Frequently Asked Questions

• Custom thermoformed clamshell packages are designed to closely fit the shape of the retail product. Each package is created to the exact requirements of that particular product.
• The thermoformed packaging protects the product from damage through the entire process of shipping from the manufacturer through consumer purchase.
• The custom packaging allows for the manufacturer to include an insert card with product information and graphics which creates a more attractive presentation in retail stores.
• The correct type and thickness of plastic can be selected for the particular product being packaged.
• Recycled plastic materials may be used in the packaging.
• Different options for sealing the clamshell package are available and is best determined by the type and weight of the retail product and how the product will be displayed in retail stores.

• Interference Fit (snap shut) full perimeter seal
• Interference Fit with button snaps
• Spot Weld
• Full Perimeter Weld

We will advise our clients as to the best sealing method for their packaging based on the type of product, the protection needed, and how it will be displayed in retail stores.

Click here to learn more about our custom clamshell packaging.

Custom thermoformed clamshell packaging refers to a transparent and rigid plastic enclosure formed to the exact shape of a product, its purpose being to protect and present retail products.

Great River Plastics specializes in providing custom clamshell packaging formed from heated plastic sheet and shaped exactly to the geometry of your particular product. Our clamshells are intended not merely to contain, but to protect items during transport and to magnify their presentation on retail shelves. We offer several sealing methods, including snap shut, button snaps, spot weld, and full perimeter weld.

The primary benefits of custom thermoformed clamshell packaging include product protection, elevated retail presentation, and the ability to incorporate recycled plastics.

Custom clamshell packaging presents a number of advantages beyond containment:

• Product Protection: Limits exposure to impact, abrasion, and handling damage during transit and stocking.
• Better Presentation: Clear visibility positions the product to remain the focal point and allows the inclusion of insert cards with product information and graphics.
• Material Selection: You may choose the appropriate plastic type and thickness for your product’s needs.
• Sustainability: Recycled plastic materials can be incorporated where appropriate to support sustainability.
• Sealing Options: Plenty of sealing methods are available to align with product requirements and retail display considerations.

Plastics commonly accepted for recycling include PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS.

Plastic recyclability is primarily determined by polymer type rather than appearance or end use. Each polymer category is assigned a resin identification code, which informs, but does not solely dictate, how materials are sorted, processed, and reintroduced into manufacturing streams.

Understanding these classifications is central to responsible material selection and sustainability planning. Our chart explains all the recycling identification numbers and what types of plastics are in each category. View it here.

We can form PVC, HIPS, PETG, PETE, and HDPE plastics in gauges ranging from 0.007″ to 0.060″.

Great River Plastics maintains versatile thermoforming capability across a plethora of plastic substrates, including PVC, HIPS, PETG, PETE, and HDPE, available in gauges from 0.007″ to 0.060″. This range rewards us with the ability to create custom packaging solutions aligned with a product’s structural design and presentation objectives.

We provide thermoformed packaging solutions for the food, industrial, retail, automotive, cosmetics, and medical industries.

Great River Plastics has extensive experience supplying custom thermoformed packaging solutions to customers across various different industries:

• Food: Sanitary packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, and ready-to-eat meals.
• Industrial: Heavy-duty insert/tray/box style thermoform products for manufactured goods and parts.
• Retail: Visually attractive retail packaging for consumer products.
• Automotive: Protective thermoformed packaging for automotive products and components.
• Cosmetics: Elegant packaging for beauty and personal care products.
• Medical: High-grade sterile packaging solutions for medical devices and instruments.

Our manufacturing capabilities encompass sheet sizes up to 35″ × 39″, vacuum and pressure forming, in-house pattern and mold development, tooling and prototyping, high-volume production, and integrated fulfillment services.

Great River Plastics operates with a comprehensive set of manufacturing capabilities to deliver custom thermoformed packaging of the highest quality. These include:

• Sheet Sizes: Up to 35″ x 39″.
• Forming Techniques: Vacuum and pressure forming.
• Design Services: In-house pattern and mold design.
• Prototyping: Tooling and prototyping services.
• Production Runs: Can efficiently handle large production runs.
• Fulfillment Services: Comprehensive fulfillment services available to meet your needs.

Request a quote by contacting us at 800-914-8994 or 608-723-5110, or by emailing sales@greatriverplastics.com.

To receive a personalized quote for your custom packaging project, please reach out to us at the following:

• Phone: 800-914-8994 or 608-723-5110
• Email: sales@greatriverplastics.com

For more information or to talk about your specific packaging needs, please visit our Contact Us page.