Plastic Clamshells vs. Styrofoam Containers

There are too many options available for the packaging of hot and cold foods. It is good news and bad news at the same time. The good news is that there are many options to choose from, and the bad news is that you are going to have to go through a mind-boggling process to make sure that you are selecting the right option only.

Two of the most popular options for the packaging of hot and cold prepared foods are plastic clamshells and Styrofoam containers.

These packaging items look similar at first glance. While looking at both of them, you might think about choosing one or another for whatever packaging task you have at hand.

The problem with this approach is that each of these types of packaging materials is well-suited for its own set of specific applications. Choosing a container for an application is not made for can result in damage to the packaging.

In this article, we are going to talk about both plastic clamshells and Styrofoam containers.

Plastic clamshells

If you want to get the carded packaging supplies that are the easiest to work with, you can consider using plastic clamshells. These containers feature two shells that are sealed on one side, while the other side has two clasps to make the container easy to open and close.

There are several types of materials used in the making of plastic clamshells, but the most common ones include polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester. A thermoforming device is used for the molding of these materials to give them the shape of the container.

Plastic clamshells are commonly used for the packaging of products such as salad, sandwiches, fruits, cakes, and hot prepared foods. Because these containers are not sensitive to heat, they keep the hot foods hot for longer durations.

These containers are easy to recycle, which means that they are not harmful to the environment.

Styrofoam food containers

Styrofoam food containers are immensely popular among food brands and customers. Foods that are frequently packed in these containers include salad and chicken wings. These containers are ideal for the “gran-n-go” kind of foods.

The material used in the making of these containers is polystyrene. The process of making Polystyrene foam involves the use of chemicals such as benzene and several other gasses. These chemicals and gasses bind to form Styrofoam.

The problem with Styrofoam food containers is their tendency to become toxic to the foods packed inside them. It is mainly due to the presence of chemical compounds in their composition. Putting hot foods inside these containers can trigger the release of toxins that are known for causing cancer. That’s the reason that food packaging companies are replacing Styrofoam food containers with plastic clamshells. In some cases, the use of these containers is still the best option.

If you are confused regarding which packaging option to choose from these two packaging materials, you can talk to a packaging consultant.

Surlyn vs. Skin Poly Film

Skin packaging has become one of the most preferred packaging solutions for a wide range of products. Whether you are packaging food items or hardware tools, you will find skin packaging an appropriate packaging option. However, you might not be sure if you need to use a surlyn film or skin poly film for product packaging.

Both these films are seemingly appropriate for similar applications, but the fact of the matter is that each type is appropriate for specific applications. You are going to have to know which film fits your requirements in the best way.

In this article, we are going to talk briefly about both films.

What is a surlyn film?

Made by Dupont™, Surlyn® skin packaging films are an even better alternative to clamshell and blister packaging. When you need to apply skin packaging on coated boards, and ultra-high-clarity and strength are a must, you can consider using this skin packaging option. This film emerges as the best solution when it comes to packaging food.

What is Skin Poly Film?

You can use skin poly film in the production of skin packs. You may use it for similar applications and surlyn. This film is a type of low-density polyethylene film (LDPE).

The two varieties available in skin poly wrap are POLY-WRAP® PW-500 and POLY-WRAP® PW-242. POLY-WRAP® PW-500 features high strength, while POLY-WRAP® PW-242 offers superior clarity. It means that you are going to have to choose between strength and clarity while picking the type of skin packaging film.

If you want to choose both the strength and clarity, you can consider picking a surlyn film as it offers both features in one film.

How are both films used in the packaging?

The process of skin packaging involves putting surlyn or poly film over a product and heating it. The product must be placed on a backer. Backer is a flat board, usually made of materials like blister-board, paper, and plastic.

The most common applications that use skin packaging may include fish packaging, hardware packaging, computer component packaging, electrical component packaging, and many other types of products.

This film serves nicely when the customers have to see the original product before purchasing it. Surely, the retailers are not going to let the customers tear apart the outer packaging just to check the product. Skin packaging allows customers to have a thorough look at the product without opening the package.