Clamshell Packaging the Latest Casualty of the Recession

Time to say good bye to clamshell packaging?

Raise your hand if you hate clamshell packaging.

Don’t know what that is, then think back to the impossibly rigid plastic packaging that is used for everything from headphones to light bulbs, and from kitchen gadgets to toy cars and trucks.

Remember when even your scissors couldn’t get through the plastic?  Remember when you sliced your hand on the sharp edges of the packaging?

Well, that may soon be a thing of the past.  News is that clamshell packaging is the latest casualty of the recession.  Simply, it is too expensive to bind up consumer goods in plastic.  Manufacturers are (thankfully) turning to eco-friendly packaging materials like paperboard and even rubber bands.

You probably know that plastic is made from petroleum.  As a result, high oil prices have caused retailers and manufacturers to re-think use of plastic packaging in favor of less expensive and more environmentally friendly substitutes.  In fact, some stores are calling for re-formulation of goods like laundry detergent, encouraging concentrated versions that can be packaged in less material.

Clamshell packaging was devised originally so that products could be best showcased, while shoplifters would be deterred.  Research has found that use of corrugated cardboard can still accomplish both goals, when covered by a clear laminate and a small plastic bubble over the product itself.  Cutting down on use of clamshell packaging will reduce plastic by 60%, and even results in less fuel required to ship the products because the packaging weighs 30% less.

Overall, consumers can enjoy reduced prices, and manufacturers can celebrate increased sales of items displayed in eco-friendly packaging.  And just think how nice it will be if clamshell packaging finally goes by the wayside.