Transparent · One-piece hinge

Clamshell

One piece of transparent plastic, creased down the middle, folded over the product and sealed around the edge. No backing card, 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

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Drop hero material photo

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.

Drop close-up / texture photo

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 — fewer parts, 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

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

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

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

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

SUSTAINABILITY

Eco-friendly level

A clamshell is all plastic, which counts against it — but being a single material, 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

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