The need for easy to open packaging
Difficult packaging excludes a growing market. Inclusive design means more customers – and more revenue. Let people love your product, not hate your packaging.
This is Easy to use
The Swedish Rheumatism association has for many years work to promote packaging and products to work for all people. Our aim is to motivate producers to design for all. Since the packaging industry and manufacturers are international, we use an international term that many can understand, we call it Easy to use.
Unique test
Having people with impaired hand function testing the products gives a unique insight into how the packaging or a product works that mechanical tests do not provide. Since we work with relatively small test groups, we reduce the variation between the groups' composition and results by calibrating the assessments.
The Easy to use certification
To get product or packaging Easy to use certified, all handling elements of the calibrated result must reach 'Neither difficult nor easy”' or easier. When a package or product passes the test, it will be certified as Easy to use. The Easy to use certification is a third-party that ensures that the product or packaging really are easy to use, and this benefits all consumers, not just people with impaired hand function.
The Easy to use label
If a product is certified as Easy to use by us, it can be labelled with our trademark symbol, Easy to use. This shows the consumer that the products are just that, Easy to use. A confirmation that the product has been tested and approved as easy to use for people with reduced hand function – ensuring comfort and accessibility.
About Easy to use
Unique test and certification
Our Easy to use certification is based on usability test of packaging and products, carried out by individuals with impaired hand function.
Is your product truly easy to use?
Design for usability. Involve people with the highest demand early – it’s smart and cost-effective. If it works for those with limited hand function, it works for everyone
Not only for people with arthritis
The ease of opening and handling the packaging can be crucial in determining whether customers are satisfied with their purchase or not.
About us
The Swedish Rheumatism Association, founded in 1945, is the largest patient association in Sweden. We work for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
Easy to use label launched
We have launched a product label for packaging and products that have been tested and certified as Easy to use.
Certified products
What packaging and products has been tested and approved by the Swedish Rheumatism Association so far? Companies like Ecolean, Essity and Tetra Pak has tested products.
Stories from test participants
Easy to use test are carried out by people with impaires hand function, who generously lend their hands as measuring tools. Meet some of them here.
Contact
E-post: Kristina Heilborn
News
12 maj 2025
Survey show big problems with packaging
The Swedish Rheumatism Association has commissioned the research company Novus to investigate how the Swedish population experiences packaging. We know that our members face significant challenges with packaging that is difficult to open. The survey shows that it’s far from only people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions who struggle with poorly designed packaging.
4 april 2025
The Swedish Rheumatism Association launches label for easy-to-handle products
The Swedish Rheumatism Association is launching a product label for packaging and products that have been tested and certified as Easy to use. This could give consumers the opportunity, for example, to choose packaging that is truly easy to open, as it has been tested and approved by people with impaired hand function.
19 februari 2025
Tetra Recart certfied as Easy to use
Since 2005, the Swedish Rheumatism Association has been commissioned by Tetra Pak to test the handling of several of their beverage packaging. At the end of last year, Tetra Pak had a new type of packaging tested, that hasn't been tested before, cartons for canned food.
20 november 2024
Difficulties opening medicine packages
New survey shows that a lot of people have difficulties opening medicine packages. Many people struggle with scissors and knives every day to open their medicine packs, while others give up and simply don't take their medicine. The Swedish Rheumatism Association has investigated the extent of the problems via a survey.
3 oktober 2024
New certification for Ecolean
A new Ecolean package has been certified as Easy to use by the Swedish Rheumatism Association. Ecolean continues to prioritise user-friendly design. The latest addition to the company’s packaging portfolio, Ecolean® Air 125, has now been tested, approved, and certified as Easy to Use by the Swedish Rheumatism Association. The certification confirms that the package meets high standards for accessibility and ergonomics – particularly important for individuals with reduced hand function.
25 januari 2024
Tetra Pak packaging certfied as Easy to use
This week, Tetra Pak announced that several of their packaging solutions have been certified as Easy to use by the Swedish Rheumatism Association. “We’re very pleased that all our tested packages with tethered caps have been approved and certified. Tetra Pak has a long-standing commitment to user-friendly design. It’s crucial that all our products are easy and convenient to use, benefiting all consumers—not just those with impaired hand function,” said Elizabeth Anderberg, Communication Director North Europe at Tetra Pak, in the press release.