Historia del Packaging 4/4

Summary

This video explores the evolution and challenges of packaging design, from bubble wrap's accidental invention to the notorious clamshell packaging that causes frustration for consumers. It highlights the ingenuity of engineers who created packaging to withstand extreme abuse, while also addressing the problems that arise, such as difficult-to-open packages. Notably, it examines how packaging innovations, like child-resistant medicine bottles and tamper-evident seals, were designed to safeguard people from harm. The video reveals the delicate balance between functionality, security, and consumer frustration in packaging design, and how it has evolved in response to both human curiosity and malicious intent.

Takeaways

• 😀 The challenge of packaging is not just about strength but also about intelligence and determination to withstand abuse.
• 😀 Bubble wrap, invented by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, is a famous packaging solution, though not originally intended for interior design.
• 😀 The packaging of CDs, introduced in 1982, became a source of customer frustration due to its difficult-to-open case design.
• 😀 Special tools, like small cutters, were created to help people open CD packaging, as it was too tough for bare hands.
• 😀 The 'clamshell' packaging, invented to reduce theft in stores, is notoriously difficult to open, leading to dangerous situations for consumers.
• 😀 Clamshell packaging is made from PVC plastic, which is tough and difficult to cut open without tools, posing injury risks.
• 😀 In 2002, 1,400 shoppers in the U.S. were injured by clamshell packaging, and 60,000 injuries were reported in the UK.
• 😀 Despite its theft-preventing benefits, clamshell packaging received the 'most difficult packaging to open' award from Consumer Reports.
• 😀 In the 1960s, child safety was a key concern, with many children accidentally overdosing on aspirin due to easy-to-open medicine bottles.
• 😀 The U.S. government passed the Poison Prevention Packaging Act in 1970, requiring child-resistant packaging for medications and hazardous products.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by engineers in packaging?

The main challenge is not just brute force but dealing with intelligent and determined packaging adversaries, such as packaging designs that are difficult to open or manipulate.

What packaging invention was created by Alfred Feeling and Marchans in the past?

Alfred Feeling and Marchans created the bubble wrap, which, although not a successful interior design solution, became a commercial success.

Why is the packaging for CDs often considered frustrating?

The packaging is frustrating because it is very hard to open, and even when opened, it is difficult to remove the CD, with an added challenge of the box being resistant to manipulation.

How did the clamshell packaging design impact customers?

Clamshell packaging, while useful for displaying merchandise and preventing theft, is extremely difficult to open, causing frustration and even injury in some cases.

What material is used in clamshell packaging, and why is it so durable?

Clamshell packaging is typically made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a material that becomes very hard and durable once it lacks plasticizers, making it resistant to tampering but also difficult to open.

What dangerous incidents have occurred because of clamshell packaging?

Clamshell packaging has caused injuries, with reports of people requiring emergency treatment after attempting to open it using dangerous methods. In 2002, it was responsible for sending 1,400 people to U.S. emergency rooms.

What changes were made to clamshell packaging after these incidents?

Manufacturers introduced modifications such as added perforations to make the packaging easier to open and reduce injury risks.

What was the issue with children's medicine packaging in the 1960s?

In the 1960s, children were accidentally poisoned by ingesting aspirin because the packaging, which consisted of simple twist-off caps, was not secure enough to prevent children from opening it.

How did the U.S. government address the issue of children's accidental poisoning from medicine?

In 1970, the U.S. Congress passed the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, requiring child-resistant packaging that would be difficult for children to open, but still accessible for adults.

What happened in 1982 with the Tylenol poisoning incident, and how did packaging play a role in the outcome?

In 1982, seven people died after ingesting Tylenol laced with cyanide. The packaging, however, helped save the company as they introduced tamper-proof packaging, which became a new standard in the industry.