Packaging—A Problem for Patients with Hand Disorders? A Cross-sectional Study on the Forces Applied to Packaging Tear Tabs

Marks, Miriam; Muoth, Carina; Goldhahn, Jörg; Liebmann, Andrea; Schreib, Ina; Schindele, Stephan; Simmen, Beat R.; Vlieland, T. P. M. Vliet

doi:10.1016/j.jht.2012.04.003

Cited by 18 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…However, the peel initiation force of the tray was quantified as 1.7 times higher than the standard tray. The slightest changes in the size of the tear tab, the material used and its geometry were found to already have a considerable effect on the force needed to open the package . The opening force progression among the quantified trays ‘easy to open’ was found to be very consistent.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 86%

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Evaluation of the Accessibility of Selected Packaging by Comparison of Quantitative Measurements of the Opening Forces and Qualitative Surveys through Focus Group Studies

et al. 2016

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It can be expected that many elderly people have impaired opening capacity of food packaging bearing in mind the changes in functionality and physical strength that occur during ageing. This study determined the relation of the quantitative force required to open selected food packaging systems with findings derived from qualitative focus group studies to retrieve comprehensive information on the specific needs of seniors. The focus group studies revealed that the assessment of the ease of opening is very subjective and can vary from objective measurements. The quantitative measurement of the force required to open the 'easy to open' thermoformed tray resulted in considerably higher peel initiation forces of 22.50 ± 1.62 N compared to the standard tray (12.80 ± 1.93 N). However, the packaging type was still felt to be easier to open because of the enlarged tab and peeling corner, which was said to be easy to grip. Conversely, the stand-up pouches with twist-off caps could only be opened with difficulty because of the small caps and the difficulty in breaking seals, despite the substantially lower opening forces of 0.46 ± 0.06 Nm compared with the other torque closures. The evaluation of a package was found to be only partly dependent on the required opening force but strongly influenced by various design factors and consumer's expectations as well as experiences. It can be expected that many elderly people have impaired opening capacity of food packaging bearing in mind the changes in functionality and physical strength that occur during ageing. This study determined the relation of the quantitative force required to open selected food packaging systems with findings derived from qualitative focus group studies to retrieve comprehensive information on the specific needs of seniors. The focus group studies revealed that the assessment of the ease of opening is very subjective and can vary from objective measurements. The quantitative measurement of the force required to open the 'easy-toopen' thermoformed tray resulted in considerably higher peel initiation forces of 22.50 ± 1.62 N compared with the standard tray (12.80 ± 1.93 N). However, the packaging type was still felt to be easier to open because of the enlarged tab and peeling corner, which was said to be easy to grip. Conversely, the standup pouches with twist-off caps could only be opened with difficulty because of the small caps and the difficulty in breaking seals, despite the substantially lower opening forces of 0.46 ± 0.06 Nm compared with the other torque closures. The evaluation of a package was found to be only partly dependent on the required opening force but strongly influenced by various design factors and consumer's expectations as well as experiences.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 86%

“…Physical transformations create challenges and hurdles for elderly consumers when opening food packaging systems that require reading, handling, gripping and pulling . Many complaints from the elderly and the difficulties they encounter when opening food packaging have been reported in the literature .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the Accessibility of Selected Packaging by Comparison of Quantitative Measurements of the Opening Forces and Qualitative Surveys through Focus Group Studies

et al. 2016

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“…Other major factors affecting the opening process include the physical capabilities of users since these capabilities can determine their ability to open packages. Understanding users' capabilities and characteristics will help in designing a user‐friendly package . Packaging characteristics and the choice of opening technique can also affect the opening process.…”

Section: Package Openingmentioning

confidence: 99%

State of the art of user packaging interaction (UPI)

Mumani

Stone

2018

Packag Technol Sci

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User packaging interaction (UPI) has evolved in packaging research because of its importance to users, manufacturers, and designers. A great deal of work addressing problems and suggesting potential improvements has been directed toward UPI. However, this work is not easily accessible to researchers as it lacks a cohesive structure. This paper serves as a platform for UPI researchers by presenting previous work UPI in an organized structure based on stages of interaction. Over 100 articles were reviewed to identify the scope of research in this area and then categorized according to stages of interaction. During the review of more articles, these stages of interaction were modified to ensure that they reflected all the reviewed articles. The review process resulted in the enumeration of the following stages: at point of purchase, checking out, handling, opening, and disposal. The related articles in each category are presented and discussed, and potential future work is presented. The articles were further categorized according to the age and gender of users under test, and packaging and product types considered. The review process has revealed different issues in the current research structure of UPI including the comprehensibility of the conducted research and the distribution of the reviewed articles. On the basis of this review, a model is proposed for improving the UPI by quantitatively evaluating the package design and affordances provided at each interaction stage.

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“…However, as stated by Temple and Fraser, in many countries, food labels do not present required data in a user‐friendly format, what seems to be a significant barrier for informed food choice . Moreover, research results have shown that older consumers tend to have problems with manual handling of food packaging, especially related to opening . Additionally, convenience and price as well as environmental and food safety–related issues seem to have crucial meaning for this group of consumers …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of problems arising during manual handling of food packaging by older consumers in Poland

et al. 2019

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The ageing population all over the world requires much greater attention than it receives from many businesses, including packaging industry. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the specific needs, requirements, and expectations of older consumers, particularly those related to the labelling and ergonomics, so as to shape the food packaging characteristics. In this way, consumers' satisfaction and hence the brand loyalty can be built. The aim of the study was to analyse the needs of older consumers related to food packaging handling and other corresponding issues, as well as to develop guidelines for food producers. The research consisted of two stages: a survey that covered a group of 600 consumers aged 60 and older in southern Poland and individual in‐depth interviews (IDIs) carried out among 60 people over the age of 60 in southern Poland. The outcomes of this consumer research indicated the need for changes in food packaging designed for older consumers, especially in consideration of the physical limitations for its handling before and after the product purchase. Food producers should also pay particular attention to the problems connected with packaging as a source of information. Moreover, they should make modifications in packaging ergonomics, especially in terms of size, shape, and opening and closing features. According to respondents, packaging material should be safe for health but not necessarily environmentally friendly.

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Packaging—A Problem for Patients with Hand Disorders? A Cross-sectional Study on the Forces Applied to Packaging Tear Tabs

Cited by 18 publications

References 18 publications

Evaluation of the Accessibility of Selected Packaging by Comparison of Quantitative Measurements of the Opening Forces and Qualitative Surveys through Focus Group Studies

Evaluation of the Accessibility of Selected Packaging by Comparison of Quantitative Measurements of the Opening Forces and Qualitative Surveys through Focus Group Studies

State of the art of user packaging interaction (UPI)

Identification of problems arising during manual handling of food packaging by older consumers in Poland

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