Packaging material?

[Parrot]

What do you do with the packaging after you have removed the figures?   I am talking about the plastic clamshell packs and the dark sponge material that often accompanies it.  I have just realized that I have quite a few stuck away in places but I have no idea what to do with them.  Does anyone have any creative uses for them?  I can't think of anything right now, I think the plastic is recyclable but I do not know about the sponge stuff?  Is there a reason to keep it, or just throw it away?

[Westfalia Chris]

What do you do with the packaging after you have removed the figures?   I am talking about the plastic clamshell packs and the dark sponge material that often accompanies it.  I have just realized that I have quite a few stuck away in places but I have no idea what to do with them.  Does anyone have any creative uses for them?  I can't think of anything right now, I think the plastic is recyclable but I do not know about the sponge stuff?  Is there a reason to keep it, or just throw it away?

Most blister packs (except those that are very stained) I rinse and use them as mixing palettes thereafter.

I keep some of the foam to use as padding spacers and some for sponge techniques in painting, but most of those I dispose of. That said, you can fold them over, glue them to bases, spraypaint and flock them and have some decent-looking small-scale hedges. But I prefer scouring pads for that now, since it is already available in a dark green and reduces the need for painting.

[westwaller]

I use the sponge to line the storage trays/drawers I keep my miniatures in. I chuck the clamshells in the recycling although I always seem to have a few about for other random uses.

[TaltosVT]

I use the plastic for windows in buildings, and the foam for grinding up to make flocking textures.

-Elroy

[traveller]

The foam can be used as painting sponges when you do vehicle camo. Most of the packaging material I receive is saved/used for ebay sales

[Braz]

All of the above plus wet palette and all purpose see-through container for small things. Trim to fit.

[zemjw]

There are those who use plastic packs as the basis for 6mm scenery

[gweirda]

The foam makes decent smoke...

[AKULA]

What do you do with the packaging after you have removed the figures?

Keep it.

It comes in really handy a few months later, when you’ve gone off the project and then you want to sell it on LAF or eBay.

 

[opponenttheory]

I use the blister foam for cleaning my brushes. Put a drop of dish soap onto the foam and then gently drag a damp brush along it will remove most paint that's dried onto the brush.

Clamshells go to the landfill     Unfortunately the models I work with mostly come each to their own blister and they aren't accepted at our recycling center, nor do I have space to store them. I realize plastic is part of the industry, but I wish certain companies would switch to cardboard packaging.