I had to buy a new toothbrush today to replace an old electric one that wouldn’t charge anymore. The new one is exactly the same as the old one – but probably more expensive this time – and, somewhat pointlessly, I chose a different color.
But I have to vent my frustration about the packaging. It came in a hard plastic package that I now know is “clamshell” packaging, and there are several reasons manufacturers use these, which I’ll get into below. It was nearly impossible to get inside – scissors wouldn’t “cut” it (pardon the pun), and I eventually decided to give it to my husband, who somewhat dangerously chose the “attack with the carving knife” option.
Look at the picture of the product and all the packaging used, I thought we should use less of everything these days. There was the plastic clamshell thing, two cardboard boxes, another piece of cardboard with all the advertising copy on it, a locking wire (which was wrapped around the charger cord), a tiny paper warranty, and the two things I wanted, the toothbrush and charger.
Wrap rage really exists!
This isn’t the first time I’ve come across packaging that’s nearly impossible to open. Have you ever tried to open a glass lid that just won’t budge without a crowbar? A cereal bag that bursts as soon as you open it? Child-proof lids that not even an adult can open? The problem is real and even has a name: “packaging rage.”
Who are the masters behind these packaging puzzles? They certainly don’t understand how we mere mortals fight. We have to have the biceps of bodybuilders, dexterous fingers of steel and the precision of ninjas just to get our new stuff. If you’re disabled or suffering from arthritis, forget about doing it yourself.
The advantages and disadvantages of clamshell packaging
I find the clamshell packaging particularly annoying. Once opened, the edges are sharp enough to sever an artery and apparently it’s difficult to sort and recycle as it’s a different type of plastic to everything else.
But clamshell packaging is designed to benefit both the manufacturer and the consumer. Electronics are among the most common products sold in clamshell packaging, and the reason is…well, obvious. Manufacturers want us to see their products, so they display them in clear plastic. And since electronics are the most commonly stolen item from stores, some retailers are only willing to stock products in clamshell packaging.
Thieves are more likely to steal a product that they can easily hide in their bag. These packages are usually larger than the actual product and therefore harder to conceal. Sealing methods require the package to be opened (at some point) with a knife or scissors, meaning a thief cannot easily open the package in the store without being noticed.
Another benefit of clamshell packaging is that it protects the product from damage. Because it conforms to the shape of the product, it is less likely to be damaged when dropped or transported. Additionally, safety devices can be added to the inside of the packaging. High-end power tools can afford the more expensive clamshell alternatives due to the higher price tag. A transparent, glossy and rigid outer shell can convey quality to the consumer.
But opening them is still a nightmare, and I found out today that there is a simple solution – a can opener. Why didn’t I think of that? The hard cutting edge of most manual can openers easily cuts the straight edges of clamshell packages, and once one edge is opened with the can opener, you can easily move on to using scissors.
Another gripe I have is the shrink-wrapped round packs of round bottles. They work fine until the cashier breaks one open to get to the barcode. Then the whole thing collapses, leaving an awkward line behind you as you try to collect them all.
You can’t win.
Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal Newsand has lived in the Algarve for several years. As a dog lover, she has lived in Ireland, Great Britain, Bermuda and the Isle of Man.
Marilyn Sheridan
