What is blister packaging?
In blister packaging, a plastic cavity, commonly referred to as a blister, is a type of packaging that is typically heat-sealed to a cardboard backing. The cavity can be designed in different shapes and sizes to accommodate various products such as pills, capsules, gum, toys, and electronic devices. Blister packaging provides a transparent view of the product, which makes it an excellent marketing tool. The packaging is also tamper-proof, ensuring the safety of the product and preventing contamination.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global blister packaging market size was valued at USD 18.08 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2021 to 2028. The report attributes the growth of the blister packaging market to the increasing demand for packaging in the pharmaceutical, food, and electronics industries.
The report also emphasises the rising demand for sustainable packaging options that are also biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The study states that in the upcoming years, the market's expansion is anticipated to be driven by the introduction of environmentally friendly blister packaging options.
History of blister packaging
Blister packaging has a long and interesting history that dates back to the 1950s. It was originally developed as a packaging solution for pharmaceutical products, but over the years, it has become popular in various other industries.
The first blister packaging was invented by an American entrepreneur named Blaine Aldridge. He came up with the idea after he noticed that many of the pills in his medicine cabinet had become ineffective due to moisture exposure. He realised he needed a packaging solution to protect the pills from moisture and other environmental factors.
Aldridge's solution was a plastic blister that was heat-sealed to a cardboard backing. The blister created a protective barrier around the pills, which ensured their effectiveness and extended their shelf life. Aldridge patented his invention in 1961, and the blister packaging quickly became popular in the pharmaceutical industry.
Blister packaging gained popularity in the 1970s and began to be used in other sectors, including the food and electronics industries. The packaging was particularly useful for packaging small items that needed protection from moisture, light, and physical damage.
Over the years, blister packaging has undergone several improvements and innovations. For example, in the 1980s, the use of aluminium foil in blister packaging became popular, as it provided an additional barrier against moisture and oxygen. In the 1990s, blister packaging in the food industry became more widespread, particularly for packaging confectionery products.
Blister packaging is utilised in many different businesses today, including those that produce consumer items, food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Packaging has become an essential part of manufacturing and distribution, providing protection, convenience, and marketing benefits.
Advantages of blister packaging
Blister packaging has several advantages over other types of packaging, including:
Protection:
The plastic cavity provides a barrier against moisture, light, and oxygen, which can damage the product. This ensures the product's shelf life is extended and maintains its quality.
Customisation:
Blister packaging can be customised to fit a wide range of products. The plastic cavity can be designed to fit the product's shape and size, which ensures the product is secure and not damaged during transportation.
Marketing:
The product may be clearly seen from the packaging, which can be utilised as a marketing strategy to draw in clients. The product's packaging can be designed with attractive graphics and text that convey the product's benefits, which can influence the customer's purchasing decision.
Easy To Use:
Packaging in blister form is simple to use and open. Additionally, it is lightweight, which facilitates storage and transportation.
Examples of blister packaging
Blister packaging is a widely utilised approach for packaging pills and capsules within the pharmaceutical sector. The packaging provides a barrier against moisture, which can damage the pills and reduce their effectiveness. The packaging also ensures the pills are tamper-proof, which prevents contamination and ensures the product's safety.
Blister packaging is also used in the food industry to package gum and mints. The packaging provides a barrier against moisture, which can cause the gum to become sticky or lose its flavour. The packaging also ensures the product is tamper-proof, which prevents contamination.
In the electronic industry, blister packaging is used to package small electronic devices such as memory cards and USB drives. The packaging provides a protective barrier against moisture and physical damage, which can damage the device and reduce its effectiveness.
Future of blister packaging
Blister packaging has a promising future, with years of sustained growth ahead. The blister packaging market will expand due to the development of eco-friendly and individualised packaging options as well as technological improvements, making it a crucial step in the production and distribution process.
Sustainable packaging options are in higher demand as customers become more ecologically concerned. To address this requirement, recyclable and biodegradable blister packaging materials have been created. These materials can be easily discarded without harming the environment because they are manufactured from renewable resources. Blister packaging has thus evolved into a sustainable choice that aids in waste reduction and sustainability.
Technology advances are anticipated to fuel the expansion of the blister packaging industry in addition to sustainable solutions. Manufacturers will be able to trace products along the supply chain with the help of smart packaging technologies, such as RFID and NFC tags, providing useful information on product performance, inventory control, and customer behaviour. In addition to lowering costs and minimising waste, this technology will improve supply chain management.
Customised packaging is a growing trend, with specially created packaging that suits each customer's unique requirements and preferences. Manufacturers are now creating blister packaging with characteristics that make it easy to store or transport products in mind for the customer's lifestyle. This strategy improves brand loyalty and consumer happiness while also raising brand awareness.
Conclusion
Blister packaging is a versatile and practical packaging solution that provides several benefits to manufacturers and consumers alike. Its ability to protect products from environmental factors, provide marketing advantages, and offer convenience makes it a popular choice across various industries. With the development of sustainable and personalised packaging solutions, the future of blister packaging looks bright.