What Are Blister Packs? A Complete Guide to Blister Packaging

Flat lay of assorted blister packs containing various pills and tablets arranged diagonally on a light gray background, casting soft shadows in natural light.

Blister packs are one of the most widely used forms of packaging in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and consumer goods industries. If you've ever purchased tablets, capsules, batteries, or small electronics, you've likely used blister packaging.

But what exactly is a blister pack, and why is it so widely used?

What Is a Blister Pack?

A blister pack is a type of packaging where a product sits inside a pre-formed plastic cavity and is sealed with a backing material, usually aluminum foil or paperboard.

The clear plastic “bubble” holds the product in place, while the backing protects it from moisture, air, and contamination.

This design makes blister packs especially useful for:

  • Tablets and capsules

  • Medical devices

  • Vitamins and supplements

  • Small consumer goods

The structure is simple, but it solves several important problems at once: protection, visibility, and portion control.

Types of Blister Packaging

There are several common types of blister packs:

1. Face Seal Blister Packs

The plastic blister is sealed to a printed backing card.

2. Full Card Blister Packs

The product is fully enclosed between two sealed cards.

3. Clamshell Blister Packaging

A hinged plastic design often used for retail products.

4. Pharmaceutical Blister Packs

Used for tablets and capsules with aluminum foil backing.

Why Blister Packaging Is So Effective

Blister packaging offers multiple advantages:

  • Individual product protection

  • Tamper-evident sealing

  • Extended product shelf life

  • Precise dosage control for medications

  • Strong retail visibility

Because of these benefits, blister packs are commonly used in:

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Nutraceuticals

  • Medical devices

  • Consumer electronics

  • Cosmetics

How Blister Packaging Is Manufactured

Blister packs are typically created using thermoforming or cold forming processes.

The process involves:

  1. Heating plastic film

  2. Forming cavities

  3. Filling with product

  4. Sealing with foil or backing material

For companies that require professional production, working with an experienced blister packaging partner ensures compliance, quality control, and scalable production capacity.

If you're looking for custom manufacturing capabilities, you can explore our Blister Packaging Services to learn more about our production standards and contract packaging capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Blister packs are a versatile, protective, and highly efficient packaging solution used across multiple industries. Whether for medications, supplements, or retail products, blister packaging remains one of the most reliable and scalable packaging formats available today.