Blister

A Blister (or blister pack) is a common type of packaging consisting of two components: a transparent, pre-formed plastic cavity (the 'bubble' or blister) and a rigid backing (usually a printed cardboard or an aluminium foil) to which the plastic is sealed.

Its purpose is to contain, protect, and make the product inside visible.

What It's For / Why It's Important

The blister is an extremely functional packaging solution used to:

• Protect the product: It defends the contents from impact, dust, moisture, and tampering.

• Ensure visibility: The transparent plastic allows the consumer to see the product before purchase, increasing its appeal.

• Communicate (Marketing): The backing card offers a large surface for printing the brand, instructions, product benefits, and graphics.

• Display (Retail): It almost always features a hole (often a 'euroslot') allowing it to be hung on display shelves in major retailers.

• Safety and Dosing: In the pharmaceutical sector, it protects individual doses (pills, tablets) and makes counting them easier.

When It Is Used / In What Context It Is Useful

The blister is ubiquitous in retail (major retailers) for small to medium-sized products. It is used extensively for:

• Pharmaceuticals: It is the standard packaging for tablets and capsules.

• Consumer Electronics: Batteries, earphones, cables, memory cards.

• Hardware: Screws, nails, small components.

• Toys: Small toys, action figures, collectibles.

• Stationery: Pens, glues, highlighters.

Practical Example

The classic pack of AA batteries is a blister: the batteries are held in transparent plastic cavities and sealed onto a branded cardboard backing. The same applies to a pack of aspirin, where the tablets are sealed between a pre-formed plastic sheet and an aluminium foil.