A fresh approach! Packaging without a plastic cover

There is no denying it: sustainability is more prominent than ever. Plastic-free packaging can influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. For many companies, remaining competitive means rethinking their approach.

The product is packaged without being hidden from view. Many companies cite these benefits to explain why they have not yet switched to an alternative without a plastic cover. This is understandable at first glance, particularly when manufacturers want to present their products in a way that meets shoppers’ needs. It is often assumed that no other sustainable packaging design can provide the same safeguards.

Our customer UHU wanted to explore this possibility and set out to replace the blister pack with a plastic cover used for its adhesive roller with an all-paperboard design. The prerequisite was to retain all the benefits listed above without compromise or any resulting disadvantages.

We took on this challenge and made every effort during the packaging development phase to meet our customer’s requirements. We used recyclable, FSC-certified paperboard. A clever design enabled us to hold the adhesive roller securely in place and ultimately reproduce all the functions of the plastic cover without using plastic.

The precisely tailored design ensures that the product stays firmly in place inside its packaging. Although the new packaging encloses almost the entire product, shoppers can still see it through die-cut openings and open sides, complemented by a printed image of the product. Additional tuck-in tabs further enhance protection against theft. The new solution also retains the option of a hanging display at the point of sale.

It can be done without a plastic cover. There are ways to retain the advantages of blister packaging with a paperboard design, creating a win-win situation. Companies can reduce the use of plastic in this packaging by eliminating the previous plastic cover while also responding to consumers’ wishes and requirements. With a trusted partner and the right expertise, these challenges can be overcome too.