Protecting products is one of the most essential jobs packaging has. That’s especially true for certain products like electronics, hardware consumables, and health and beauty items.
Using secure plastic clamshells is essential for companies selling these types of products. Clamshells protect against petty theft and can help prevent product shrinkage. They’re also naturally tamper-evident.
Durable
Clamshell packaging is made of various thermoformed materials, and once sealed, it provides excellent protection and a long shelf life. This is especially important for food manufacturers, who often deal with fresh or frozen foods that require safe storage containers. They also provide a premium look that conveys high-quality products and brands.
The plastic clamshell packaging is also naturally tamper-evident and can deter theft. In addition, this type of packaging can protect delicate items from unforeseen damage during transportation and storage.
Traditional clamshell packaging, however, is made of primarily plastic materials that can be hard to recycle and contribute to harmful waste in landfills. Biodegradable clamshells offer a sustainable alternative that breaks down naturally, reducing plastic waste and promoting a greener future.
Tray sealing and forming, however, uses a combination of materials that reduces environmental impact. This includes using paper and recycled plastics that are a part of the circular economy. It also uses soy-based inks and adhesives, minimizing the need for oil-based materials. This makes it an excellent choice for companies looking to go green while maintaining productivity.
Easy to Open and Close
We all know that plastic packaging like clamshells, blister packaging, and thermoform trays protects products from dust and dirt, keeps them from falling out during shipping and storage, and makes it difficult for shoplifters to steal certain items. However, some types of clamshells can be hard to open for customers. This is frustrating for shoppers who want to use the product right away.
When a package is hard to open, it can require that you use a sharp object like scissors or utility knife. This is risky and can cause injuries if you don’t have the proper tools. You can avoid this using steam or heat to soften the plastic wrapping.
If you have a product susceptible to petty theft in stores, consider adding security devices to the clamshell packaging. RF-sealed packages are nearly impossible to break into and can prevent a thief from opening the package in the store and slipping it into their pocket. It also makes the package naturally tamper-evident, essential for retailers and shoppers.
Easy to Customize
Clamshell packaging is a plastic package that fully encapsulates and protects products. It usually has a hinge that allows it to close to itself, but it is also available without one and maybe heat-sealed for security.
Because they are durable and offer great visibility, clamshells are an excellent choice for packaging electronics, personal care items, and food and pharmaceuticals. They also provide a secure and tamper-proof barrier, especially useful for expensive equipment and gadgets vulnerable to theft and tampering.
Depending on the product, the package can be customized to suit its needs and specific requirements. This can include an interactive consumer “Try Me” feature, hang tabs, 3-D contours, and more. In addition, the clamshells can be made to be RF sealable for added protection. This type of sealing provides a tamper-proof barrier and is designed to be opened only with a specific RF scanner or knife. It eliminates the need for a label and release liner, which decreases material waste and simplifies production processes. It also helps reduce facility energy usage.
Environmentally Friendly
Unlike their salty, ocean-dwelling namesakes, plastic clamshells do not taste good—but they can still do some pretty impressive things. This versatile packaging type is widely used in food retail, including supermarkets, gas station food marts, and grab-and-go bars.
They can protect your product from harsh storage conditions and improper handling during transport, preventing product contamination and loss of revenue. They also safely seal products from airborne pollutants and preserve their freshness and quality.
In addition to reducing product waste, sustainable alternatives like PET trays help lower production costs for converters, co-packers, and brand owners. The trays can be pre-formed in-house, making their shipments denser than flat blanks and roll stock. As a result, freight costs decrease along with carbon emissions during shipping. This is great for the environment and appeals to shoppers increasingly interested in eco-friendly products.
Versatile
Plastic clamshells are thermoformed in many shapes and sizes. They are handy for merchandising items that benefit from being able to be seen by the customer, including food products and high-end electronics. Clamshell packaging acts as a silent salesman for these types of products, which is why so many retail stores choose to use them.
While most clamshells are used for packaging food, they also serve as an excellent option for other products. For example, they are commonly found in hardware stores for items like nails, screws, and other small home repair tools. This is because clamshell packaging helps to communicate a higher price point for these items.
If you’re looking for a versatile food packaging supply, consider eco-friendly clamshells made with plant fiber. These clamshells are microwave-safe, freezable, and commercially compostable, and recyclable. You can even have your clamshells custom-designed to meet the needs of your specific retailer, such as “feet” for stability on plan-o-grams or hang holes for j-hook displays. This allows you to achieve your modern produce packaging goals while ensuring that you are meeting retailer requirements without compromise.
