The Top 7 Reasons Why Blister Packaging Is Used

When shopping for medicines or small consumer goods, you've probably noticed a clear plastic outer shell that seals the product inside - that's blister packaging. Have you ever wondered why this kind of packaging is used for so many different categories of products?

From keeping products safe and secure to making them stand out on the shelves, this versatile packaging solution has a lot going for it. In this post, we will discover some of the top reasons why blister packaging has become so popular among so many brands. Let's take a closer look!

What Is Blister Packaging?

Blister packaging is a solution using plastic as a key material to package products. It's shaped to fit a specific product and then sealed to a backing made of cardboard, foil, or plastic. This kind of packaging got its name from the thermoformed plastic bubble that houses the product. Originally used mainly for medications, blister packs are now popular for packaging food, cosmetics, electronics, and even tools.

Creating blister packaging involves a process called thermoforming. In this process, a sheet of plastic is heated and molded into cavities of the desired shapes. These cavities, or blisters, hold the product and are sealed to a sturdy backing material, like cardboard or aluminum foil. The packaging protects the product inside from damage, tampering, and contamination.

In the pharmaceutical industry, there's another way to create blisters - a cold-forming process. This technology applies pressure to form blisters on aluminum foils at room temperature.

Different Types of Blister Packaging

If you pay a little bit more attention to the blister packaging out there, there are currently 4 basic types being used across various industries. These are:

1. Plastic-Paperboard

This is the most common type of blister packaging for consumer goods you'll see. It can be made in many variations to fit different products.

This flexible blister packaging offers manufacturers a variety of choices. The plastic-paperboard blister packaging uses a molded plastic front with a sturdy paperboard backing to keep the product in place.

2. Plastic-Plastic

This type uses plastic as a backing material instead of a paperboard. It usually consists of two halves with a hinge and multiple button snaps. The clamshell packaging can also be considered a specific form of blister packaging. It's ideal for heavier items, designed to either stand on shelves or hang for display.

However, the plastic-plastic blister packaging can be tricky to open. You're supposed to use scissors or a knife to open it. This packaging is usually more expensive to produce than other types.

3. Aluminum-Plastic

This type is often known as Alu-PVC blister packs in the pharmaceutical world. It's made of a plastic sheet with multiple cavities and an aluminum foil backing.

The packaging creates a protective barrier against moisture, light, and oxygen, keeping the medication inside safe. The plastic blisters are usually transparent, allowing the product to be visible inside. This type is relatively inexpensive compared to other options.

4. Aluminum-Aluminum

Aluminum-aluminum (Alu-Alu) blister packaging is specifically used for sensitive medications. Both the blisters and backing are made from aluminum or a combination of paper, plastic, or foil.

However, the production of Alu-Alu blister packs costs more than other types of packaging due to the materials used and the manufacturing process. The big difference between this type and the others is that its blister cavities are molded without heat.

Why Is Blister Packaging Used in So Many Industries?

Thanks to its versatility, blister packaging is widely used across different industries and by various brands.

Medicines can be protected for safety and efficacy. Food and snacks benefit from less exposure to air and moisture and remain fresh. Cosmetics, toys, and tools are kept intact with a reduced risk of being lost or stolen. Electronics are offered a snug fit of the package to prevent damage to the delicate components inside.

Simply put, clear blister packaging can showcase the product while keeping it safe, compared to other types of packaging that can't see through.

Top 7 Benefits of Blister Packaging

As you can see, blister packaging is popular for a reason. Let's explore some of the top benefits of blister packaging.

1. Make the product visible:

Blister packaging lets you see what you're buying. The clear plastic front can showcase the product inside. This is especially useful for some consumer goods. It makes products more appealing to shoppers.

2. Keep the product fresh:

Blister packs guarantee the freshness of products. They seal off air, moisture, and contaminants. This is crucial for medications and food. It ensures they stay in top condition until use.

3. Prevent damage:

Blister packaging produces a tight fit. This design helps to protect products from bumps and knocks during shipping and storage. Blister packs are also tamper-evident. This means it can ensure the product reaches consumers in perfect condition.

4. Manage doses and servings:

A blister pack has multiple preformed cavities. These cavities are perfect for separating items that need precise portions, like food and pharmaceuticals. Each cavity can hold an exact amount or dose, making it easy to take the right servings, especially for children and elders.

5. Use with ease:

Blister packaging is pretty easy to use. It often comes with tear-off tabs or push-through sections. The feature allows for easy opening of the packaging. So you can access the product quickly.

6. Customize easily:

This is one of the top reasons why blister packaging is used across so many industries. It can be customized as you want. The plastic front can be made in any shape, depending on the specific product. The backing can be printed with all sorts of information, logos, and promotional messages to make products stand out on the shelf.

7. Save costs:

Blister packaging is simple to design and make. It doesn't use a lot of materials. This makes it one of the most cost-effective packaging solutions. Lightweight and compact, this kind of packaging also helps save on shipping costs.

What Are the Most Popular Uses of Blister Packaging?

Medications and Supplements

Blister packs are great for packaging individual doses of capsules, tablets, and other solid dosage forms. The design makes it easy to control how much you're taking. Blister packaging also has tamper-evident features to ensure your meds are secure.

Food Items

You'll often see blister packaging used for small food items like candies. They help keep things fresh and hygienic, so you don't have to worry about your treats getting stale.

Cosmetics

Blister packs are also a go-to for packaging makeup products like lip balm or nail polish. They not only make products look more attractive but also keep them clean and intact.

Small Electronics

For gadgets like USB drives or wireless mice, blister packs are perfect. The clear plastic lets you see exactly what you're getting while keeping everything protected from damage and tampering.

Tools

Tools like screwdrivers and wrench sets are often found in blister packs. The transparent packaging makes it easy to see and organize your tools.

Toys and Stationery

When it comes to toys and stationery, blister packs are a hit. The transparent outer shell allows kids to see the items and their details. Not only does it showcase the product inside, but also it can help entice kids to want to buy it.

The Bottom Line

In a nutshell, there are many good reasons why blister packaging is widely used. It started out for meds but has branched out to all kinds of uses now. Blister packs keep things secure while allowing for creative designs. Of course, blister packaging isn't always the way to go, but it can be a pretty solid choice for most products. If you want to package your offerings in an eye-catching but cost-effective manner, contact iPharMachine today - we've got many really innovative solutions.