19 February 2008

 

Easy open packaging? Really?

I've complained before about those infernal ocean-crossing container–resistant sealed blister packs so many products come in. Among the worst are kids' toys like Barbie and Bratz dolls, which have sometimes taken my wife and me as much as 20 minutes to open with the assistance of various sharp implements, and with the consequence of the occasional injury.

So today I was shocked, and very skeptical, about a Bratz doll my older daughter received for her tenth birthday over the weekend. Right there on the package was a big sticker: "NEW EASY OPEN PACKAGE":

Easy open package? Easy open package success!

Yeah right, I thought.

Then, perhaps three minutes later, the doll and its accessories were free. I had used only my fingers. No scissors, knives, or even teeth. The EASY OPEN PACKAGING really was easy to open. Really!

Is this some sort of sign of the Apocalypse?

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# 11:31 PM

Comments:

I always taught my children : "When you see 'easy opening' on the package, don't even try, use scissors".

Maybe this doll proves me wrong... I'll never know, not intending to buy such an ugly doll any time !

How can children play with such monsters ? All very misterious to me.
# posted by Anonymous Laurence : 20 February, 2008 13:42
 
I remember trying to open Barbie dolls for my daughters, and how long it tool. The way the dolls were tied down into the box you'd think they were marketed as "Bondage Barbie."

On a more serious note, the environmental impact of all that packaging really gives me pause for thought.

John Meadows
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 20 February, 2008 15:01
 
I found the perfect tool to open these pesky blister packs. A pair of offset shears, so you don't have to touch the sharp edges of cut plastic:

https://www.enjoyzibra.com/openit/
# posted by Blogger Fazal Majid : 20 February, 2008 16:13
 
For Christmas we received a tool specifically designed to open blister packs. Of course, it came in a blister pack, with the wry message on it to the effect of, "This will be the last package you're frustrated to open!"

It works reasonably well, but sometimes we still need to break out the scissors. I haven't had to resort to the Henckels knives recently, however.
# posted by Blogger Derek : 20 February, 2008 17:39
 
hallelujah. households all over will weep with relief. That's all I have to say. (except can someone pls figure out how to open stupid-wrapped-cds? wait. no one buys those anymore do they?)
# posted by Anonymous nancy (aka money coach) : 20 February, 2008 17:51