What is Blister Packaging?
Blister pack is a term for different types of pre-formed plastic packaging which is mainly used for packing small toys, foods items, cosmetic items, and for pharmaceuticals goods. This packaging is included PET (polyethylene terephtalate) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic packaging. These packs are an inflexible package design made from PVC plastic which is attached to some sort of coated paper or foil backing for packing individual tablet, capsule, pills, or soft gels. Solid dose blisters are especially designed to safeguard the contents and integrity of the product packed inside them.
The PVC plastic is manufactured using specific tools that fit your requirements and can be created in the desired blister pattern. After the plastic is formed, the product is placed into the cavities and is covered by foil backing. Both the plastic and foil are sealed together after heat and pressure are applied. This process glues down both PVC plastic and foil backing creating a strong bond between them, and the finished product blister is formed. Typically, a thermoformed plastic is used as a primary component for making cavities or pockets for blister packs. These cavities usually have a backing of aluminum foil or plastic or paperboard. This packaging has proven to be ideal for packing products that need extra protection from external factors.
Custom Blister Packaging
Today, blister packaging has made its way into almost every industry. From the packaging of food items to the toys and from packing electronic devices to medicines and pills, industries have been taking a lot of benefits from it. It will be safe to say that one industry that is getting the most out of blister packs has to be the pharmaceutical industry. Tablets, pills, capsules, and other types of medications need to be protected from oxygen, UV rays, moisture, air, and other external influences. In this regard, blister packing is the ideal choice since the content is sealed in these packs; nothing can enter and contaminate the product packed inside.
Toy manufacturers are also using the blister display packaging to pack and present their toys in them. This is a clever approach as kids can see the toys but cannot open and the packaging as blister packs are extremely hard to open, especially for kids. In the retail business, blister packs have become a staple as they are lightweight and can support high-volume products. Being so in demand, manufacturers had to come up with a solution so that every brand can benefit from them.
Custom blister packaging solutions allow brands and manufacturers to create packaging in different sizes and styles according to business requirements. They are available in different styles including trap mock, face seal, and slide with so many backing options like paperboard, E-flute corrugated cardboard, and foil for customizing the packaging in the desired way.
Moreover, cardboard or paperboard backing materials allow brand owners to print their logo, name, product description, and other information on the packaging in high-quality printing. However, since blister packs are mainly made from plastic, environmentally conscious brands and customers have the same concern if this packaging can be recycled or not. If you are wondering the same, then keep on reading to find out your answers!
The Recycling Mystery of Blister Packs
Today, when brands are skewing more towards green packaging solution, plastic is still dominating the packaging world. Product packaging causes more plastic waste as compared to any other industry. In the United States, it accounts for 65% of all plastic waste by weight, and in Europe, it is 59%. Overall, plastics account for one-third of the global packaging market.
When it comes to blister packaging probably the only harder thing apart from opening these plastic containers is determining if they are recyclable or not. No matter where we shop, we see toys, medicines, food items, and cosmetic products are packed in blister packs. So, it is clear that this packaging solution is everywhere. Depending on the product it holds, a blister pack is much more than just plastic. It could have a cardboard or paperboard backing used for instructions and safety information or an aluminum foil backing which will make it easier for you to remove the pills inside.
However, this packaging can be referred as multi-material packaging. As a rule, it is not recycling friendly at all as it has recyclable and non-recyclable materials. Since plastic is one of the main materials used in making these packs is plastic along with cardboard and paperboard it is hard to determine whether blister packaging can be recycled or not. For recycling, it is best to separate all the contents of the packaging as we know that cardboard and paperboard can be recycled. So, before dumping into the recycle bin, tear away any paper or metal material from the blister packs.
Clamshell is the type of blister packaging which is used to pack slightly heavier goods. Clamshell packaging is one of the popular choices with retailers because of the product is visibility on both sides. Steve Alexander, President of The Association of Plastic Recyclers says that clamshells are typically made out of PET plastic, so they are highly recyclable. As well all know that are types of plastics which can be recycled. This made the clamshell packaging popular in the food industry. However, clamshells can be recycled only if they are collected.
Final Words
Today, eco-friendly boxes are considered more. When it comes to blister packs, depending on what materials are used in its making, its most components can be recycled such as cardboard and paperboard. Moreover, this packaging is also formed by PET (polyethylene terephtalate) which is said to be Recyclable as well. If you are considering packing your products in blister packs, then custom blister display packaging solution is the ideal option for you.
