The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that medications are one of the leading causes in children under six, with the figure put as high as 70%. Armed with this information, stakeholders have been demanding child-safe packaging from manufacturers of products that can be harmful to children when ingested.
Manufacturers have no choice but to step up their game in child-safe packaging, redesigning it to make it more difficult for children to access. Many are unsure where to draw the line, as there is also a demand for senior-friendly packaging. In this article, we will explore child-safe packaging, also known as child-resistant packaging (CRP), and how it is redesigned to meet evolving demands.
Importance of Child-Safe Packaging
Child-safe packaging is essential for various reasons, the chief of which is protecting children from medications that should not be ingested. Liquid OTC medications are common culprits, prompting the call for redesigning the packaging for these products.
Manufacturers must focus on key issues during the redesign process, including preventing access by children, controlling dosages, minimizing spillages, and enhancing caregiver usability. These issues will be discussed more deeply in subsequent sections, but they highlight the need for child-safe packaging, especially for liquid OTC medications.
Recent Innovations in Child-Safe Packaging
Since the CDC report and even before it, there have been increasing efforts to prevent children from accessing medications unsupervised. In this section, we will examine some packaging innovations for the safety of all parties involved.
Improved Tamper-Proof Seals
Most pharmaceutical companies begin by creating the best tamper-proof seals possible. They do this in various ways, mainly using dual-layer systems with an outer tamper-evident seal and an inner child-resistant closure to strengthen protection.
Enhanced Usability for Adults
The latest child-safe packaging designs include features that make medications easier for adults while remaining child-safe. One interesting approach is using integrated dosing tools, such as built-in syringes, droppers, and measuring cups, with pre-calibrated dosages to reduce errors.
Some also use ergonomic designs for child-resistant closures, featuring large surfaces or textured grips that make it easy for adults to open the containers. However, the size or texture dissuades children, as they cannot grasp such surfaces.
Regulatory Requirements
Child-safe packaging designs are regulated by strict requirements worldwide. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the European Union mandate child-safe medication packaging. International regulatory packaging standards also serve all interested States worldwide.
Smart Packaging Technologies
Smart/innovative packaging is a trend influencing child-safe packaging redesigns. These packaging styles feature interactive elements, such as QR codes that can be scanned to access medication information, such as how to use them.
Smart packaging technologies also help with safe medication storage, as some tools have been developed to notify caregivers whenever a dosage is used. If it is not a scheduled dosage, you can quickly check if your child was around the medication and if there is any need to go to the hospital.
Challenges Faced by Manufacturers
All the demands consumers are making and the requirements regulatory bodies are setting put immense pressure on manufacturers. It is not easy for many of them to create packaging designs that suit all these demands. Some common challenges they face are:
Balancing Accessibility with Safety
One significant barrier to creating perfect child-safe packaging is retaining accessibility for seniors. As the population ages in many countries, there is an equally high demand for senior-friendly packaging, especially for medications. Pharmaceuticals often struggle to find the perfect balance between safety for children and accessibility for seniors.
Addressing Consumer Expectations
Consumer demands constantly evolve and involve every attribute, from safety to convenience and environmental friendliness. Therefore, brands must ensure that every new demand does not erode standards, especially regarding safety, user-friendliness, and brand image.
Cost Implication of Child-Safe Packaging
They also have to worry about costs. Innovations in packaging redesigns involve technologies like smart dispensing systems and sensor-based alerts, which increase production costs. Manufacturers must balance fulfilling these features’ demands with affordability when creating usable child safety designs.
Examples of Successful Designs and Materials
The demand for child-safe packaging has been increasing, and even before that, some brands have been leading the charge. These companies use innovative designs and sustainable materials to create packaging options that appeal to consumers and fulfill regulatory obligations.
- P&G’s Child-Resistant Packaging: Introduces ergonomic push-and-turn closures that are easy for handles to use and difficult for children to grasp.
- Pfizer’s Liquid Medication Bottles: Uses squeeze-and-turn caps with integrated dosing syringes to ensure safety.
- Johnson and Johnson Eco-Friendly Packaging: Uses biodegradable plastics for child-safe packaging, which appeals to eco-conscious consumers.
Final Thoughts on Child-Resistant Packaging Redesigns for Liquid OTC Medications
Child-safe packaging is crucial to address medication ingestion by children, which is a leading cause of poisoning among this age group. The pressure is not just on pharmaceutical companies but also on other manufacturers whose products might harm children. In navigating the process of packaging redesign, you should remember related issues like senior-friendliness and regulatory standards.