First Plastic-Free Blister Pack in the UK Market
When Mitsubishi Pencil Company UK Ltd approached FACER wanting to switch from a single-use plastic blister pack to plastic-free paper based packaging for their flagship Uni-Ball pen products, we were up for the challenge. Resulting in the first plastic-free blister pack in the UK Market.
No Packaging Compromise
There is a reason why the conventional blister pack was such a successful packaging solution for so long. It allowed the consumer to see directly what they were going to purchase, beautifully suspended inside a clear plastic blister. This fact was not lost on team FACER, and we knew we couldn’t compromise what a traditional blister pack had to offer in terms of presentation, packing proficiency and pack security.
By maintaining a heat-sealed process, the pens continue to be packed on the same machinery just as they did before. Whilst achieving a tamper evident heat-sealed enclosure. Swapping clear plastic was a challenge for creative structural packaging design, with a need for CMYK litho printing to bring the pens to life on the pack. Achieved through stunning high-res visual representation of the product. Allowing the consumer to see exactly what they’re purchasing in a fun and engaging way. The euro-slot allows the pack to be hung in store as before, with the overall footprint of the pack retaining its existing planogram layout. So, it is displayed on the shelf exactly the same. It really is a very easy sustainable swap!
This is why Mitsubishi Pencil Company UK Ltd have just made the same choice for their iconic paint pen brand: POSCA. Moving away from a complete plastic pack to a paper-based solution.
A Recognised Innovation
What is innovation? To make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas or products.
In 2024 we exhibited at Packaging Innovations in Birmingham for the first time. We entered the Uni-Ball plastic-free blister pack into their Innovation Gallery. Packaging Innovations recognised that by removing the single-use plastic, the packaging’s functionality remained, the impact was increased, resulting in more consumer sales.
The Power of Print
Instead of just showcasing your product in a static pack, you can go so much further with the power of creative structural packaging design. Plus, litho print and creative decorative finishing. Telling your consumer more about your story and the product inside. In addition, the Uni-Ball brand is perfectly and repeatedly represented through a brand Pantone colour. Enhance the perceived value of your products with considered decorative finishing like: foil blocking, embossing or debossing. Creating depth and intrigue, ultimately enabling your brand to stand out from it’s competition and hook your consumer’s attention.
You really can have more impact moving away from the traditional single use blister pack.
There’s More
When producing the new plastic-free blister pack it led the team to develop another alternative. Combining a conventional tuck end folding carton with an extended back panel. No need for heat-sealing, making product packing a simpler and more flexible process. Whilst still presenting no compromise to the marketing opportunity and your brand’s existing planogram.
The collaborative work with Mitsubishi Pencil Company to bring the plastic-free blister pack to the UK market was challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Then to see other clients embrace similar packaging innovations and switch away from conventional single-use plastic blister packs, team FACER couldn’t be prouder.
Are you ready to go plastic-free?