Types of Blister Packaging and How Pharmacies Benefit
Blister packaging is a term encompassing any packing design consisting of pre-formed plastic attached to a backing or that folds together to form a seal. It is used for smaller consumer merchandise such as food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. As a common form of packaging amidst a number of industries, it is used to securely store a broad range of products from pharmaceuticals to consumer goods. The five most common types of blister packaging are:
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Face Seal
The molded plastic is formed around the product and sealed to a card, but may not cover the entire card.
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Full Blister
The plastic not only surrounds the product, but also the entire card. In this instance, the plastic is either heat sealed to the card or slid through additional plastic pieces on each side.
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Trapped Blister
The plastic resides between two cards sealed together where the opening on the front card is die-cut.
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Clamshell
This is a hinged blister where two sides fold together to create a closed container.
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Pharmaceutical
Typically used for pills or unit doses, the molded plastic fits the shape of the product and is sealed with a paperboard or aluminum foil backing.
In the pharmaceutical industry, the selection can sometimes seem overwhelming. Among the choices, you will be presented with different types of seals, different backings, and even custom designs. For example, the cold seal option is great for filling prescriptions on-site; however, a heat seal is the most affordable choice for selling a product with specific counts. For many companies, the choice of cold or heat seal often comes down to how they will be filled, if it is a multi-pack, and the refill frequency. Custom solutions containing the company name, logo, address, and other information may be incorporated on this type of packaging as well.
Why Do Pharmacies Choose This Option?
If you are wondering why so many companies choose this packaging option, one of the biggest reasons is better product protection from tampering, moisture, and outside elements. When the package has been damaged in some way it is visibly obvious, whether the item was tampered with or simply harmed during the transition. Further benefits gained by any pharmacy from this choice include:
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The Product Remains Visible
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Provides Larger Design Area
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More Cost Effective
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Offers Increased Product Security
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Deterrent from Tampering
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Easier to Produce in High Volume
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Offers Clean Space for Instructions
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Broader Range of Colors and Designs
Beyond these, blister packs and cards also provide marketing advantages because they may contain promotional materials or additional advertisements. Custom designs may be used to further promote the company brand without drastically increasing costs. Other forms of packaging do not always offer this benefit due to limited space or in some cases the materials.
At Shamrock Labels we understand how important it is to have the right materials and design for effectively storing individual prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. We offer several packaging options to ensure you get the right design for your needs. Additionally, our types of blister packaging include both heat and cold-sealed options. Give us a call today to learn more about our packaging choices.