Blister packaging providers need a number of supplies to keep their product-packing running smoothly. Blister packaging materials require machinery, sealants, plastics and printed card stock, not to mention things like printing inks, foil and plastic dyes. These materials and services can be purchased from suppliers or designed and assembled in-house.
You can save your blister packing company time and hassle by buying some supplies ready-made. Things like printed backings and specially formulated plastics take specific equipment and trained personnel to create, making it easier to purchase these goods and services. Before you start gathering your supplies for blister packaging materials, consider this:
1. If you need something unusual, or you'd rather make the plastics, backings and foils yourself, keep in mind that you'll need a lot of specialized equipment.
2. Certain industries, like food and medicine packaging, require you to use specific types of plastic to make your blister packs and clamshell packaging.
3. Specific types of blister packaging plastic may require custom orders or long wait times. These include opaque and specially colored plastics, as well as those with unique properties.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Buy plastics for blister packaging creation
Plastics for blister boxes are generally molded into shape with heat, creating a bubble to protect your product from harm. The back of each blister package is created separately, usually with a cold process. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most common type of plastic used to create blister packages, because it is easy to mold and has very little water-vapor permeability. Other types include polyvinylidene chloride, CTFE films and polypropylene.
I recommend: Check out
Emco Industrial Plastics for PVC and other types of plastic, or buy from
Acme Plastics.
Find blister packaging card stock and backings
The back of blister packs, as well as the card inserts in clamshell packaging, often require special manufacturing to fit the size and design of your product. These backings can have images, text or colors imprinted on them to display your product to advantage. Blister pack and clamshell backs are available from most blister packaging suppliers, who will work with you to design and mass produce the perfect backing.
I recommend: Check out
Clearwater Packaging's blister pack backings, or try
Transparent Packaging's clamshell cards.
Get stock blister packaging sealants and machinery
Sealants for blister packs and clamshell packaging are often plastics applied and then melted together with a hot roller or press machine. Clamshell packaging can use this method or others, depending on the type of product and the safety factors involved. Food products, for instance, are often sealed with resin to ensure food safety.
I recommend: Buy blister pack sealant from
Mitsui Chemicals America. Get a heat sealing machine to apply sealant from
Blisterpak.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Choosing the right type of plastic to create your clamshell packaging and blister packs is a difficult job. The type of plastic you use can vary depending on the industry, shape, thickness and opacity desired. Blister pack material suppliers can often help you decide which plastic will meet your needs. Some even offer CAD models to help you see a design's strengths and weaknesses.
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