Thermoform Inserts: Properties, Applications, and More
Thermoform inserts are a versatile and essential component in various industrial and consumer applications. They are produced through a process called thermoforming, where a plastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming temperature, formed to a specific shape in a mold, and trimmed to create a usable product. In this blog, we’ll delve into the properties, applications, and other relevant aspects of thermoform inserts.
Properties of Thermoform Inserts
- Material Flexibility: Thermoform inserts can be made from a wide range of plastics, including like PVC, PET and HIPS. Each material offers different characteristics like rigidity, clarity, and resistance to impact and chemicals.
- Durability: These inserts are known for their strength and durability. They can withstand significant impact and are resistant to many chemicals, making them suitable for protective purposes.
- Lightweight: Despite their strength, thermoform inserts are relatively lightweight, which is beneficial for reducing shipping and handling costs.
- Customizability: The thermoforming process allows for high levels of customization. Inserts can be formed into virtually any shape and size, accommodating a wide range of products.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Thermoform inserts can have smooth or textured surfaces, and can be transparent or colored. This makes them visually appealing and suitable for display purposes.
Applications of Thermoform Inserts
- Packaging Solutions: One of the most common uses of thermoform inserts is in product packaging. They are used to securely hold products in place, often seen in the packaging of electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Medical Industry: In the medical field, thermoform inserts are used for packaging sterile medical devices and equipment due to their ability to be sterilized and their contaminant-free nature.
- Automotive Industry: They are also used in the automotive industry for creating durable and lightweight parts, such as dashboards, door panels, and interior consoles.
- Food Industry: Thermoform inserts are used for food packaging, given their ability to be sealed for freshness and their compliance with food safety standards.
- Retail Display: Retail industries use these inserts for aesthetically pleasing product displays that protect the product while showcasing it effectively.
Advantages and Considerations
- Cost-Effective: Thermoforming is a cost-effective production process, especially for medium to large runs, making thermoform inserts a budget-friendly option.
- Environmental Considerations: Many thermoform plastics are recyclable, which is a crucial consideration in today’s environmentally conscious market. However, the choice of material and recycling programs available can affect this aspect.
- Design and Prototyping: The flexibility in design makes thermoform inserts ideal for custom applications. Rapid prototyping is often possible, allowing for quick turnaround from design to production.
- Limitations: While versatile, there are limitations in terms of the depth and complexity of shapes that can be achieved compared to other forming processes like injection molding.
Conclusion
Thermoform inserts play a crucial role in various industries due to their unique properties like durability, lightweight nature, and customizability. Their applications range from packaging to automotive parts, showcasing their versatility. When considering thermoform inserts for a project, it’s essential to weigh factors like material properties, environmental impact, and design requirements to ensure they meet the specific needs of the application. With ongoing advancements in materials and thermoforming technology, the potential uses and benefits of thermoform inserts continue to expand.
