The Swedish Rheumatism Association has nominated two packaging solutions for the 2026 Packnorth Award in the User-friendly Packaging category, recognising innovations from Sonoco and Tetra Pak that make everyday packaging easier to handle for a wider range of consumers, particularly people living with reduced hand strength, arthritis or limited mobility.

The nominations reflect our long-standing focus on promoting packaging design that supports independence, accessibility and ease of use in everyday life. Both products address common challenges encountered when opening and closing food packaging, in different formats.

Orbit™ lid modernises the glass jar

Sonoco’s Orbit™ lid has been nominated for its user-centred redesign of the traditional glass jar closure. The two-part lid reduces the force and fine motor precision typically required to open and reclose a jar, creating a more intuitive and predictable user experience. The solution demonstrates how technical innovation can significantly improve usability without altering the fundamental function of the package. The two-part lid for glass jars is a good example of how a traditional type of packaging solution can be modernised and made more functional. When this lid was introduced, it made a significant difference in terms of usability, and it feels entirely appropriate to nominate this innovative solution,” says Stina Nordström, Secretary General of the Swedish Rheumatism Association.

Commenting on the nomination, Isabelle Le Graët, Senior Marketing Manager, Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA, says that the recognition is particularly meaningful because it cames from the people who inspired the company to rethink a long-accepted consumer frustration.

“Orbit™ makes everyday life easier for everyone, but for people living with arthritis or reduced hand strength, it can restore something even more valuable: independence,” she says.

Tetra Pak solution recognised for easier opening and closing

Tetra Pak’s nominated packaging, Lightwing™ 30 on the Tetra Brik® 1000 Edge carton, addresses usability challenges associated with conventional screw caps. The snap-on closure features a large opening tab that allows for several different gripping techniques, including one-handed operation, making it easier to use for people with reduced pinch-grip strength.

The Swedish Rheumatism Association noted that traditional screw caps can be particularly difficult for people with impaired hand function, while the Lightwing™ 30 closure offers a more accessible opening experience and secure resealing mechanism.

“Screw caps can be difficult to open if you have reduced pinch grip strength. This packaging opens in a different way and features a ‘lip’ that allows several alternative grips to be used. We have received feedback from our members that it works well for them, and packaging with tethered caps that actually works effectively deserves recognition,” said Nordström.

Marie Sandin, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Sweden, says that the nomination reflected the company’s continued commitment to balancing functionality, user friendliness and sustainability.

“When developing new solutions, we carefully balance functionality, ease of use and sustainability, because the best packages are those that work well for both people and the environment,” she says.

Design that promotes independence

Although the two nominated solutions differ in design and application, both demonstrate how inclusive design can improve everyday experiences for consumers. The nominations recogniseses packaging innovations that not only enhance convenience but also support greater independence for people with reduced hand function.

By highlighting Orbit™ and Lightwing™ 30, we hope to encourage greater attention to accessibility in packaging development and showcase how thoughtful design can benefit all users, regardless of age, strength or dexterity.

For more information please contact Kristina Heilborn [email protected]