Pesky packets causing 'wrap rage'
- From: AAP
- February 19, 2013
IF you've ever suffered bruises, chipped teeth or broken nails while trying to pry open a pasta sauce jar or packet of razors, chances are you've experienced "wrap rage".
"Many items are now so wrapped up that some consumers simply cannot open them," Angela McDougall from consumer advocacy group Choice says.
"Trying to bust out an electrical item sealed in a hard plastic container or twist open a vacuum-sealed glass jar is not only prompting 'wrap rage' but also leaving some people injured."
The consumer group has launched a campaign calling on manufacturers to adopt packaging that doesn't require knives, scissors or "super-human strength" to access.
"While packaging accessibility can affect us all, it is a particular problem for those suffering from arthritis, poor eyesight and reduced hand strength as well as some older people," Ms McDougall said.
The group pointed to a Readers Digest survey last year of 500 people in Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia on packaging problems.
Sixty four per cent of people who said they had injured themselves on packaging suffered deep cuts, broken or chipped teeth, bruises or broken nails, according to the research.
Choice is calling on consumers to send in photos and descriptions of examples of bad packaging.
It will make complaints to the Australian Packaging Covenant on behalf of consumers and report back on responses from manufacturers.