Clamshell Packaging Suppliers

Clamshell packaging materials, formats, and applications

Clamshell packaging consists of a single-piece or two-piece thermoformed container with a hinged or separate lid — enabling easy open-and-close access while maintaining product visibility. The dominant materials for food clamshells are PET (clear, rigid, excellent clarity and recyclability) and BOPS (biaxially oriented polystyrene — very clear and lightweight but limited recyclability in most markets). rPET clamshells — thermoformed from recycled PET sheet — are increasingly specified by supermarkets and food service operators to meet recycled content requirements and sustainability targets; rPET provides functionally equivalent performance to virgin PET. Hinged clamshells (a single thermoformed piece folded at a living hinge) are the standard format for produce retail, bakery items, and grab-and-go food service — the hinge eliminates the need for a separate lid and simplifies filling. Two-piece clamshells (a separate base tray and lid that clip or snap together) are used for larger or deeper applications. Common applications are fresh fruit and berries, salads and mixed leaves, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, deli items (sliced meats, cheeses), bakery and pastry items, and take-out food service containers. Anti-fog coatings are standard for produce clamshells — preventing condensation from obscuring product visibility in chilled retail display. Ventilation holes or venting strips are specified for live produce (mushrooms, leafy greens) that require gas exchange to remain fresh.