Clamshell packaging
Custom clamshell packaging, made to your product
Folding, trifold and hinged PET clamshells, formed to fit your product exactly — sourced direct from vetted thermoforming factories, inspected before shipment and delivered duties-paid to your U.S. warehouse.
Clamshells we source
- Folding (hinged) clamshells — one-piece clamshells that fold closed around the product; the most common retail format.
- Trifold clamshells — a third panel holds a printed insert card for branding and barcode, no heat-sealing required.
- Double-blister / double-sided clamshells — two formed halves for products that need to be visible from both sides.
- Hang-tab clamshells — with a euro-slot or round hole for peg display.
- Embossed logo clamshells — your logo formed into the plastic; no printing cost per unit.
What custom clamshells actually cost
Here is what we have seen on real production orders of folding PET clamshells (about 0.5 mm, mid-size retail product):
| Order size | Factory price / piece | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ~14,000 pcs | ~$0.083 | Smaller run, same mold |
| ~80,000 pcs | ~$0.070 | Full container with other goods |
| Samples | $150–$300 per round | Includes expedited sample shipping |
Factory price is only part of the picture. Ocean freight, U.S. duties and tariffs, and inspection can add as much again on bulky, light items like clamshells — which is why we always quote landed cost (DDP, delivered to your door). Read the full clamshell packaging cost breakdown.
How a custom clamshell order works
- Spec & quote — send product dimensions (or a sample), quantity and target price.
- Drawing & mold — the factory produces a drawing; we check fit, wall strength and thickness.
- Physical samples — formed samples ship to you for fit testing (typically 1–3 rounds).
- Production — usually 2–4 weeks after sample approval.
- Pre-shipment inspection — third-party QC checks dimensions, clarity, cracking, counts and carton marks.
- DDP delivery — ocean freight, customs and duties handled; delivered to your 3PL.
Clamshell or blister card?
Clamshells need no heat-sealing equipment and are tougher to tamper with. Blister cards are cheaper per unit at very high volume and give you a full printed card. Not sure? Read clamshell vs. blister packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How much does custom clamshell packaging cost?
For a custom folding PET clamshell at production volume (roughly 15,000–100,000 pieces), factory prices we see run about $0.07–$0.12 per piece depending on size, thickness and complexity. Freight, duties and inspection add to that, so always compare landed cost. See our clamshell cost guide for a full breakdown.
Is there a tooling or mold charge?
Yes. A custom clamshell needs a forming mold, typically a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars depending on size and cavities. It is a one-time cost; reorders reuse the same mold.
PET or PVC?
We default to PET (or recycled RPET). It is clearer, food-safe and easier to recycle than PVC, and the price difference at volume is small.
What thickness should my clamshell be?
Most retail clamshells use 0.4–0.6 mm material. 0.5 mm is a common middle ground; heavier products or larger clamshells may need 0.6 mm or more. We confirm thickness with physical samples before production.
What is the minimum order for custom clamshells?
Custom clamshells usually make sense from around 10,000 pieces. Below that, the mold cost and freight per piece push the price up and a domestic stock clamshell may be cheaper.
Can you add a logo to the clamshell?
Yes. Logos and text can be embossed or debossed into the plastic as part of the mold, with no printing cost per piece.
Paying too much for packaging?
Send us your current spec and price. We will come back with a factory-direct, landed (DDP) quote — free.