Subscription packaging continues to expand across beauty, food, lifestyle, and specialty products. Buyers must balance branding, protection, and sustainability while keeping fulfillment efficient. This checklist highlights the critical areas buyers should review in 2026 when sourcing or redesigning subscription packaging. Branding and Unboxing Experience Seasonal or rotating graphics to keep unboxing fresh. Premium finishes such as foil, embossing, or unique die-cuts. Easy-open features like tear strips for convenience. Right-Sizing and Efficiency Reduce DIM charges with packaging tailored to product sizes. Use modular designs to cover multiple SKUs with fewer box sizes. Ensure packaging works with automation to speed fulfillment. Protection and Durability Inserts that prevent product shifting during transit. ISTA-tested designs to withstand vibration and drops. Moisture-resistant coatings for temperature-sensitive items. Sustainability Requirements FSC-certified corrugated or recycled substrates. Recyclable coatings or compostable options. Clear sustainability messaging to support consumer expectations. Cost Control SKU rationalization to limit unnecessary box variations. Material selection that balances protection and price. Supplier contracts that secure pricing for seasonal peaks. Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging designs subscription packaging that combines branding, protection, and sustainability. From FSC-certified corrugated to custom inserts, our solutions help buyers create packaging that builds loyalty and controls costs in 2026. Contact us to review your subscription packaging program. References Sustainable Packaging Coalition. (2023). Subscription Packaging and Consumer Insights. Retrieved from https://sustainablepackaging.orgForest Stewardship Council (FSC). (2023). FSC Certification Guidelines for Packaging. Retrieved from https://fsc.orgInternational Safe Transit Association (ISTA). (2023). ISTA Testing Procedures for Transport Packaging. Retrieved from https://ista.org (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Ecommerce Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
As budgets tighten in 2026, packaging buyers are under pressure to reduce costs without increasing damage rates. Cutting too aggressively can lead to product loss, higher return rates, and frustrated customers. The key is balancing material use, box design, and supply chain efficiency so that savings do not come at the expense of protection. Where Packaging Costs Add Up Oversized boxes: Drive dimensional weight charges. Excess materials: Overuse of void fill and inserts. Complex SKU mix: Redundant sizes increase inventory costs. Inefficient freight: Poor palletization and stacking. Cost-Saving Strategies That Maintain Protection Right-sizing: Match box size to product dimensions to cut DIM charges and material use. Optimize corrugated grades: Switch to single- or double-wall where appropriate without compromising strength. Consolidate SKUs: Streamline packaging options to reduce inventory overhead. Efficient inserts: Replace foam or excess dunnage with engineered corrugated or molded pulp. Supplier contracts: Negotiate based on annual volumes, not just peak season orders. Testing Before Implementing Changes Use ASTM and ISTA protocols to ensure changes won’t increase product damage. Test for compression, vibration, and drop resistance. Run pilot shipments before scaling across the supply chain. Balancing Sustainability and Cost Eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean expensive: Use recyclable coatings to reduce plastic films. Choose corrugated designs that require less material while maintaining stacking strength. Highlight sustainable solutions in marketing to offset cost concerns. Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging helps companies lower costs while protecting products across the supply chain. From SKU rationalization to right-sized corrugated solutions, our team ensures packaging savings don’t compromise performance. Contact us to optimize your packaging program. References Soroka, W. (2009). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (4th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals.ASTM International. (2023). ASTM D4169: Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems.Sustainable Packaging Coalition. (2023). Packaging Efficiency and Waste Reduction Report. Retrieved from https://sustainablepackaging.org (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Product damage is one of the most expensive risks in packaging. Beyond replacement costs, damaged goods lead to lost sales, returns, and reputational harm. In 2026, complex e-commerce, global shipping, and automation create new challenges for packaging buyers. The right materials, testing, and design strategies are critical to protecting products while controlling costs. Why Damage Prevention Matters Financial losses: Damaged products increase replacement and freight costs. Customer impact: Poor delivery experience reduces loyalty and repeat sales. Sustainability: Returns and waste drive higher carbon footprints. Compliance: Retailers often impose penalties for damaged shipments. Common Causes of Product Damage Compression: Pallet stacking weakens boxes in transit. Vibration and shock: Long-haul shipping increases risk. Moisture exposure: Humidity and rain compromise corrugated performance. Poor right-sizing: Oversized boxes allow product movement inside. Strategies to Reduce Damage in 2026 Right-size packaging: Minimize empty space and movement. Material optimization: Choose the correct corrugated grade for load demands. Protective inserts: Molded pulp or engineered corrugated reduce shock. Moisture-resistant coatings: Defend against water and humidity. Automation-friendly design: Prevent jams that damage products on high-speed lines. Testing Protocols for Damage Prevention ISTA testing: Simulates vibration, drops, and compression. ASTM standards: Validate packaging strength and durability. Pilot shipments: Real-world trials confirm lab results. Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging designs solutions that minimize damage across today’s complex supply chains. From right-sized corrugated to ISTA-tested inserts, we help buyers protect products while reducing costs. Contact us to strengthen your packaging program. References ASTM International. (2023). ASTM D4169: Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems.International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). (2023). ISTA Testing Procedures for Transport Packaging. Retrieved from https://ista.orgSoroka, W. (2009). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (4th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Retail packaging continues to evolve as brands balance sustainability, supply chain performance, and consumer experience. In 2026, buyers face new challenges shaped by material innovation, compliance requirements, and rising consumer expectations. Understanding these trends helps companies stay competitive while aligning packaging programs with industry standards. Sustainability Becomes Non-Negotiable Greater use of recyclable and compostable substrates. Retailers pushing suppliers toward FSC-certified materials. Minimalist designs that reduce waste without losing impact. Smarter Packaging for Supply Chains Increased adoption of right-sizing to reduce freight costs. Boxes designed for automation and faster fulfillment. Stronger corrugated grades to withstand long e-commerce journeys. Enhanced Consumer Experience Custom graphics for seasonal campaigns and limited editions. Tear strips, resealable closures, and window cutouts for convenience. Premium finishes that elevate gift packaging at retail. Growth of Hybrid Packaging Formats Combining corrugated strength with folding carton graphics. Modular designs for multi-SKU and club store environments. Packaging engineered to serve both e-commerce and in-store needs. Compliance and Testing Standards Retailers demanding ISTA and ASTM testing for packaging durability. Supply chain audits on recyclability and sustainability claims. More pressure for transparent reporting on environmental impact. Retail Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging helps brands adapt to evolving retail packaging trends. From sustainable substrates to automation-friendly designs, our solutions balance branding, durability, and compliance for 2026. Contact us to prepare your packaging program for the year ahead. References Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). (2023). FSC Packaging Certification Guidelines. Retrieved from https://fsc.orgSustainable Packaging Coalition. (2023). Packaging Trends and Consumer Insights. Retrieved from https://sustainablepackaging.orgSoroka, W. (2009). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (4th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Supplier contracts can make or break a packaging program. Without the right terms, buyers risk price volatility, missed lead times, and inconsistent product quality. In 2026, negotiating smart contracts is essential for controlling costs, securing reliable supply, and meeting compliance requirements. Why Packaging Contracts Matter Cost stability: Protects against sudden raw material price spikes. Supply security: Ensures availability during peak demand. Quality control: Aligns suppliers with testing and compliance standards. Operational efficiency: Streamlines purchasing and reduces administrative burden. Key Terms Buyers Should Negotiate Volume commitments: Secure better pricing with accurate forecasts. Price adjustment clauses: Define when and how costs can change. Lead times and delivery windows: Avoid shortages and production delays. Testing and compliance: Require ISTA, ASTM, or FSC certification where applicable. Sustainability commitments: Ensure suppliers align with environmental goals. Risks of Weak Contracts Paying inflated prices during market fluctuations. Receiving inconsistent corrugated strength or print quality. Missed shipments leading to costly expedited freight. Difficulty meeting retailer or regulatory compliance. Best Practices for Buyers in 2026 Leverage data: Use past order history to negotiate realistic volumes. Dual sourcing: Maintain backup suppliers for risk management. Annual reviews: Reassess terms to reflect changes in demand and compliance. Collaborative approach: Treat suppliers as partners, not just vendors. Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging helps buyers secure strong supplier contracts that balance cost, quality, and supply chain reliability. Our partnerships and industry expertise ensure your packaging program is protected for 2026 and beyond. Contact us to discuss supplier solutions. References Soroka, W. (2009). