"Sometimes I have to go without food, medicine, or whatever it may be – until someone comes along who can help me!"

These words come from a respondent to the Swedish Rheumatism Association’s survey on packaging. The results reveal a troubling reality: 43% of respondents injure themselves when trying to open packaging, and 45% experience difficulties several times a week. 

This new survey highlights a serious everyday challenge for a large group in society with reduced hand function. Many people are entirely dependent on pharmacy staff, family members, or neighbours to access their medication. 

"Our survey results point to a significant problem. A large group of people in our society experiences reduced quality of life due to poorly designed packaging and products. We believe it is a basic right to be able to open and reseal a package without needing help – or risking injury. More than 55% even avoid buying new packaging in favour of products they know they can open. That’s something the packaging industry and product owners should seriously consider when launching or redesigning a product," says Lotta Håkansson, Chair of the Swedish Rheumatism Association.

Survey questions and answers

Do you ever find yourself unable to open a package?

Yes: 96.15 %

No: 4.08 %

If you answered yes: How often does this happen?

Every day: 11.60 %

Several times a week: 45.14 %

Once a month: 34.60 %

Less often: 9.79 %

If you have difficulty opening a package, what do you do?

(Respondents could select more than one option.)

Ask someone else to open it: 62.32 %

Throw it away: 1.04 %

Use a tool: 68.86 %

If you use a tool, what do you use?

The most common answers were scissors, knife, jar opener, nutcracker, teeth, tin opener, blister opener, pliers, screwdriver, hammer.

Have you ever injured yourself while using a tool to open a package?

Yes: 42.98 %

No: 57.29 %

Do you ever avoid buying a product because you're unsure whether you'll be able to open the packaging, and instead choose one you know you can open easily?

Yes: 55.50 %

No: 44.89 %

If you have difficulty opening packaging, which types do you find most challenging? Please specify the product.

The most common answers were juice and dairy cartons, pharmaceutical packaging, vacuum-packed coffee, cold cuts in plastic packaging, tins, pull-tab packaging, and glass jars with metal lids.

The data is based on responses from 2,663 individuals who answered all the questions in the survey. For information about the survey, contact Kristina Heilborn [email protected]