Packaging 101 for Blisters

• What is a blister package?
• What’s the difference between custom, gang run and stock blisters?
• What types of products can be packaged in blisters?
• What is the process?
• How does the blister and the card seal together?

What is a blister package?

SouthPack provides blister packaging that secures and protects consumer products between a paperboard card and a clear thermoformed plastic blister. Graphics on the blister card markets the product to the catch the buyers’ attention, and the transparent plastic makes it easy to see the product. An optional rack hole at the top of the card allows the package to hang from a peg.

Blister packaging can be customized to allow for a variety of special features. Try-me features allow the consumer to interact with the product while it is secured safely in the packaging. Custom printing options like metallic inks or foil stamping can attract the customer’s eye, helping your product stand out in the crowd on store shelves.
What’s the difference between custom, gang run and stock blisters?

• Stock blisters (Stock Mold)
  • Come in many standard sizes and different shapes—square, rectangular or round—to closely fit your product.
  • Produced to order, without the cost of tooling.
  • Blister cards can be printed to match the stock blister.
  • No tooling costs.
• Custom blisters
  • Are designed to follow the unique shapes of your product (s).
  • Are formed using a custom mold that is specifically designed to fit your product.
  • Can be designed with special features such as try-me features, unique die cuts and shapes.
  • Custom blister cards can be printed to match the custom blisters.
• Gang Run blisters
  • Are designed to follow the unique shapes of your product (s), exactly and without compromise.
  • Are formed using a custom mold that is specifically designed to your product for a custom fit.
  • Low cost tooling.

What types of products can be packaged in blisters?

Blister packaging is used in a variety of markets and product categories, including:

• Club Stores and Major Retail Chains
• Home Improvement, Hardware, Plumbing, Automotive
• Health and Beauty, Cosmetics
• Household Goods
• Electronics
• Office and Craft Supplies
• Toys
• Sports and Recreation
• Medical
• Pharmaceutical
• Food Industry

What is the process?

At SouthPack we can customize your package with 4-color printing on the front, 4-color printing on the back, 20, 24, 28 pt. card thicknesses, engineered various shapes and contours or even internal die cuts. Various types of blister packages are – a Face Seal blister package, a Mock blister package, a Trap blister package, etc. Thermoformed blisters come in 10, 12, 15 or 20 mil thicknesses or can be custom manufactured to any gauge that you require. The most common blister materials used are PVC and PET. SouthPack also offers Contract Packaging services. We can be your One Stop Packaging Source. From Conception to Distribution, we can handle it for you. So when you are thinking about your next project remember Great Products Demand Great Packaging. So contact a SouthPack representative to help you get started on your next project.

How does the blister and the card seal together?

Blister cards are coated with a special heat seal coating. The blister is secured to the card using heat, pressure and time to activate the adhesive. The adhesive is strong enough to hold the blister and card together securely while on display, but it allows the package to be opened easily by the consumer.

SouthPack is a convenient source for thermoformed blisters, printed blister cards and contract packaging services. Ask your SouthPack account rep about the many options available for sealing blister packages.

Call 888-SOUTH03, Ext. 16 (888-768-8403) to learn more about our Blister Packaging services.