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (4th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals.Fiber Box Association. (2024). Corrugated Packaging Market Outlook. Retrieved from https://www.fibrebox.orgSustainable Packaging Coalition. (2023). Supplier Standards for Sustainable Packaging. Retrieved from https://sustainablepackaging.org (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Packaging compliance is no longer optional—it’s a requirement for accessing retail shelves, shipping networks, and international markets. In 2026, buyers must navigate evolving regulations around sustainability, labeling, and testing to avoid costly fines, rejected shipments, or damaged customer relationships. Why Compliance Matters in 2026 Retail requirements: Major retailers demand FSC, ISTA, and sustainability certifications. E-commerce standards: Carriers enforce dimensional weight and package testing rules. Global trade: Export packaging must comply with ISPM 15, ASTM, and ISO guidelines. Consumer trust: Transparency in packaging claims impacts purchasing decisions. Key Compliance Areas for Buyers Material sourcing: FSC-certified corrugated and board for sustainability. Labeling standards: GS1-compliant barcodes and accurate product details. Durability testing: ISTA and ASTM protocols for drop, vibration, and compression. Sustainability regulations: Requirements for recyclable or compostable materials. Chemical restrictions: Compliance with FDA, EU, or state-specific standards. Common Compliance Challenges Keeping up with frequent regulatory changes. Managing multiple certifications across suppliers. Balancing compliance with cost-efficiency. Verifying supplier claims for sustainability. Best Practices for Staying Compliant Audit suppliers annually to confirm certification validity. Run internal packaging tests before scaling. Track regulatory updates for each region you ship to. Work with experienced partners who understand industry compliance. Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging helps buyers meet 2026 compliance standards with FSC-certified materials, ISTA-tested designs, and regulatory expertise. Our team ensures your packaging meets retailer, carrier, and sustainability requirements. Contact us to keep your program compliant. References Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). (2023). FSC Certification Guidelines for Packaging. Retrieved from https://fsc.orgInternational Safe Transit Association (ISTA). (2023). ISTA Testing Procedures for Transport Packaging. Retrieved from https://ista.orgGS1. (2024). Global Standards for Packaging and Labeling. Retrieved from https://www.gs1.org (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
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Effective packaging plays a crucial role in product presentation and protection across various industries. Among the many packaging options available, blister packaging stands out as a versatile and valuable choice. Blister packs find widespread use in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, toys, and consumer goods. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top 10 reasons why blister packaging should be a strong consideration for your product packaging needs. Enhanced Product Visibility Reliable Protection from Contamination Tamper-Evident Features Extensive Customization Options Exceptional Durability Cost-Effective Solution Space Efficiency Sustainability Considerations Shelf-Life Extension Versatile Packaging Solution Enhanced Product Visibility Blister packaging excels in showcasing your product. Its transparent plastic shell offers a clear view of the item within. This visibility builds consumer trust and confidence as customers can precisely see the product they are purchasing, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or dissatisfaction. Reliable Protection from Contamination One of the primary advantages of blister packs is their superior protection against external contaminants. The sealed plastic shell encases the product securely, shielding it from dust, moisture, and handling. This ensures that your product remains clean and intact until it is opened by the end-user. Tamper-Evident Features Blister packaging can be designed to incorporate tamper-evident features, such as perforated edges or prominently printed warnings. These elements reassure customers that the product has not been tampered with, enhancing safety and trust in your brand. Extensive Customization Options Blister packs offer ample room for customization. You can tailor the packaging to precisely fit the shape and size of your product, allowing you to add branding elements, labels, or eye-catching graphics. This level of customization creates a unique and visually appealing presentation that sets your product apart. Exceptional Durability Blister packs are renowned for their durability. They can withstand the rigors of handling, transportation, and storage. The robust plastic shell resists tearing, ensuring that your products reach customers in excellent condition. Cost-Effective Solution Blister packaging is often a cost-effective choice, particularly for high-volume production. The efficiency of the packaging process and material options can help reduce overall packaging costs while maintaining quality. Space Efficiency Blister packs are space-efficient, making them ideal for retailers and businesses with limited shelf or storage space. The compact design allows for easy stacking and storage, optimizing space usage. Sustainability Considerations Blister packaging can be designed with sustainability in mind. Many blister pack materials are recyclable, contributing to eco-friendly packaging practices. By choosing sustainable options, you can reduce your