Plastic clamshell packaging is a popular choice for food. It offers many benefits for both manufacturers and consumers. It is durable, easy to open and close, and aesthetically pleasing. It also protects products from tampering, temperature changes, and rough handling.
In addition, clamshells are 100 percent recyclable. Thermoformed clamshells can use recycled content, which reduces material weight and offers design flexibility.
Easy to Assemble
While blister packs require special tools for unsealing, plastic clamshell packaging is easy to open and close. This ease of use makes them a popular choice for customers.
Thermoforming allows clamshells to be shaped and customized to fit almost any product, including produce. They are also 100 percent recyclable.
Businesses often choose clamshell packaging for high-value items like electronics, hardware consumables, and health and beauty products. Their straightforward design provides high-clarity visibility. Packaging designers can even add strategic cutouts to increase visibility. This helps prevent shoplifting and keeps customers safe.
Easy to Open and Close
Unlike other packaging types, clamshells can be easily opened with just a pair of scissors. This saves on additional packaging materials and processing steps and reduces facility energy usage.
It also makes it difficult for shoplifters to steal products, which is why many expensive tech items and gadgets come in clamshells. This feature alone is enough to convince consumers of the quality and value of your product.
Consumers want to know that the products they purchase are exactly what they were promised, without any flaws or defects. Clamshell plastic packaging helps them achieve this by delivering complete visibility of products.
Durable
The US-based manufacturer offers a sustainable solution, a thermoformed package that protects products while keeping them warm and crisp. It requires no labels and reduces production steps, facility energy usage, and material waste.
The clamshell is also naturally tamper-evident, which can effectively deter petty theft. A study found that clamshell items sold four times better than other packaging styles.
Recyclable
Unlike plastic bottles, hard clamshells are not recyclable. They must go through a different process in recycling and can cause significant contamination if tossed in with other recycled plastics.
To help achieve your green goals, choose a tray seal package instead. Trays are more accessible to recycle and use less material than a clamshell. They also weigh less, improving fuel efficiency during transportation and reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, they can be used multiple times and take up less storage space in a facility. Moreover, they provide ample branding space.
Easy to Customize
Professional marketers call a successful package “a silent salesman.” It needs to protect the product and market it while doing so. Clamshell packaging is an excellent choice for this.
A clear clamshell allows shoppers to inspect the quality of products, increasing their trust that what they see is what they get. It can also deter thieves because it requires scissors or knives to open the package. Additionally, a graphic insert card can add to the marketing function of the package.
Versatile
Clamshell packaging makes products less appealing to shoplifters, tiny high-value items like tech gadgets. They’re a great deterrent and help protect your merchandise from airborne contaminants throughout shipping.
Clear plastic clamshells provide exceptional product visibility, making it easy for customers to examine and understand the item they’re buying. This helps increase sales and customer satisfaction.
Multi-Use
Clamshell packaging makes it much harder for thieves to steal small, high-value items like iPods. These packages can also help reduce product tampering and loss by protecting items from accidental contamination.
Plastic clamshells are made from #1 PET plastic, which can be recycled alongside plastic bottles and jugs in your local recycling program. Some clamshells are made from plant fibers, making them an eco-friendly alternative to styrofoam containers.
These plant-based clamshells are biodegradable and compostable in an industrial facility. They resemble styrofoam in color and appearance but are soak-proof and suitable for hot food packaging applications.
Economical
Clamshell packaging makes it difficult for shoplifters to take a product off the shelf and put it in their pockets. This can reduce theft and help retailers improve their bottom line.
Inline’s Korwek notes buyers should specify size, level of protection, air-flow requirements, re-sealability, and sustainability goals when choosing plastic clamshells for produce. She also recommends they consider clamshells with perforation for smaller varieties like berries and grape tomatoes.
Tray seal packaging uses a lidding film that eliminates a label, reducing material waste and simplifying recyclability. This can also reduce production steps and facility energy usage.
Environmentally Friendly
Clamshell packaging is a great way to protect your product through distribution. This helps reduce waste and ensures your product arrives in the promised condition.
Clamshell packaging is easy to use on the customer end and can be resealed after opening. This can help you communicate a value-focused price point and differentiate yourself from competitors.
Choosing tray seal tooling instead of traditional plastic clamshells can help you achieve your sustainability goals. It can save you money in production costs, materials, and energy and help your brand reach modern eco-conscious shoppers.
Convenient
Plastic clamshells can help retailers cut costs by reducing the need for labels, release liners, and other extra materials. They also help reduce product waste and minimize packaging-related emissions (contributing to greenhouse gases) by extending shelf life.
They also protect products from poor distribution conditions and handling during transportation. This keeps items safe and fresh until shoppers get them home.
Another benefit of clamshells is that they are easy for shoppers to use. They are easier to open and reseal than many other types of packaging, including plastic produce bags.