Packaging

When it comes to packaging, we’ve pretty much done it all, from customized hangers and octagonal gift boxes to the standard packaging methods used for most consumer products. Our engineers can help design the layout and dimensions for packaging your products in a safe and cost-effective way.  Some products require no retail packaging or are intended to be sold in bulk.  In those cases, we offer bulk packaging solutions to protect the product during transport. For products that would benefit from retail packaging, there is a wide variety available. However, most fall into a few basic categories. Shown below are some of the most common types of packaging methods we use.

Blister Packaging

Blister packaging is the most common type of packaging used for small consumer products. It consists of using clear plastic which is contoured to the shape of a product. The plastic is placed over the product and is typically heat sealed to a print card. This allows the consumer to view the item while still protecting it. It is an inexpensive and durable packaging method.

See more detailed information about Blister packaging

Clamshells

Although clamshells are normally considered a form of blister packaging, they have unique characteristics which set them apart from standard blister packages . With clamshells, the entire product and print card are enclosed in plastic. There are two common methods for securing them. One is to use interlocking tabs, making them easy to open and also reclosable by the end user. The other method uses high frequency welding to heat seal them closed. This makes them more difficult to open and acts as a theft deterrent. Clamshells are generally more expensive than other forms of blister packaging.

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Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are used for individual retail packaging, bulk packaging, protection during transport and for consumer carrier bags. The properties of the bag (such as the level of strength, flexibility, resistances) can be tailored to meet a wide range of needs. In general, bags are considered “minimized packaging”. They are space-saving and light-weight and thus the cost of transport can be significantly less than other packaging forms. If recycled or compostable plastic is used as well, this can be one of the better eco-friendly packaging methods.

See more detailed information about plastics and plastic bags

Skin Card Packaging

Skin card packaging uses a paperboard covered with a heat sensitive adhesive or coating. With the product placed on top of the paperboard, a heated plastic film is draped over both of these, securing the product to the paper. For a tighter fit, a vacuum is used. This is a space-saving and economical means of packaging while still allowing the consumer to view the product. Another advantage is that all product pieces can be readily seen.

Print Cards

Print cards can be used in combination with another form of packaging or stand alone. There is a wide variety of paperboard and coating that can be used to get the desired look and effect.

The blue Sweat Gutr card, to the left, helps to illustrate at a glance the function of the product and how it should be worn. This card is used with a blister package that leaves part of the product exposed, enabling the consumer to feel the product material.

Using print cards as the only form of retail packaging is economical, eco-friendly (especially if made out of environmentally friendly paperboard) and can effectively get the product message across. The Clean Bottle, shown here, only uses a print tag card. Being unconstraining, the tag card allows the consumer to look, feel and inspect the product before purchasing.

This Picopad product is another example of print card packaging. It is a 3-pack product and effectively holds all pieces together using just the printed paperboard.

Color Boxes

Color boxes are one of the most versatile forms of packaging. They can hold any number of items, the durability and size can vary depending on need, and the product can either show through or be completely boxed in. One innate box feature is it will stand upright on shelves without needing additional support. A hang hole can also be added for increased placement flexibility. Like the print card, it can be eco-friendly.

Color boxes are often used as display boxes as well. If the product is light enough, a hang hole on the display box can give the retailer more flexibility to put the product in an area where it will sell the most.