Clamshell plastic packaging is famous for food products like berries, salad greens, and tomatoes. They also protect electronic equipment, office supplies, and other items from theft.
Plastic clamshells come in many standard sizes that closely fit your product and can be sealed for tamper resistance. They can also be designed to hang from a peg or hook.
Visual Appeal
You’ve seen them in your fridge: plastic clamshell packaging is a choice for fresh produce like berries, salad greens, and cherries. That’s because they are lightweight yet durable enough to keep products fresh and safe from damage during storage and shipping.
Clamshells are also transparent, allowing customers to inspect the product before purchasing. This is an essential feature for various reasons, from ensuring the quality of food products to demonstrating the functionality and features of electronic gadgets.
In addition, plastic clamshells are often designed with hangers or hooks to make them easier to display on pegboards and store shelves. This allows retailers to showcase their products more effectively, boosting sales.
Finally, clamshells are generally cheaper than other forms of packaging, especially when purchased in large quantities. The supplier can manufacture them more quickly and cost-effectively when creating fewer molds.
The type of plastic used to create a clamshell will significantly impact its visual appeal. Polystyrene, for instance, is often associated with coffee cups and take-out containers, but it can be molded into various shapes to create the ideal packaging solution. Other types of plastic, such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate), are also commonly used to create clamshells because they offer superior durability. These plastics are also readily recycled, making them a sustainable product packaging option.
Durability
Clamshell packaging is an excellent choice for protecting your products. Its design allows your customers to see the product inside and provides a barrier to potential damage or tampering. In addition, clamshell packaging can be customized with several features that will make your brand stand out on the shelf and attract consumers’ attention.
Whether you’re looking to protect delicate electronics or hardy produce, this packaging can provide the protection you need. Many types of clamshell packaging are made from plastic, including PET and PETG, which are highly durable and moisture resistant. They can be printed with your company’s logo or other designs to add a touch of visual appeal to the package, and they can even be dyed a particular color to match your brand’s colors.
While paper clamshells may be less expensive than plastic, they’re less durable or moisture-resistant. They’re also not recyclable, so they’ll be in the trash. Additionally, if they’re stained with food grease or oil, they can contaminate other recyclables and cause them to be rejected by recycling centers.
While clamshell packaging has been the standard for decades, it’s being unseated by tray seal packaging. Tray seal packaging is more cost-effective, easier to use, and better for the environment. It’s ideal for retailers who want to reduce packaging costs and achieve aggressive sustainability goals for 2025 and beyond.
Security
Safety is paramount whether your product is food, drugs, or electronics. With clamshell plastic packaging, you can be confident that your products are safe from contamination and that customers will know they’re purchasing high-quality items.
Clamshell containers are easy to open but can also be closed securely. They are available with various closure options, including snap button locks, which can be customized for your brand and offer tamper resistance. You can also permanently seal the clamshell, which deters theft and provides security for your product.
If you want to give your customers a “try-before-you-buy” experience, you can opt for transparent thermoplastic clamshells that showcase your product’s size and dimensions. This helps your customers see the value of your product and builds trust that it’s worth the price.
Another reason to choose a plastic clamshell packaging supplier is their ability to produce custom products with the materials you need for your specific application. For example, you may require an FDA-approved plastic container for foodstuffs or one that can withstand the high humidity in some retail stores. A specialist can also design your clamshell with features that address specific retailer needs, such as feet for stability on shelves or holes for j-hook displays.
Convenience
Plastic clamshell packaging is an excellent option if your product requires extra protection. This form of packaging can be custom fit to your product, ensuring that it stays in place throughout the distribution chain without the risk of falling off or getting damaged. This type of packaging is ideal for products like electronics, hardware consumables, health and beauty items, and other delicate or fragile goods.
In addition to being durable and protective, clamshells are also easy to use. Depending on your chosen style, they can be opened and closed using various methods, including snap button locks or friction fittings. In addition, the precise nature of these containers allows for complete visibility, which helps to attract shoppers and increase sales.
Another added benefit of clamshell packaging is that it can help to keep your product fresher for longer. For example, if you sell strawberries, a clamshell will protect them from the air in the store’s produce section, which could cause them to spoil sooner than if left in a twist-tie bag.
Choosing the proper plastic clamshell packaging for your needs is a big decision that can affect your product’s overall performance and value. Contact a reputable thermoformed packaging manufacturer today to discuss your options to ensure you get the best results possible.