environmental footprint and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Shelf Life Extension Blister packs can be designed to extend the shelf life of products that require protection from moisture, light, or oxygen. This is particularly crucial for industries such as pharmaceuticals and food, where product freshness and integrity are paramount. Versatile Packaging Solution Blister packaging’s versatility is one of its standout features. It is suitable for a wide range of products, spanning pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, small electronics, hardware, and more. Its adaptability and compatibility with diverse product types make it a popular choice across various industries. Blister packaging offers a multitude of advantages, making it an attractive and versatile option for product packaging. Its transparency, contamination protection, tamper-evident features, customization possibilities, durability, cost-effectiveness, and space efficiency are some of the key reasons businesses opt for blister packaging. Additionally, blister packs can contribute to sustainability goals, extend product shelf life, and accommodate a wide array of products. Whether you operate in the pharmaceutical, electronics, or consumer goods industry, exploring the benefits of blister packaging can enhance your product’s appeal, protection, and marketability. If you are interested in blister packaging, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Corrugated Boxes Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
The packaging industry has been subjected to vast shifts in focus over the past few years. With the growing awareness of sustainability issues and the pressing concern of environmental conservation, businesses have been prioritizing ‘green’ packaging strategies. In this context, sustainable thermoform packaging has emerged as an innovative solution. This blog post delves into the current practices in this domain and the future opportunities it presents. Understanding Thermoform Packaging What is Thermoform Packaging? Thermoforming is a method of packaging that involves heating a plastic sheet to a pliable forming temperature, shaping it to a specific mold, and then trimming it to create a usable product. The resultant packaging is light, strong, and protective. Thermoform packaging is widely used in numerous sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care products. Sustainable Thermoform Packaging Explained Why Sustainable Thermoform Packaging? As businesses continue to face increasing regulatory pressures and consumer demand for eco-friendly products, sustainable thermoform packaging has become a viable and attractive alternative. It addresses the core need of durability and product protection, while also reducing the ecological footprint. Materials in Sustainable Thermoform Packaging The heart of sustainable thermoform packaging lies in the materials used. These range from bio-based plastics, recycled post-consumer plastic, to other eco-friendly materials. Bio-based plastics: These are derived from renewable sources such as corn starch, sugar cane, and other plant-based materials. These bioplastics are designed to biodegrade under specific conditions and are often used in food and beverage packaging. Recycled post-consumer plastic: These materials, recovered from consumer waste streams, are cleaned, processed, and recycled into new packaging materials. The use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic can significantly reduce the need for virgin plastic production. Innovations in Sustainable Thermoform Packaging Design Innovations Advancements in design have led to more efficient and sustainable thermoform packaging options. For example, packaging designs are becoming more minimalistic, reducing material usage while maintaining product protection. Innovation also extends to the use of mold technologies that can accurately form complex shapes, improving material efficiency. Technology Innovations New technologies are also playing a vital role in enhancing the sustainability of thermoform packaging. Advanced thermoforming machines are more energy-efficient, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the packaging process. In addition, techniques like vacuum thermoforming and pressure forming are enabling the creation of lighter, yet durable, packaging solutions. The Future of Sustainable Thermoform Packaging Opportunities and Challenges The future holds great promise for sustainable thermoform packaging, but also poses significant challenges. The main opportunity lies in innovation, particularly in the areas of material science, design, and technology. However, one of the significant challenges will be to scale up the use of these innovations while managing costs. Furthermore, while bio-based plastics and recycled materials offer great promise, issues surrounding their compostability and recyclability need further exploration and solutions. Potential Areas for Growth Sectors like food, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals already heavily use thermoform packaging. However, sectors like electronics and automotive components present a vast untapped market, as these industries strive to reduce their environmental impact. Policy and Regulation With governments globally increasingly focusing on sustainability, future policy and regulations are expected to be more favorable towards sustainable packaging. Tax benefits, subsidies, or other incentives could further drive the adoption of sustainable thermoform packaging. Consumer Awareness and Demand Consumer awareness and demand for sustainable products will continue to be a major driver for the growth of sustainable thermoform packaging. As more consumers understand the benefits of sustainable packaging, businesses will be incentivized to adopt these practices. If you are interested in thermoform packaging, then partner with Brown Packaging today. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Thermoform Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
