Do you need help choosing between skin packaging vs. blister packaging? While both options share similarities, they differ in some ways. This comparison article will take you through the differences and help you find the best choice.
What is Skin Packaging?
Skin packaging is a type of packaging that secures products to a rigid backing using transparent plastic film. It relies on heat, vacuum, and adhesive to create the package. The backing is usually paperboard and sometimes a tray made of paper, plastic, or another material.
The heat softens the film while vacuum pressure wraps it around the product. On the other hand, the adhesive bonds the film to the backing, forming a tight seal. The film creates a glossy surface on the board, improving its appearance.
The backing board can be specialized with a heat seal adhesive or adapted from standard paperboards. Additionally, it contains tiny pores that let air through, allowing the sealer to remove air and draw the film onto the product.
What is Blister Packaging?
Blister packaging uses preformed plastic film pockets/cavities to contain products on a backing material. The pockets bond to the backing using heat and adhesive, producing a tight protective package.
Unlike skin packs, blisters are thicker and more rigid, making them studier. They can be transparent or translucent films. It depends on whether the product requires UV shielding or not.
The backing board material can be of different types. Options include paper board/card, plastic film, and foil. Blister packs also allow vivid graphics, enhancing branding and other display needs.
Resource: https://youtu.be/k3jsjcMDlQY?si=xC6KrCqDxQpmXW-_
Skin Packaging vs. Blister Packaging
Skin packs differ from blisters in a few ways. The differences can influence your choice depending on the product type and other factors. Here is a quick comparison to shed more light on the features that characterize each product protection method.
Material Form
Skin packs are thin and tightly held over the product. They form a “second skin” around the item. The film is also flexible and transparent, allowing users to see and feel the packaged product.
In comparison, blisters use studier films. They are also less flexible and do not firmly fit around the product. They come in various forms, including non-transparent types for UV-sensitive products.
Protection Level
Vacuum sealing removes air from the package, reducing pathogen activity and oxidation. That, in turn, extends a product’s shelf life by keeping it fresh longer. On the downside, the film offers little resistance to physical impact and damage.
Blister packs are studier film types. They protect items from mechanical damage better. However, they contain air, making them less suitable for foods and other products that spoil quickly.
Seal Type
Skin pack seals require vacuum pressure, a pliable material, and adhesive to form. This combination results in a seal that makes the package tamper-proof. It also removes air from the seal to reduce oxidation, making products last longer.
Blisters only use heat and pressure to bond to the backing material. Their seals are comparatively weaker for user-friendliness, especially when packing drugs for the pharmaceutical industry.
Process Speed
Blister sealing is slightly faster than the skin pack method. It has fewer steps since it doesn’t require vacuum equipment, film heating, or die cutting. That said, the speed depends on the sealer type you choose.
Automatic sealers output more pieces per hour than semi-automatic or manual versions. You may want these if your volumes are high, regardless of whether you opt for blister or skin packs.
Cost Effectiveness
Blister packs generally cost less than skin film packages. The process to make them is shorter and requires no vacuum system. However, you can only feel the reduction if you produce more units in the range of several hundred thousand a month.
Skin packs may cost more to produce. They require many steps and use additional equipment. However, the cost difference is only significant if the output volumes are low. Bulk production helps overcome the drawbacks.
Skin Packaging or Blister Packaging – Which is Better?
Users choosing between skin and blister packs must understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. Here is a brief look at each option’s pros and cons.
Skin Packaging Advantages and Disadvantages
- Tighter seal and backing material
- Reduced oxidation and bacterial growth for extended product life
- See-through film for clear product visibility
- Reduced material costs and custom die-cutting options
Blister Packaging Advantages and Disadvantages
- Cost-effective production steps
- better mechanical protection
- The blister cavity is available in translucent and opaque options
- Better graphics
An example of blister packs for the pharmaceutical industry
Resource: https://www.researchgate.net
Choosing Between Skin Packaging vs. Blister Packaging
The choice between skin and blister packaging requires a careful consideration of the benefits of each. You must also evaluate your product’s protection and presentation requirements. Let’s see when to use either method.
What is Skin Packaging Best For?
- Fresh food like farm produce, meat, fish, and chicken. It removes air from the seal, maintaining freshness and retaining flavor for longer.
- Products with irregular shapes like car parts and electronics. The skin film forms around the product.
- Use it for products that require display visibility and presentation, such as foods. The film’s clarity ensures buyers can view the packaged item.
- For kitting or products that you must sell together as kits, including surgical tools and automotive parts.
- For product presentation needs in retail stores. It allows custom die cuts, such as hanging holes and slots for vertical display.
What is Blister Packaging Best For?
- Products with pointed corners, such as tools and industrial parts. The film is rigid and won’t puncture easily.
- For non-food items that are less likely to get damaged by oxygen. It doesn’t involve air removal, making the environment around the product prone to oxidation.
- Valuable items like electronics and other hardware. It offers better physical protection.
- For pharmaceuticals that require adequate protection and easy-to-open seals.
- If you’re working on a tight budget. You won’t need a vacuum system or die-cutting machine.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to use blister or skin packaging significantly depends on the product type. Blisters are best for non-food items, while skin packs suit food products. Other crucial factors include your budget and production volumes. Blisters are more cost-effective and straightforward to produce than skin packs.
