Definition
Blister packaging is a type of pre-formed plastic packaging used for small consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and food. The primary components of a blister pack are a cavity or pocket made of a formable web, usually a thermoformed plastic, and a lidding seal of aluminum foil, paper, or plastic. This packaging method is popular for its ability to showcase the product clearly while protecting it from external factors like moisture, contamination, or damage during transportation and handling.
Examples
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Pharmaceuticals: Blister packs are commonly used for packaging capsules, tablets, and other medication dosages. This helps in protecting the medication from moisture and contamination, while also ensuring that patients can manage their doses effectively.
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Consumer Electronics: Small electronic items like headphones, batteries, and USB drives are often packaged in blister packs. This type of packaging not only protects the product but also allows customers to see what they are buying without opening the package.
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Food Products: Items like chewing gum, candies, and snack packs use blister packaging to ensure product freshness and provide convenience for consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of blister packaging?
Blister packaging protects the product from external factors such as humidity and contamination, offers clear visibility of the product, enhances shelf appeal, and deters tampering.
Can blister packaging be customized?
Yes, blister packaging can be customized in terms of shape, size, and lidding material to suit the product’s specifications and branding requirements.
Is blister packaging recyclable?
Blister packaging can be recyclable, depending on the materials used. Certain plastics and foils used in blister packs can be recycled, but this depends on local recycling capabilities and policies.
What are the different types of blister packaging?
The main types of blister packaging are face seal blister, full-face seal blister, trapped blister, and slide blister. Each type has specific applications and benefits.
What are the common materials used in blister packaging?
Common materials include PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), and Aluminum foil, each chosen based on factors like product protection, clarity, and environmental considerations.
Related Terms
Clamshell Packaging
A type of blister packaging where two identical “shells” are hinged together to encase the product, often providing more robust protection than traditional blister packs.
Thermoforming
A manufacturing process used to shape the plastic materials into blister packs by heating the plastic sheet until it becomes pliable, then molding it into the desired shape.
Blister Card
The printed paperboard that holds the blister pack in place, often containing crucial information like product specifications, brand logos, and usage instructions.
Online References
- What is Blister Packaging?
- Pharmaceutical Blister Packaging: A Simple Guide
- Blister Packaging Process
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Pharmaceutical Packaging Technology” by D.A. Dean, E.R. Evans, and I.H. Hall
- “The Handbook of Pharmaceutical Blister Packaging Technology” by J. Burgess
- “Fundamentals of Packaging Technology” by Walter Soroka
Fundamentals of Blister Packaging: Manufacturing Basics Quiz
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