More companies are choosing thermoforming plastics to display their products, as thermoformed plastic products meld to the product to insure it is not damaged. This type of product packaging is designed to show as much of your product as possible. Thermoformed plastic packaging also reduces the amount of theft by 40%. Thermoformed plastic is commonly used in making displays specifically tailored for your company's products.

Most companies get their thermoform plastic packages using three different methods. Larger companies with a large product demand often choose to do their own thermometric. Companies with small or commonly shaped products often use stock thermoformed packages, while companies that want personalized packaging often have custom thermoformed packages made. When deciding what type of thermoformed packaging to use for your business, you should:

1. Consider the size and shape of the product you make and the numbers of this product that you produce.

2. Set a budget for what you can spend on packaging without raising the cost of your product.

3. Research your options to determine if it's more cost effective to have the thermoformed plastic packaging made for you, make it yourself or buy stock pre-made packaging.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make your own thermoformed plastic packaging

Thermomolding equipment and supplies are available for companies that wish to handle everything in house. This equipment and process has more upfront cost than using another company, but the process saves your company money in the long run if you produce a large amount of products needing this kind of packaging. The more varied the types of products for which you need to produce packaging, the greater your up-front cost in supplies and equipment.

I recommend: Buy vacuum forming, pressure form and twin sheet thermoforming equipment at Wilbert Plastic Services. Find new and used single stations, continuous feed and multiple station theromolding plastic equipment at the Plastimach website. Formech has both manual and fully automated machines for thermoformed plastics available with payment plans.

Buy stock thermoform plastics packaging

Stock thermoformed products packaging is pre-made packaging that is available in various sizes and shape to fit multiple products. Buying stock thermoformed packaging is the cheapest way to package your products using this type of product.

I recommend: Abc Packaging carries a large line of clam shells, blisters, vacuum bags and other thermoform products that are ready to ship. Buy display cases, clam shells, inserts and lids online from Brookdale Plastics. Visit FormTex to browse the uniquely-shaped thermoformed boxes and thermoformed plastic sheet options available and ready to use.

Hire a manufacturer of thermoformed plastic packaging to make your packages

Hiring a manufacturer to make custom thermoform packages for your company is the best option if your product has an odd shape or is large. These companies create a package for your company's needs on designs you provide. Many companies use these manufacturers to form specifically for their products.

I recommend: Review all the forming options and request a quote from Maryland Thermoform. Review all the different types of thermoforming plastic options at the Key Packaging website. Get custom thermoformed packaging to your specifications from Indepak.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review all the types of thermoforming available before selecting one for your company. Make sure to review prices and styles.