Making packaging accessible to consumers contributes to their nutrition, independence and well-being. Packaging that is hard-to-open presents a number of barriers to all consumers, but particularly those with a disability and the ageing population, who experience issues with reduced dexterity and strength. Packaging that is hard-to-open can also result in unnecessary waste and injury when consumers can\u2019t easily open the product and decide to use a tool, like a knife or scissors, to hack at the product. Consumers may spill the product during such attempts or be force to throw the product out unopened if these attempts are unsuccessful.<\/p>\n \u201cPackaging accessibility has been identified as a key issue contributing to rates of poor patient nutrition within hospitals in Australia, where it is estimated that up to 40 percent of patients experience some form of malnourishment.\u201d<\/p>\n SPC \u201cIt is essential that packaging of food served in hospital is easier for patients to open in order to support their nutrition outcomes\u2026Easy open packaging not only contributes to improved nutrition in hospitals, but it also allows our most vulnerable patients to retain their independence and dignity by easily accessing their own food.\u201d<\/p>\n Executive Director, Clinical Support Services at HealthShare NSW, Carmen Rechbauer \u201cThe issue of packaging accessibility is becoming more and more prominent in our society as the population ages.\u201d<\/p>\n SPC Category Marketing Manager ProVital, Chris Deed <\/p>\n The single-serve fruit cup format had problems with the traditional tab design. Consumers firstly had difficulty with separating the tab from the cup and then they would struggle to grip the tab, due to its small size and lack of texture. If consumers are unable to access and grip the tab, then they are unable to open and enjoy the product inside.<\/p>\n The SPC ProVital packaging range was specifically designed to be easy-to-open and was developed in collaboration with Arthritis Australia, Dr Brad Fain and HealthShare NSW. The SPC design considered the abilities of consumers including those with reduced dexterity, strength and poor vision. The need to improve packaging accessibility is in response to factors such as Australia\u2019s ageing population as well as the need to reduce food wastage in hospitals and remove a barrier to nutrition in healthcare.<\/p>\n The new innovative packaging design overcomes these barriers with a range of features, including:<\/p>\n The design was tested with arthritis consumers and received positive feedback including:<\/p>\n SPC\u2019s innovative design was highly praised and received multiple awards from the packaging industry. The design and Easy to Open Certification<\/em> also allowed SPC to grow their SPC ProVital sales in the healthcare industry as the design was seen as taking leadership in the accessibility of foodservice packaging.<\/p>\n \u201cSPC Category Marketing Manager ProVital, Chris Deed says his team are \u201cparticularly proud of this innovation as it represents how industry, suppliers and corporate collaboration can result in increased efficiency for our customers \u2013 a growth platform for SPC as a business\u201d. SPC ProVital products are currently available through hospitals and aged care facilities, with further plans for expansion.\u201d<\/p>\n SPC Category Marketing Manager ProVital, Chris Deed 2016 Save Food Packaging Awards – Winner \u2013 Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) <\/strong><\/p>\n SPC received this award for reducing food wastage, as patients were more easily able to open and consume the contents due to the improve packaging, which also led to nutritional gains.<\/p>\n 2018 WorldStar\u00a0Packaging Award – Winner \u2013 World Packaging Organisation (WPO)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cFor us, having our range receive the highest possible accessibility rating from Arthritis Australia of +8, with 95% of the population reporting an easy-to-open product is one thing, but to be recognised by the WPO with an award of this stature, is something that makes the journey so worthwhile.\u201d<\/p>\n SPC Category Marketing Manager ProVital, Chris Deed <\/p>\n Read more about the project:<\/p>\n Australian \u2018Easy-open cup\u2019 range wins global award<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Australia food News – Jack Chian WorldStar Packaging Award for SPC ProVital easy-open cup<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Food Technology & Manufacturing magazine Fruit cup helps save food through packaging<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/old.arthritisaustralia.org.au\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/SPC_consumer-opening-ProVital-300x159.jpg\")
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<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nThe need for accessible packaging innovation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/em>PKN Packaging News <\/span>June 2016<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/em>Australian Food News, <\/span>May 2018<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/em>Australian Food News, <\/span>May 2018<\/em><\/p>\nUnderstanding the packaging format from an accessibility perspective <\/strong><\/h3>\n
The hard-to-open problem:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The easy-to-open solution: <\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Business growth from accessibility innovation\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/em>Australian Food News, <\/span>May 2018<\/em><\/p>\nAwards<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/em>Australian Food News, May 2018<\/span><\/p>\nMedia articles<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n7 May 2018\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n8 December 2017<\/em><\/p>\n
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