One type of food packaging stands above the rest in terms of sustainability, cost effectiveness, and food freshness. Why do so many manufacturers rely on clamshell packaging? Learn more about this popular option, including its primary uses, benefits, and materials.
This comprehensive guide explores the ins and outs of the clamshell box. Discover how it compares to other types of food packaging and why you might consider deploying it in your facility.
What Is Clamshell Packaging?
You don’t have to work in the food production industry to be familiar with the classic clamshell box design. Chances are, next time you take home leftovers from a restaurant or browse your grocery store’s pre-made food section, you’ll use this versatile container.
Rather than having a separate lid and base, the box is one piece with a top that snaps into place. Whereas polystyrene foam boxes were once standard, plastic and paperboard materials are now among the most popular materials, given their sustainability.
It’s not just the food industry that relies on the design. Manufacturers may utilize this type of packaging to safely store:
- Hardware tools
- Cosmetic products
- Electronics
In these instances, the hinged halves of the box are often heat-sealed to keep the products secure.
What Are the Benefits of a Clamshell Packaging Design?
There are so many reasons why food suppliers and other manufacturers consistently choose this protective packaging solution. Discover the top benefits of using these transparent boxes for your products below.
Clear Product Visibility
When you opt for a plastic clamshell box, your products are fully on display. Consumers won’t have to guess what’s inside thanks to the transparent design. This may ultimately influence their decision to purchase the product.
Let’s compare two common types of salad packaging. With a plastic clamshell container, consumers can easily inspect the color and quality of the lettuce. They can also clearly see other items inside the box, such as containers of dressing, croutons, or other fixings to toss in.
Now imagine that same salad kit inside a paper bag. This packaging often features opaque brand logos and other information about the product, making it harder for people to assess the quality of the food inside and what they can expect when they open the bag.
Both products could meet food packaging standards. However, the one that offers more visibility may be the one that someone decides to add to their grocery cart.
Durability During Shipping and Handling
Distribution, safety, and durability are major concerns for any manufacturer. Products that come in plastic clamshell packaging usually remain safe as they move through the supply chain. The strong seal protects the product inside so it’s in excellent condition by the time it reaches store shelves.
Built-In Tamper Evidence
A staple of the clamshell box is its tamper-evident seal. With a quick glance, you can easily confirm whether someone has tampered with the seal to open the box and potentially steal products.
Imagine a carton of cookies inside a clamshell package. The top snaps into the bottom for freshness, and a manufacturer places a long sticker label where both halves meet. To open the carton, someone would have to tear the sticker, making it obvious if the product has been tampered with.
Space-Saving Design
The basic shape of these boxes promotes a neat and secure retail display. Manufacturers storing the boxes can free up space in their facilities as well. When open, the halves of each box seamlessly stack for compact storage.
Customizable Options
Regardless of the type of product you’re distributing, you can enjoy a clamshell package design that fits your unique needs. Boxes are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes to store various food items, such as:
- Sandwiches
- Baked goods
- Produce
For example, delis may pack single sandwiches into a compact container. Wholesale suppliers that sell items in bulk could require a much larger box to fit dozens of baked goods into a single container.
Common Plastic Materials Used in Clamshell Packaging
Suppliers have a wide range of recyclable plastic packaging options. The clamshell design, in particular, utilizes the following materials:
- Polyethylene terephthalate: Also known as PET, this recyclable plastic most commonly houses food products.
- Polyvinyl chloride: Rigid PVC packaging often keeps tools or hardware products safe.
- Polystyrene: Brand name Styrofoam – this synthetic material protects a wide range of consumer products
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene is another versatile option for packaging various household goods.
Are you not sure which material works best for your products? Consider key factors like sealing compatibility, visual clarity, and recyclability.
Exploring the Economic Impact of Clamshell Packaging in Food Production
If you’re wondering which material to put through your automated packaging system, think about cost. Compare the cost of clamshell packaging with other alternatives, but also consider the long-term benefits. Upfront costs may differ, but certain packaging solutions offer more value in the long run. Clamshell packaging
Think about the current scale of your facility and how it can grow. If you opt for clamshell-style packages, you may lower your return rates because of their product protection capabilities. Additionally, the enhanced presentation of your product through clear packaging could make it appear more valuable to consumers.
Possible Limitations of Clamshell Packaging
Despite the many advantages of the clamshell box design, there are some potential drawbacks. Consider the following before you commit to changes in your product’s packaging:
- Initial production costs: You may spend more at first with this option compared to other solutions.
- Low-risk products: Some manufacturers find that clamshell boxes are excessive, especially if their products are not at high risk of damage during transport.
- Recycling challenges: If you’re looking to increase sustainability, you may prefer paper materials over plastic boxes. Research the recyclability of plastic clamshell packaging and the ways that consumers can dispose of it.
- User frustration: Tightly sealed containers that house electronics or tools can be difficult to pry open. The process usually requires the help of scissors or other tools, which can be a hassle for consumers.
- Labeling limitations: With plastic food packages, in particular, the product should be visible on all sides. This limits the amount of information suppliers can print on a label.
Weighing the pros and cons is the best way to determine whether this type of product packaging is right for you. Don’t make the decision lightly, and think about how your choice will impact operations in both the short and long term.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives and Improvements
Producing plastic isn’t exactly helpful for the environment. However, recycled plastic can serve several purposes. If you’re interested in using this type of packaging while keeping your business sustainable, choose boxes made from recycled materials.
If consumers recycle the material after they open their products, the environmental impact becomes even greater. Sustainability is a major focus for many companies and their customers. Prioritize eco-friendly measures by shifting toward recyclable or compostable packaging.
What if you’re already using these boxes for your products? A packaging redesign could potentially reduce plastic use and make the material easier to dispose of.
It’s clear why clamshell packaging is so popular among manufacturers and preferred by consumers. Connect with TDI Packsys for more food production solutions to ensure safety and sustainability.
