To buy or not to buy … because of the challenge

Opening packages is taken for granted by most. But Arthritis Australia asks that we all be cognisant of those members of society who struggle with opening packs.

The not-for-profit organisation does an excellent task of bringing to the attention of designers the challenges some members of society have and packaging designers would be wise to take note of this organisation’s advice.

Surely it is the duty and obligation of all packaging technologists and engineers to consider the needs of these consumers when designing packs for the marketplace. The response may be that such consumers are in the minority of the population. It would be wise, however, to remember such citizens are very much a part of our society. Such an attitude may be further dispelled when considering the statistics: nearly one in five Australians has arthritis. Arthritis impacts directly on 3.85 million people, or 18.5% of the Australian population. Add to this other disabilities and soon a sizeable percentage of the population is struggling with packs.

There are many simple design features that could be incorporated into packaging to enhance the ease of opening: perhaps enlarging a 28 mm closure; putting a groove into the top of the closure where a table knife can be placed into the groove giving it more leverage; using tamper-evident seal labels rather than clip-lock closures or closures with a drop-down retaining bead. In flexible packing greater use can be made of easy-peel opening type film structures where the bag can be more easily pulled apart when opening.

If each designer made the effort to improve the opening capacity of just one pack over the next year, the chances are sales would be directly affected by many more happy customers. You are encouraged to forward your success stories to this column where a reflection on this topic will be offered one year from now.

Pierre Pienaar FAIP
National President (retired)
Australian Institute of Packaging
info@aipack.com.au
www.aipack.com.au