Buying Guide
Blister Trays and Clamshell Packaging from China
Buyer guide to blister trays and clamshells from China: materials, tooling, sealing cards, retail security, food/non-food rules, and RFQ fields for thermoformed plastic packs.
Quick answer
Source blister trays and clamshells by locking cavity drawings, sheet material (PET/PETG/PVC rules), card/seal method, and retail security needs before cutting tools. Material bans (e.g. PVC) must be explicit for target markets.
Formats covered
Sealed blister-on-card, trifold blisters, full clamshells, and multi-cavity trays. Related to but distinct from plain PET gift boxes—sealing and card stock change the supplier skill set.
Material and compliance
PET/PETG for clarity; PVC may be restricted. Food-contact vs hardware retail rules differ. Recycled content claims need documentation. Anti-fog or scratch specs belong in writing for high-clarity SKUs.
Tooling and cavity design
Draft, undercuts, and product retention features drive tool cost. Provide masters for irregular products. Ask who owns tools and how engineering changes are charged.
Cards, seals, and theft deterrence
Heat-seal coatings, RF sealing, and hang holes interact with card stock. Security clamshells need opening force and cutter-access decisions. Approve barcode windows and perforation tear paths.
Sampling path
Tool sample → seal trial with production card → drop/scuff checks. Approve snap fit on clamshells and seal integrity on blisters.
RFQ fields
Cavity drawings; material callout (PVC allowed?)
Card/seal method; hang hole; security needs
Food-contact scope; quantity ladder
Tooling ownership; samples; Incoterms
Related PackTrades Knowledge
Thermoformed Packaging and PET Boxes from China, Folding Cartons from China: Sourcing Guide, How to Evaluate Custom Packaging Suppliers in China, How to Request Packaging Samples from China Factories.
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