March 2007
The good guys
| Manufacturers are starting to get the message from consumers frustrated by balky packaging, says Joe Angel, vice president and publisher of the trade publication Packaging World. “Industry is definitely listening to consumers and their complaints,” Angel says. Indeed, we were struck by the steps we saw companies and stores taking to keep wrap rage at bay: products displayed as empty clamshell cases with a voucher inside that’s redeemed for the real item after you’ve paid, or outfitted with anti-theft devices that are removed at checkout, for instance. Here’s other proof that some companies can build a better package: |  |
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| The user-friendly clamshell. | |
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| No weaponry needed. This Logitech mouse packaging has a perforated corner you bend, splitting the seam in two. (And clamshells for some batteries are now precut on one side; you just peel the plastic back.) | |
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| The high-tech food bag. | |
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| The heavy-gauge plastic bag for Arnold croutons has a flat bottom, slits on each side of the top to open the package top, and the type of interlocking seal found on food-storage bags. | |
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| The single-dose cold remedy. | |
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| Zicam Cold and Flu improves on the bottle-plus-measuring-cap. Each dose comes in a disposable spoon with a peel-back foil lid. | |
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| The twist-to-open toothbrush. | |
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| Oral-B, maker of our hard-to-extract Sonic Complete toothbrush kit, got it right with its Cross Action toothbrush, wrapped in a bubblelike plastic case. To open, you grab the ends and twist. | |
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| The toy without ties. | |
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| There’s not one twist, tie, band, or stitch restraining the 33 pieces in the Polly Pocket Trendy Pets Paw Spa. Each part sits in a notch in the molded plastic housing, where it’s easily accessible. | |
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