Food Group

Skin packaging is a versatile and visually impactful form of carded packaging where a thin, heated plastic film is draped over a product and a pre-printed paperboard card, then vacuum-formed to tightly conform to the product's contours. The process begins by placing the product on the adhesive-coated card, which is then positioned on the packaging machine's platen. A roll of plastic film (commonly polyethylene or PVC) is heated until pliable and lowered over the product and card. A powerful vacuum is immediately applied from beneath the platen, sucking the film down to create a second-skin-like seal that tightly bonds to the card's adhesive coating around the product. This creates a secure, transparent display window that locks the item in place while showcasing it from all angles.

The primary applications for skin packaging capitalize on its product security, visual appeal, and cost-effectiveness for low-to-medium production runs. It is dominant in the hardware and DIY sector for packaging small tools, fittings, and fasteners, where the product is visibly secured and details are printed on the card. It is also widely used for consumer goods like stationery, toys, and electronics accessories, as well as for food items like meats and cheeses in modified atmosphere versions. Key advantages include excellent product visibility and theft deterrence, as the product cannot be removed without destroying the package. Compared to clamshell (blister) packaging, it uses significantly less plastic, is often easier to open (requiring only scissors or a knife), and offers a flatter profile for retail shelf display. By merging product security with clear merchandising, skin packaging provides a practical and attractive solution for a wide range of retail products.