Innovative Designs in Clamshell Packaging

Clamshell packaging is one of the most popular and conventional packaging techniques that is being used widely in the market today to pack and protect a wide range of products right from the electronics to the food items.

Clamshell packaging has been in use for a long time and it is used for the packaging of various products to be sold in the retail stores, as it is convenient and attractive in its appearance and gives the products the much needed protective cover. However, clamshell designs have not faded away but adapted with newer, improved features concerning functionality, sustainability, and looks. Several recent years have observed some smart clamshell innovations that needs to be looked into by any brand who wants to apply improvements on their respective packaging.

Sustainable Materials

To provide a solution to this problem, clamshels used in the past have been made from petroleum-based plastics and are not biodegradable. Some inventive solutions make clamshells from strictly biodegradable materials like bagasse or PLA plastics produced from corn starch. These clamshell options are more sustainable, with similar rigidity and clarity, or compostable or more readily recyclable at end point. Today, giants like Apple use PLA bio-plastic clamshells to enhance the sustainability of phone and accessory packaging, which is used in large quantities.

Smart Lock Designs 

Most clamshell locking systems, as we have seen, are either cut and tie or need to be wrestled with to open the package. Developments in smart locks offer simple and unobstructed operating mechanisms while still preserving security. Pressure activated lids, lids that open automatically, knobs, tabs that ease opening as well as easy to open and resealable closures provide ease of access. It also gives a capability to packs to be closed securely in order to keep the content safe when it is not in use. Some of the opportunities identified by the brands could be to look for innovative and unique latch designs that would set the brand’s pack apart from other competitors while at the same time enhancing customer satisfaction.

Anti-Theft Solutions

Another common problem as to clamshells is that they are quite easy to steal or mess with. New features aimed at reducing loss include enhanced designs that make it difficult for individuals to conceal packs or disable security tags. The clamshell designs can be made in such a way that the sides are taller than the products so that the products do not slip out of the clamshells easily. Hang tabs also come in a secured type which is better for display security. It also works in conjunction with our alarm pin, spider wrap, sealed adhesive labels and other theft preventer packs. The idea is to make opening packs discreet impossible so that the potential muggers will have to look for other places to steal from.

Custom Shaping

As new designs evolve, the classic rectangular clamshell design is becoming a custom made one that matches the shape of the contained products. Lack of standardization is a key advantage since it makes brand creations more distinct while offering improved product exposure and preservation. For instance, the guitar pedals or any other non-standard shaped product can fit into a custom shaped clamshell that accommodates the product unlike having extra space around it. Slight contouring of the top of packs is also used to extend product recognition by making it easy for the consumer to recognize the contents at a glance while the products are designed to fit perfectly when placed on top of each other.

Two-Piece Designs

Clamshell packs usually employ a bottom base and one-hinged lid, and this is common in most clamshell packs. Two-dimensional ‘shells’ are garments that are comprised of two parts: a lower and an upper part with an opening at the top. These make products to slide partly out at shelf for visibility and handling. Two-piece systems also offer easy top and full surround access at the time of use other than the top only. It was also possible to design the components in a way that they can be stacked, hence saving on shelf space. Two-piece styles are used for brands that have products which need more exposure or easy access on removal.

Injection Molded Trays

Ordinary clamshells are usually flat based or at most lightly convex. Some of the new injection molding technologies develop bottom clamshell trays that are suitable to the shape of the product through a liquid molding as opposed to a rigid formation. This technology does not have limitations found in thermoforming such as shallow part contours and inability to create undercuts because the injection molding enables deeper part contours. It is possible for the molded trays to create a cavity that is shaped to the form of the complex product for a perfect fit. By this, the medical kits will fit perfectly into pre-cut cavities to ensure that each tool has its rightful place and electronics will rest on carefully carved niches meant for a particular gadget.

Window Box Designs

Modern clamshells expand the hierarchy, applying various forms of transparency, shapes, and internal structures to produce more aesthetically pleasing ‘window box’ packaging. These show-and-tell prospects make it possible for products to be distinct with parts positioned purposefully in a formed, transparent casing. Window box clamshells use stepped floors, raised interior walls, and back decorative panels to offer an almost stereoscopic view of the product within the clamshell. Customers have the ability to see various products from various angles while, built-in lighting improves the visibility of goods in the shops.

The clamshells are still on the shelf, therefore, these brands should consider the current innovations that can help them to differentiate themselves. Clamshell is progressing in its engineering thanks to companies like  Custom Blister Pack, which is constantly striving on the market. The analysis of current folder designs against the latest innovations reveals a plethora of chances to enhance clamshell performance, protection, recycability, identification, and appeal with wise packaging restyles. A right clamshell update makes product stand out than any other on the shelf in retail shops with comparative products.