits of Blister Packaging
Blister packaging is commonly used for small items like batteries, medicines and toy cars. While medicines are normally thought of as being contained in a blister pack, anything that has a plastic front and another material (usually cardboard) for the back is considered a blister package. These nifty devices do a great job of keeping products safe while making it easy for consumers to get to one item at a time, or to an item that needs to be accessed quickly.

Consider the following benefits of blister packaging:

1. Freshness. Particularly for items that are used one at a time, having individual compartments can keep them at the ready for whenever the consumer is ready. Herbs, medications and other environmentally sensitive items may benefit from blister packaging for this reason.

2. Dosage or serving size. For medicines and certain foods, these packages evenly portion out an item so that the consumer does not use too much of the product at once. Some seasoning blends benefit from blister packs because the company has already predetermined the amount needed for certain recipes. In a similar manner, medicine dosing is easier to understand and safer for the consumer when a this type of package is used.

3. Packaging materials. Aesthetically, a plastic blister container is a good choice because it provides the product with a range of options for creating a visually appealing and texturally pleasing experience. Generally, plastic and cardboard are used in commercial applications. In the pharmaceutical industry, plastic and aluminum is normally the best choice to keep the product fresh.

4. Visibility. With a plastic front, these containers allow consumers to view the product before purchasing. Doing so provides reassurance the amount of product contained is as advertised and that all pieces are accounted for. Even though customers can view the item, they cannot touch them. As such, the product is safeguarded from thieves and tampering.

5. Security. For items that need to remain immobilized, the blister pack is an ideal solution. The individualized and generally small compartments do not allow for the movement of product within the packaging. This design protects items from damage caused in transit.

5. Customization. Because all plastic blisters are thermoformed, every design is unique to the product being sold. Regardless of the size or number of items contained in the blister pack, it can be customized to fit the needs of the product.

Blister Packs

Items to Consider for Blister Packs

One of the greatest appeals of the blister pack is that it is a sealed package. For this reason, it is most commonly known for being used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. You may recall the look of drugstore medications and the way they are carefully sealed within packages to allow for sterile conditions. Other uses of blister packs include such items as cosmetics, batteries, and other drugstore items such as floss or toothbrushes. The fact blister packs are sealed makes them a highlight for items that need to remain hygienic until used by a consumer or client.

Other Advantages to Blister Packs

Because blister packs are not as complicated to make as most other plastic packaging techniques, the cost to produce them is slightly lower than others. During the production of blister packaging, numerous of packs can be produced at once to contain various items. This defers the costs of having to make multiple packs for such small items as pills and batteries. The largest blister pack that can be made is about the size of a suitcase.

From lip balm to SD cards, a blister pack makes for a great marketing and packaging tool. If you have a product you think might be a good candidate for these versatile containers, contacting a company who is well versed package design is the first step. A poorly made container may come apart at the seams with exposure to heat or jostling in transit. The team at Plastic Ingenuity is familiar with the best practices in the industry for creating durable and consistent packaging. Contact us today!