Ask the Packaging Expert

Question:

What is a clamshell package? How is it used in retail product packaging? Why are consumers unhappy about clamshell packaging?

Response from one of our experts:

The name "clamshell" refers to a formed plastic package that is used to encapsulate and display a retail product. The main purpose of use is the clarity of the package and to see the product within while protecting the integrity of the product inside. The word clamshell indicates that the formed plastic package has one or more hinges. Clamshells can sit upright or be hung from hooks giving a great variety of marketing options.

Clamshell packaging is one of the most popular plastic packages today however consumers hate it because of the difficulty in opening the package. The plastic clamshell is virtually indestructible. On many products the difficulty in opening the package has caused many consumers to be dissatisfied with the packaging. Several tools have been invented to make this process easier.

Although clamshell packaging is controversial it's here to stay. The merchandising benefits outweigh the negativity with consumer purchasing the products. For a light hearted look at clamshell packaging read "The Death Of The Plastic Clamshell" at http://packaginguniversity.com/blog/ 

All things packaging -- If you are seeking packaging, packaging assistance, packaging help, packaging expertise, packaging consultants, packaging designers or requests for packaging proposals, I can help you with your packaging questions, issues and problems. I will find your packaging solution.

JoAnn Hines

Packaging Diva

4290 Bells Ferry Road STE 106-17

Kennesaw, GA 30144

678-594-6872

http://www.packagingdiva.com 

http://www.packaginguniversity.com 

http://www.packagingcoach.com 

http://www.packagingbootcamp.com

All Things Packaging

If you are seeking packaging, packaging assistance, packaging help, packaging expertise, packaging consultants, packaging designers or requests for packaging proposals, I can help you with your packaging questions, issues and problems. I will find your packaging solution.

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Got packaging questions that need answers?

Question:

"Help! I'm designing packaging for a children's product that will need to be imported from the factory in China. How can I find a checklist of requirements for the packaging so it doesn't get stuck in customs?"

Response from one of our experts:

Dear Ms. Burdock:

Before I can give you more specific information, I would need to ask you some questions:

1) Will you be importing the packaging SEPARATELY from the children's product?

2) Why do you want requirements for the packaging only? If you are importing the children's product TOGETHER with the packaging (read: as a finished, shelf-ready product, with all packaging included with product), then U.S. Customs would consider the main product itself for duty classification, import documentation, etc. - and unless you are importing the packaging SEPARATELY, the packaging is relatively insignificant "for Customs purposes."

3) What specifically to you mean by a "checklist of requirements"? If you are importing the packaging SEPARATELY from the children's product, you should contact either an international trade consultant or a Customs broker who can look up the import classification for the packaging (i.e., hangtags, labels, blister packs, etc.) and help your China factory to prepare the correct documentation required in order to properly import the shipment from China into the USA.

If you are looking to just import the packaging - for example the hangtags, or printed boxes, or sew-in labels, etc. SEPARATELY from shipping the child's product, then you can have the packaging classified by a procedure called "Binding Ruling" request (sent to US Customs). The same request can be made for the child's product as well. In this Binding Ruling, you will get all info you need for your shipment, whether it's for just the packaging and/or for the child's product.

Please feel free to contact me for further information at any time!

Best of luck with your new product,

Edie Tolchin - EGT Global Trading

"The Sourcing Lady"(SM)

P. O. Box 231

Florida, NY 10921 USA

Phone 845-651-3107 / Fax 845-651-3214

EGT@warwick.net  - www.hometown.aol.com/egtglobaltrading

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