Blister packs are a staple in packaging, used for everything from medications to consumer products. Let’s explore why they are so crucial and how they work.

What Are They?

 Blister packs protect individual doses of items like tablets and capsules, ensuring they stay fresh and tamper-proof. There are different types: clamshell packs for electronics, and medical trays for sterile devices with easy peel-open access.

Why Blister Packs Matter

In medical applications, blister packs keep medical devices clean and protected, ensure that each medication dose remains intact to reduce the risk of overdose, and make any tampering immediately noticeable, which enhances safety. For consumer products, blister packs use clear plastic (PVC) to allow consumers to see the product while keeping it secure, and they shield items from damage and contamination.

How Blister Packs Are Made

Blister packs are made through thermoforming, where plastic sheets are heated and molded into detailed blister shapes, or cold forming, which uses aluminum foil to create a strong barrier against moisture and oxygen. Cold forming is less transparent and slower to produce compared to thermoforming.

Materials Used

Common materials for blister packs include PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), which is affordable and easy to mold; PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride), which enhances the barrier properties of PVC; PCTFE (Polychlorotrifluoroethylene), which offers superior moisture protection; and COC (Cyclic Olefin Copolymers), known for its excellent thermoforming characteristics and moisture resistance.