The Difference Between Strip Packaging And Blister Packaging

You have probably heard of the terms, ‘strip packaging’ and ‘blister packaging’ before. Now if you have clicked on this article, then that means that you want to learn more about the two and the differences between them.

So, by the end of this blog, we hope that you will be better informed about these two types of packaging including what they mean, examples, and a few of their uses.

Let’s dive right in.

What is Strip Packaging?

Strip packaging is commonly seen in the packaging of medication pills and drugs in which the product is enclosed via a heated reciprocating platen or a heated crimp roller. The product will usually be between two webs of heat-sealable film, meaning that the strip packaging is formed around the tablet when it is dropped to this sealing area.

In particular, strip packaging is often used for the packaging of capsules as it helps keep the capsules separated and organised, providing more protection from moisture as less air is trapped in the pocket.

However, it is worth noting that strip packaging is not the most common form of pharmaceutical packaging that you will find in shops. Instead, blister packaging is the most popular form of pharmaceutical (and non-pharmaceutical) packaging that you will see.

What is Blister Packaging?

There are several types of blister packaging, but in essence, blister packaging consists of a semi-rigid blister or cavity that is formed and filled with the product, lidded with a heat-sealable material. This is typically called the ‘form-fill-seal’ method.

Traditional blister packaging often has a cardboard or paperboard at the back of the pack, with a blister seal on the front, glued to the backing. You may still see this type of blister packaging nowadays as blister packaging is a well-known form of packaging for a range of products.

In fact, the blister packaging market registered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.18% between 2021 to 2026 according to a report by Mordor Intelligence, so it appears that its usage and popularity will not be dwindling anytime soon.

Strip vs Blister Packaging

Compared to strip packaging, blister packaging does have a number of advantages that makes it not surprising that it is more popular over the former. For example, the packaging process and packaging speed of blister packaging is more efficient than that of strip packaging. In addition to this, strip packaging can lead to the potential wrinkling or perforation of the seal area, possibly causing damage to the product inside. The likelihood of this occurring with blister packaging is less.

On the other hand, blister packaging is an expensive mode of packaging compared to strip packaging. Their design also makes it easy for children to tear and ingest medicines which can be dangerous. Meanwhile, strip packaging is more child resistant and is easy to recycle.

Nonetheless, strip packaging may also not be suitable for elderly patients who have arthritis as they may find it difficult to rip and tear the packaging. Blister packaging, however, is a versatile form of packaging, attracts customer attention and is easy to handle.