Child-Resistant Packaging
A cannabis packaging bag similar to candy appeared on a British social networking site. However, the bag contained marijuana instead of candy, and children have accidentally ingested it. This incident has sparked heated discussions.
The way these drugs are packaged as candy makes them attractive to children. If they are accidentally ingested by children, there is a high possibility of life-threatening, so how do we prevent similar incidents of children accidentally ingesting cannabis when transporting or storing cannabis?
What is child-resistant packaging and why is it suddenly in such high demand? We’ve summarized some of the most important things to know about “CR” packaging. As explained below, the rapid growth is about much more than just child-proof cannabis packaging.
What is considered child-resistant packaging?
There is often confusion about so-called “childproof packaging regulations” and how child-resistant packaging came to be. What testing standards are used to evaluate certified child-resistant packaging? Also, who is ASTM and what governing body establishes child-resistant packaging regulations?
Back in 1970, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) mandated that certain substances be marketed in “special packaging” for added safety. Special packaging is defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as follows:
A package that is designed or constructed to be significantly difficult for children under five years of age to open or obtain a harmful amount of the contents within a reasonable time. The package must also not be difficult for adults to use properly.
Are childproof containers really childproof?
Different terminology is often used to describe this special type of packaging. Phrases like childproof packaging and childsafe packaging are sometimes used interchangeably with child-resistant packaging. Are these other terms accurate?
Actually, no. Those other terms can create a false sense of safety among consumers. As described above, child-resistant packaging is designed to be significantly difficult for children under five years old to open or obtain a harmful amount of the substance within a reasonable time. However, it is not entirely childproof. The Consumer Product Safety Commission itself stresses that no packaging can ever be guaranteed to be 100% childproof or childsafe.
The main purpose of child-resistant packaging is to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning by creating an additional barrier. Think of it as the last line of defense, not the first. While these packages are effective at reducing child poisoning rates — the original goal of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act back in 1970 — they are not truly childproof and child supervision is always necessary.
What types of packaging qualify as child-resistant?
The consumer packaged goods industry is extremely diverse and the range of packaging formats encountered by consumers each day is enormous. What are some of the most common child-resistant packaging technologies and how can you tell if a package is child-resistant?
Depending on the type of product being packaged, child-resistant packaging can take many different forms.
The squeeze-and-turn safety caps often seen on medicine bottles require the user to squeeze the sides of the bottle and twist simultaneously. Snap caps require the user to orient the cap a certain way and to apply significant force to pop the cap off.
Blister pack packaging uses individual “compartments,” often made of plastic or foil, to dispense pills or capsules individually. They may also include tear-resistant cardboard cartons and notches that hook onto the carton, requiring an additional step to remove the blister pack.
Twist-and-lock caps on aerosol cans help to prevent accidental spraying by requiring the user to twist the top to unlock the nozzle. Some complex designs even require removing the cap and re-attaching it to operate the spray nozzle.
Special mention should be made of another packaging option — flexible packaging. Custom flexible packaging is surging in popularity and has emerged as one of the most popular custom packaging formats in recent years thanks to its light weight and ease of use. Child-resistant mylar bags and other types of child-resistant zipper pouches can combine three key attributes to provide an effective solution.
Flexible packaging films
The durable films used by flexible packaging manufacturers possess high barrier properties to keep the contents fresh, safe and secure.
Child-resistant zippers
Flexible packaging pouches with press-to-close zippers require special actions and dexterity to open, making them difficult for children but easy for adults.
Tamper-evident closures
Features like tear notches and heat seals above a press-to-close, child-resistant zipper provide an additional layer of security, indicating if the package has been opened previously.