Transparent · One-piece hinge

Clamshell

One piece of transparent plastic, creased down the middle, folded over the product and sealed around the edge. There is no backing card and no second component. The pack is the window, which is why clamshells are the default when a product needs to be seen from every side.

360° visibilityOne-piece constructionTamper-evidentImpact resistant

Get a quote →Order free samples

Overview Pros & cons Eco level

OVERVIEW

What is Clamshell?

A clamshell is thermoformed from a single sheet, typically PET, RPET or PVC, with a living hinge along one edge. The product sits in the formed cavity, the two halves close over it, and the perimeter is heat-sealed, welded or press-locked shut.

Because there is no backing card, the product is visible from every angle, and the rigid shell resists crushing better than a face-sealed blister. The cost is that branding has to go on an inserted card or a printed label, and the all-plastic construction makes it a harder sell for sustainability-led brands.

SPECIFICATIONS

Technical at a glance

Material

PET, RPET, PVC

Common gauge

0.25 – 0.60 mm

Closure

Heat seal, RF weld, press-lock or button

Branding

Inserted printed card or applied label

Hinge

Integral living hinge

Options

Hang hole, tear notch, resealable lock

Advantages

✓

Seen from every side. No backing card means the product is visible through the whole pack.

✓

Genuinely protective. The rigid shell takes crushing and impact better than a flat blister.

✓

One component. Nothing to assemble or seal to, so there are fewer parts and fewer failure points.

✓

Tamper-evident. A sealed or locked perimeter shows clearly if it has been opened.

✓

Resealable options. Press-lock versions let the customer close it again after opening.

Considerations

–

All plastic. No paper component to soften the environmental profile.

–

Limited printing. Branding needs an inserted card or label rather than printing on the shell.

–

Hard to open. Heat-sealed clamshells are the format most associated with "wrap rage".

–

Tooling per shape. Each product profile needs its own form tool.

SUSTAINABILITY

Eco-friendly level

A clamshell is all plastic, which counts against it. Being a single material, though, it is actually easier to recycle than a mixed plastic-and-board blister, provided it is specified in PET or RPET rather than PVC.

✓RPET uses post-consumer recycled content✓Single-material construction is simpler to recycle than a blister✓Press-lock versions can be reused as storage✓Widely accepted in kerbside PET streams where RPET is specified

ECO RATINGFair · 2 / 5

LowModerateExcellent

Ready to package in Clamshell?

We'll send a free dieline, a physical sample and a quote tailored to your product within 24 hours.

Get a quote →Order samples