Ethan Clarke
Plastic packaging is widely used due to its strength, durability, and lightweight nature. However, the difficulty of opening certain plastic packaging, particularly blister packs and clamshells, has led to consumer frustration and even injuries. This has spurred the development of alternative packaging solutions, such as PulpWorks, which uses biodegradable materials similar to egg cartons, and Amazon's frustration-free packaging. While hard plastic clamshell packaging is challenging to recycle, some retailers are transitioning to more eco-friendly options, such as paperboard packaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hard plastic packaging types | Clamshell, blister, skin |
| Plastic packaging advantages | Strong, durable, resistant, lightweight, cheap to produce, energy-efficient |
| Clamshell packaging advantages | Easy to use, excellent protection from damage, humid air, and contamination |
| Clamshell packaging disadvantages | Hard to open, cannot be recycled, causes injuries and puncture wounds |
| Skin packaging advantages | Soft, takes the shape of the product |
| Skin packaging disadvantages | Hard to open, causes "wrap rage" |
| Blister packaging advantages | Good protection from theft, protection from light and UV rays |
| Blister packaging disadvantages | Hard to open, causes "wrap rage" |
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Clamshell packaging
The use of clamshell packaging has been met with some frustration from consumers, who find it difficult to open. This has led to the development of alternative packaging solutions, such as PulpWorks, which uses biodegradable materials and leaves a portion of the product visible, while still deterring theft through design.
Despite the frustrations it may cause for consumers, clamshell packaging continues to be widely used for a variety of products. It can be customized to meet specific needs and can be designed to hang on a wall or sit on a shelf. The durability and protective qualities of clamshell packaging make it a popular choice for retailers and manufacturers, especially for high-value or fragile items.
Overall, clamshell packaging is a common form of hard plastic packaging that is valued for its strength, security, and cost-effectiveness. While it has faced some criticism, it remains a prevalent choice for protecting and displaying consumer goods.
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Blister packs
The main component of a blister pack is a cavity, pocket, or bubble made from pre-formed plastic, usually thermoformed. This is often backed with paperboard or sealed with aluminum foil, plastic, or another type of lidding foil. Blister packs are designed to be difficult to open by hand, requiring tools such as scissors or knives, to deter tampering. However, this can also cause frustration for consumers and even lead to injuries.
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Skin packaging
One of the key advantages of skin packaging is its security. The tight vacuum seal makes it nearly impossible to open the package without destroying it, providing a highly effective tamper-evident feature. This characteristic also helps prevent shoplifting, a common concern for retailers, as it requires significant effort to open the package.
The process of creating skin packaging is relatively simple and involves specialized machinery. The product is first placed on a master sheet of skin board, which is then put into a skin packaging machine. Inside the machine, heated skin film drapes over the master sheet, and a vacuum is applied, tightly contouring the film around the product. Finally, the film is heat-sealed to the backer card, securing the product within.
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LDPE plastic
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It is a soft, flexible, lightweight plastic with low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, and corrosion resistance. LDPE is not suitable for applications requiring stiffness, high-temperature resistance, or structural strength. However, it is commonly used in plastic bags, containers, dispensing bottles, tubing, and various moulded laboratory equipment. LDPE is also used in the food and beverage industry for packaging liquids such as juice and milk, as well as for orthotics and prosthetics.
LDPE is produced through a radical polymerization process involving extreme heat (up to 570 Kelvin) and high pressure (up to 3000 atm). This process breaks down raw petroleum-based materials into small molecules, separating ethylene gas, which then reacts with initiators like oxygen or organic peroxides. LDPE is defined by a density range of 917-930 kg/m3, and its flexibility remains even in very cold temperatures.
One of the advantages of using LDPE is its high corrosion and chemical resistance, offering strength and toughness that other plastics may lack. It is also a safe option for food and drink packaging. However, LDPE has some disadvantages. It requires large amounts of energy to produce, and when exposed to consistent sunlight, it produces significant amounts of the greenhouse gases methane and ethylene. LDPE breaks down more easily than other plastics, and its production of trace gases increases with surface area and time, leading to higher emissions of greenhouse gases compared to other plastics.
LDPE can be identified by the number four enclosed in a triangle, usually found on the bottom or side of an item. While LDPE can be recycled, it is not as commonly recycled as other plastics, with only an estimated 5.7% of LDPE being recycled in the United States, according to the EPA.
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PET/PETE plastic
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly abbreviated as PET or PETE, is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. It is one of the most commonly produced plastics and is used in a wide range of applications, including packaging.
One of the key advantages of PET/PETE plastic is its recyclability. PET bottles and containers are widely recycled, and the recycled material, known as rPET, is used in various applications, including polyester fibres, strapping, and non-food containers. The recyclability of PET helps address environmental concerns related to plastic waste. However, it is important to note that PET has a higher density than water, and its microfibers can end up in the human food supply through ingestion by livestock or plants.
Overall, PET/PETE plastic is a widely used packaging material due to its durability, transparency, and recyclability. Its versatility and ability to protect packaged goods make it a valuable option for various industries.
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Frequently asked questions
The hard plastic packaging that is commonly used for consumer goods is called clamshell packaging.
Clamshell containers are often made from hard plastics such as polystyrene, polyester, or PVC. They are made up of two identical "shells" that are connected on one side, with the other side having small hinges that allow it to lock shut.
Clamshell packaging is excellent for protecting products from damage, humidity, and contamination. It is also difficult to open, which serves as an anti-theft mechanism.
Clamshell packaging is notorious for causing "wrap rage", a feeling of extreme annoyance and frustration due to the difficulty of opening the package. It is also not recyclable, making it harmful to the environment.
