Clamshell Packaging
Custom thermoformed clamshell packaging is a type of plastic container consisting of two halves connected by a hinge. Clamshell packaging is often utilized for products of food, electronics, or retail nature due to its inherent advantages or other packaging mediums. Clamshell packaging allows full product visibility while simultaneously protecting the product against damage.
If theft is a concern, the package can also be sealed using a secondary sealing method such as RF or ultrasonics. In these instances, the two halves of the clamshell become bonded together. This makes opening the package nearly impossible without the use of a pair of scissors. This is the intent as the end customer, in this case of the retailer, has mandated to the supplier that if a product is either above a certain price point or will be consumed by the end user, that a tamper resistant package is used. This is where the term “wrap rage” stems from. While frustrating for the consumer, it is often necessary given all of the aforementioned factors. Since the consumer, or end user is often unaware of these factors, they understandably direct their frustration at the manufacturer of the clamshell and clamshell packaging as a whole.
Premier Plastics, LLC agrees that the plastics packaging industry needs to do a better job educating the public as well as addressing their concerns. Hopefully this paragraph has provided some of that education and context.
What are the features of clamshell packaging?
Tamper Resistance: Many clamshells are designed with tamper-evident features to indicate if a product has been opened or altered. Secondary sealing as previously mentioned adds an additional layer of protection.
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Stackability: Clamshells can often be stacked efficiently for storage and display, maximizing space.
Automation: Clamshell packaging can be designed to work on automated filling and sealing equipment.
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Customizability: Premier Plastics, LLC is a custom thermoform manufacturer. This means we design and build custom tooling for each project.
Visibility: The transparent design allows consumers to see the product inside, which can enhance appeal and encourage purchases.
Protection: Plastic clamshell packaging provides a secure barrier against impact, chemicals, moisture, dust and dirt, helping to keep products safe during storage and transport.
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Sustainability Options: The majority of the clamshells Premier Plastics LLC manufacturers are produced from RPET. This stands for recycled/ reprocessed polyethylene terephthalate. The majority of soda and water bottles are made from PET. As a result of global recycling initiatives the majority of these bottles are collected, cleaned and then ground into flake. This flake is then sold on the open market to manufacturers of plastic sheet or roll stock. The RPET roll stock that Premier Plastics, LLC purchases contains varying percentages of virgin APET, recycled post industrial PET (PIR) as well as recycled post consumer PET (PCR). If a customer requires a certain percentage of PCR content in their packaging, Premier Plastics, LLC can offer those customers certified PCR RPET.
Cost-Effectiveness: When all of the factors are considered, clamshell packaging is often the most economical packaging option available.
What markets use clamshell packaging?
Clamshell packaging is used across various market verticals, including, but not limited to:
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Medical
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Food/ Baked Goods
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Consumer Electronics
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Retail
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Cosmetics/Personal Care
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Office Supplies and Hardware
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DIY Products
Is clamshell packaging right for my product?
Whether clamshell packaging is right for your product depends on several factors:
Tamper Resistance: If protection from theft or evidence of a package being opened prior to purchase is required, then clamshell packaging is the right choice.
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Storage and Display: Clamshells can be designed to hang, stand, stack or all three of these options.​
Product Type: Clamshells work well for items that benefit from visibility and protection.
Market Appeal: If your target audience values aesthetics and presentation, clamshells can enhance your product's appeal.
Durability: Plastic offers superior resistance against impact, chemicals, moisture, dust and dirt.
Environmental Impact: When looking at the overall environmental score of a proposed packaging style, clamshell packaging often scores better than the paper alternative. Premier Plastics, LLC recommends the use of independent, third party peer reviewed packaging modeling software to realize the true environmental impact of a proposed packaging style. The use of already repurposed materials such as RPET in the production of clamshell packaging only adds to this advantage.
Cost Considerations: Due to plastics being light weight and having a high weight to yield ratio, clamshell packaging is one of the most cost effective packaging options available.
These are just a few of the many advantages clamshell packaging offers. Assessing these features against competitive packaging styles & materials will help you determine if clamshell packaging is the right choice for your product and business.