With the rise in accidental medication ingestions by children each year, it has become increasingly important to implement child-resistant packaging. Among various packaging solutions, child-resistant blister packs stand out for their potential in enhancing consumer safety. This blog will delve deep into understanding the role of child-resistant blister packs in consumer safety. What are Child-Resistant Blister Packs? Child-resistant blister packs are special types of packaging designed to reduce the risk of children ingesting hazardous substances. These are often used for prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and even some types of household chemicals. A perfect example of a child-resistant blister pack is known as a trap pack. A “trap pack” is a specialized packaging designed to thwart unauthorized access, particularly by children, and includes a built-in mechanism or technology to alert caregivers or parents when tampering occurs. These innovative packages enhance child safety by combining physical barriers with real-time alert systems to prevent access to potentially hazardous contents. These packs are specifically designed to be difficult for children to open, usually requiring a level of dexterity or understanding beyond their capabilities. However, they are also designed to allow adults to open them without too much difficulty. Why Child-Resistant Packaging is Important? Over the years, accidental poisoning from medication has been a significant concern. Children are naturally curious and love to explore their environment by tasting, touching, and sniffing unfamiliar objects. If they gain access to potentially harmful substances, such as certain medications or household chemicals, the results can be dangerous or even fatal. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, over 50% of the over two million poisoning incidents each year in the United States happen to children under the age of six. This underscores the need for effective child-resistant packaging. Design and Features of Child-Resistant Blister Packs Most child-resistant blister packs feature one or more barriers to entry. These could be hard-to-pierce foils, push-through tabs, or complex series of steps that need to be completed before the medication can be accessed. These features have to strike a delicate balance: being complex enough to deter children, but not so complex that they prevent adults, especially the elderly, from accessing their medication. The Effectiveness of Child-Resistant Blister Packs The introduction of child-resistant packaging has been associated with a significant decline in child poisonings. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that child-resistant packaging prevents the poisoning of 50,000 children each year in the US alone. Despite this, child-resistant packaging is not child-proof. In other words, given enough time and determination, a child may eventually be able to access the contents of the package. Therefore, while these blister packs add an extra level of safety, they should not be viewed as a replacement for responsible storage of medication and other dangerous substances out of children’s reach. Child-Resistant Blister Packs and Elderly Consumers While child-resistant blister packs are designed to protect children, there’s a group of consumers who sometimes struggle with them: the elderly. Due to potential issues like decreased hand strength and dexterity, or cognitive decline, some seniors find these packs difficult to open. Recognizing this problem, the industry has started to implement dual-functional packaging. These packages maintain their child-resistant properties when closed in one way, but become easy-to-open when closed in another way, catering to the needs of elderly or disabled consumers. The Future of Child-Resistant Packaging The packaging industry continues to innovate in response to the needs of consumers. Emerging technology, like biometrics, may play a role in future child-resistant packaging designs. For example, packaging that only opens with the touch of an adult hand could offer an effective and user-friendly solution. Additionally, there’s ongoing research and development in the area of “trap packs,” which are designed to not only deter children from opening them but also to alert caregivers or parents when tampering is attempted. Summary: Blister Packs and Child Safety Child-resistant blister packs play a crucial role in consumer safety. By making it harder for children to access potentially harmful substances, they significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning. However, it’s crucial to remember that these packs are an additional safeguard and not a replacement for careful storage and supervision. As technology advances, we can look forward to even more effective child-resistant packaging solutions. If you are interested in blister packs, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Blister Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts