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What Is Blister Packaging Made Out Of? Understanding It’s Elements

November 29, 2021
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Have you wondered the elements of blister packaging?

According to Industrial Packaging:

Blister packaging is a unique type of packaging that evokes the idea of a blister. If you have ever had one, you can see the resemblance. It is a flat surface with a bubble protruding from the flat area. Inside the bubble is where the product is contained.

Blister packaging (AKA: blister packs) are a type of carded packaging. Similar in style to skin packs, blister packs are commonly used for packaging a variety of products including, but not limited to fishing lures, tools, and pharmaceuticals.

People often ask us, “what are blister packs made out of”? In this article, we will explore the materials that make up blister packaging, some of the benefits of blister packs, as well as common uses and problems.

What Is Blister Packaging?

A blister pack is a packaging supply made from a piece of pre-formed plastic that is stuck to another material such as blister-board or metal foil. Blister packs are utilized in the packaging of items like pills, screws, nails, and other types of products.

What Are Blister Packs Made Out Of?

The focal point of a blister pack’s various materials is a piece of thermoformed plastic (such as PVC, PET, PETG, etc.). A backing substrate (most commonly made from blister-board) is attached to the backside of the thermoformed plastic container. Two-sided blister packs that do not use a blister-board backer but instead use another piece of plastic are commonly called clamshells.

Benefits And Uses Of Blister Packs

Blister packs are sturdy and robust packaging materials that are an excellent choice for protecting products from harm. Blister packs also protect products from other problems like humidity and contamination for extended time-frames. Some types of blister packs are made with unique plastic formulations that will actually block UV rays from touching the product within.

There is an extensive range of products that are packaged in blister packs. These items include products such as toothbrushes, sleep aides, mechanical parts, and a vast amount of other small to large-sized products. If you suffer from allergies and rely on over the counter antihistamines to find relief, most likely you are familiar with blister packs. They are commonly used to house these types of medications.

When shopping for items in your local Walmart’s hardware section, you will find tons of different products packaged in blister packs. Everything from hammers and wrenches to drill bits, piping sections, and other home improvement goods.

What Are Some Common Problems With Blister Packs?

As any form of single-use plastic, there are some negatives associated with blister packs. They often find their way into rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, and the ocean. If you have ever gone fishing, chances are, you have probably seen an empty blister pack that once housed a lure sitting nearby.

Although these environmental issues are a problem with blister packs, it can be avoided. Proper recycling of blister packs by consumers immediately addresses this concern as they are almost always composed of entirely recyclable materials.

That being said, it is up to each consumer to do their part in ensuring these materials are put in the proper recycling bins and are not intentionally left in nature or throw into the trash.

Another issue with blister packs is that some types may be hard to open. This creates a potentially  complicated unboxing experience which may lead to a sense of “wrap rage”.

Wrap-rage is a negative emotional state of anger and frustration generated by overly complicated or difficult packaging supplies that are time-consuming to remove.

What Else Should You Know About Blister Packs?

Environmentally minded people would do well to consider buying trapped blister packs as their packaging material of choice. Trapped blister packs feature a design in which the item contained within is trapped in a smaller thermoformed plastic piece that is stuck between two blister-board cards.

Trapped blister packs are considered the most sustainable type of blister pack and also boast a “zero wrap rage” experience. Trapped blisters provide all of the functionality commonly wanted in a traditional blister pack, but with less impact on the environment and the consumer.

Speaking of wrap-rage, when it comes to blister packs, they are commonly known to induce wrap-rage in unassuming consumers. Some blister packs feature design elements made to reduce wrap-rage, but that is not the case for all.

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