The frustrations with packaging

Packaging design today often focuses on sustainability, the design and shelf life of a product. However, less careful consideration is often given to the user-friendliness of opening the packaging. Research by ANBO and Rheumatism Netherlands among 10,000 people shows that no less than 98 percent of those surveyed find it difficult to open packaging, 40 percent say they suffer from this daily. In addition, 55 percent of the interviewees indicated that they have suffered a wound by opening a packaging with an alternative device.

Most problems

The biggest problems are caused by the glass jar with a lid that opens for no reason (81 percent). In second place are cans, with and without opening lip (67 percent). Followed by hard plastic packaging, such as cheese slices or blocks (59 percent), rigid fresh packaging such as cucumbers (55 percent) and bottles with a screw cap (54 percent). The top 3 of all product categories are: cleaning products (69 percent), preserves (61 percent) and meat products (60 percent).

Time for a solution

ANBO driver Liane den Haan is worried about this problem and will talk to food manufacturers and packaging producers in the coming period to put user-friendliness on the agenda. "It should not be considered normal for a large group of people to use a tool to open a packaging at all. And that they are certainly not injured. According to den Haan.

See the infographic for a clear overview.