Abstract: A clamshell container with a hinged connection is provided. The clamshell container includes a base portion and a cover portion that rotates about a hinge axis relative to the base portion into a closed position. The base portion and cover portion each include a sidewall, a perimeter rim and a perimeter flange. The hinged connection is located along the base perimeter rim and flange and the cover perimeter rim and flange. The hinged connection includes one or more indented first structural elements formed into the cover perimeter flange and one ore more raised second structural elements extending from the base perimeter flange. The first and second structural elements are positionally aligned so that when the cover portion is rotated into the closed position, the second structural elements are received within the first structural elements. The structural elements increase rigidity of the hinged connection and limit potential deformation and fracture.