Packaging gripe

[denise]

For example: make a cup of tea. Try to open a packet of biscuits. Look for the little red pull thing to open packet. Try to open end of packet. Go and get knife and slice into packet cutting some biscuits in half. Crumbs every where. Sit down to cold tea 😕

[matthew55]

Life 😊

[Ellie]

Now imagine all you can do is to stare longingly at that packet of biscuits, willing them to magically open because your hands don't work.....

[DJW]

It shows your determination for independents. You can make or warm up your tea, but the packet lost.

[GaryM]

I think disability-friendly packaging is years away. Every day I come across something that I can't open with one arm. So frustrating.

[Ellie]

denise If you, as an able bodied non-MND person, has difficulty opening packets, think how much more challenging it is with even minor dexterity issues for folk with an MND.

[denise]

This was my point. I really struggle with a lot of things. Cans with no pull tab or pull tabs that break off. My husband was struggling with his baccy. The seal was so well sealed when I pulled it apart the bag split and everything fell to the floor. Trying to use a tin opener - I've either forgotten how to use a tin opener or they are just not made for tins.
I know I felt horrible using biscuits but i was just saying how annoying packaging is.
I don't think manufacturers actually try their products once they've wrapped them. I rather liked it when things came in brown paper bags. You should have seen me trying to open a jar of marmalade! Before I would ask my husband to open things and now it's up to me. Manufacturers need to look at who they are selling to because I think there's a lot of people out there who have products they've never been able to open. 😐

[denise]

Just watched my son and his girlfriend (late 30's) try to open a packet of presliced cheese. Had to use a sharp knife to open the packet because it just wouldn't pull open. 🤔

[Shaun]

Might regret writing this but I have been working in the packaging industry for over 30 years and would like to defend it.
And yes I do have dexterity issues.
its a difficult problem to answer, everyone’s problems or issues are all different. Even the packaging I have problems with, I know that possible solutions just aren’t feasible.

The main purpose of packaging is the preservation and security of food, it also has to work and be convenient for the majority of people and be cost efficient,
ring pulls as an example, does away with the need for a can opener, a blessing for all the left handed people
(some companies are reconsidering this, as it actually uses more metal and plastic)
jar lids are vacuum sealed so that the tamper evident button works, it also gives a greater shelf life, a wax paper and elastic band just doesn’t work in a super market
sliced cheese packs , its a balancing act in the heat seal , a couple of degrees out and the pack isn’t airtight , a couple higher and weld is too strong, so err on the side of caution to ensure it’s sealed. Why not buy a block of cheese and slice it your self, it’s choice of convenience, if people don’t buy it it will be withdrawn.
(With changes in plastic usage you may see less easy peel)
the little tear tapes may start disappearing, plastic reduction targets leads to the removal of any unnecessary plastic. Again its about convenience.

In short, to have different packaging for different issues just wouldn’t be cost feasible, would you pay extra because it is easier for someone else , unfortunately it’s all down to economics.
The things we all hate are there to keep are food safe.
Brown paper bags work only if you are going to eat that product the same day ( incidentally the carbon footprint in creating a paper bag is far greater than a poly film and more expensive)

The industry does try to make things easier and with increasing pressure, relating plastic reduction, you will see changes, There will be more use of paper/card, glass will be returning where cost efficient, but it does take time and not everything will work for everyone.
You may not always notice the small changes made, have a look at walkers crisps packets, in the seal area there are now only two crimp lines, other snacks may use 5/6 crimp lines, it actually reduces plastic, but it is also easier to open.

I’ve tried to keep this brief, but hope you get the drift that packaging is a necessary evil,

Shaun

[GaryM]

Good points, well made, Shaun

[denise]

I understand everything you say. It's just if I buy a product I'd just like to use it.

[matthew55]

Mankind has been eating food for millennia, how long have we had 'safe' packaging? Yet another example of how our society is failing 😠

[Barry52]

60 years ago as a child I would take my mother’s shopping list to the co-op where the assistant would cut butter and cheese from a huge block. Bacon was sliced on a large machine and sugar and flour were transferred from a big sack into a brown paper bag. Biscuits were weighed from a large barrel as was loose leaf tea and the milk was on the doorstep. We now demand long life products for convenience and we expect to buy any fruit or vegetables all year round, regardless of seasonality. Is modern packaging progress when we still see huge amounts of food waste?

I’m not decrying the innovation in packaging that Shaun refers to and Matthew makes a valid point however I guess we can’t stop evolution.

Barry

[Heather R]

I find pulling with my teeth is x sometimes the best solution. Have just got some plastic strips to make a loop on plugs so you can pull them out more easily, what a simple and effective solution (for me anyway!) x

[Shaun]

Hello Barry , food waste was all the food suppliers number 1 target, and it has significantly reduced over the years, and our packaging and ability to order just in time has played a significant role.
However now that the emphasis is on that devil in disguise the plastic bag, food waste will increase, you will see a decrease in shelf life and prices will increase.
morrisons ran trial on cucumbers without plastic, their wastage and spoilage increased by about 40%, if my memory serves me well

Denise, I know it’s frustrating sometimes, so I suggest you write to your favourite supplier and nicely explain your issue and even make a suggestion what might help, They may not be able to help, but customer feedback is important, and with any luck they might send a letter back with a voucher,

Just think how would we all of coped these last few months if we couldn’t get long shelf life products delivered to our door, and had to go to the corner shop everyday for our provisions . Long live packaging I say But I do wish tablet blister packs were easier.

shaun