The Accessible & Inclusive Packaging Design Special Award is designed to recognise packaging that is accessible, intuitive, easy-to-open and innovative.
Co-hosting the awards presentation, PKN publisher Lindy Hughson commented: "With the strong talent pool we clearly have in ANZ packaging design, there should be no design coming to market that is not inclusive, not accessible to everyone. For most of us, packaging that is difficult to open is a minor inconvenience. For people with limited mobility, or a disability, being locked out of essential foods or medicines can impact wellbeing psychologically and physically. So, it is really pleasing to see the efforts of our finalists today, let’s hope this encourages the start of a movement."
Bronze was awarded to Nestlé Purina Australia for its packaging of Nestlé Purina Total Care (Pet Accessories), while silver went to Caps & Closures for its EzyGrip Cap.
Glaxosmithkline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare Australia walked off with gold for its new integrated closure for Voltaren Osteo Gel 12 Hourly, which passed Arthritis Australia’s consumer testing to be certified Easy to Open.
The tamper evidence and cap can be opened in one simple action and can use larger motor movements like the palm of your hand or edge of a desk to complete the action. The flip top has a high coefficient of friction covering on the outer lid lip to facilitate the application of an upward force during opening of the lid. It has been designed with low opening force to open and close the cap, which arthritis consumers found easy to achieve during testing. They also like that the audible feedback ‘click’ when the product is closed correctly.
There are no opening instructions needed due to the intuitive design, with the opening point highlighted by the blue grip feature on the overhanging cap. Direction for use and other important information is high contrast.
The built-in tamper evidence removes the need for internal foil seals which is common in this packaging format and generally requires a high level of fine motor movements.
