company news about Blister packing

Many companies use blister packaging, sometimes called blister packs, to safely store and improve the visual appeal of their products. Since blister packaging offers many benefits, the best companies regularly use it to contain their merchandise. You can see blister packaging used by various companies ranging from the pharmaceutical industry all the way to the toy industry. This diversity of use makes it the ideal packaging option for many products.

Find out more about what blister packaging is and the main advantages it provides companies. You may also be interested in learning more about the most common kinds of products paired with blister packaging.

WHAT IS BLISTER PACKAGING?

Blister packaging refers to a type of pre-formed, rigid packaging used for retail goods, pharmaceutical items and food products. You can often find blister packs housing products like medication, hardware, toys and consumer goods. Typically, blister packs are made of two main components: the cavity — also called the pocket — and the backing.

The cavity is the main component of blister packaging, as it holds products inside it, preventing them from leaving the pack. Manufacturers typically create the cavity with thermoformed plastic. These pockets can feature several different designs to best suit your needs. Many companies choose symmetrical designs, like rectangles or circles. Others design their cavity to fit a product's shape.

The backing is the other main part of blister packaging. The cavity attaches to the backing, keeping the product secure between them. The backing can be made out of different materials, such as foil, plastic or paperboard.

When the backing is made out of foil, it's called lidding. Foil is one of the most popular materials for backings. You can often see these backings housing pills and other pharmaceutical products. The aluminum foil backing makes it easy for consumers to push through the aluminum foil to reach the product lying in the cavity. Another popular form of backing is a paperboard card, otherwise known as a blister card, that attaches to the cavity.

WHY IS BLISTER PACKAGING USED?

Many companies use blister packaging as it's usually see-through, allowing customers to view the product behind it. This greater visibility is especially attractive to customers, as it lets them see what they're purchasing and be more informed in their purchasing decisions. Additionally, the glossy nature of many blister packs can increase the perceived value of the product, making it easier for consumers to justify purchasing it.

Additionally, the outer shell of blister packaging can be a theft deterrent since it's difficult for thieves to open it quickly and swipe the contents inside. Companies also use blister cards to promote their products. Essentially, these blister cards offer "billboard" space for the product, allowing companies to place product descriptions, how-to-use information and brand logos on them. Blister cards can also feature eye-catching graphics, brand-friendly designs and attractive colors, attracting customers to the product as a result.

Companies also employ blister packaging to protect their products from damage. Many manufacturers create cavities that guard products against contamination and humid air, along with other external threats. These blister packs hold up for a long time, ensuring products maintain their quality while they await purchase. Additionally, some specialized opaque blister packs can also keep products sensitive to UV rays and light safe from damage.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED IN BLISTER PACKAGING?

The most common material used in blister packaging is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material is popular for how easy it is to manipulate during thermoforming and its low cost. Another common material is polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), as it can be applied to a PVC film to create a stronger barrier against oxygen and moisture. Companies sometimes prefer to laminate PVC with polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), which has an incredibly high moisture barrier. Some manufacturers also use cyclic olefin copolymers (COC) to provide their blister packs with extra moisture protection.

Blister packs with lidding foils often feature hard tamper aluminum, with a print primer placed on the outside of the foil and an interior heat-seal lacquer. You can also find cold form foil, which is constructed out of a three-layer laminate of polyamide, aluminum and PVC.