Why are some packages difficult to open?
Design of a package is a compromise between essential protection of the contents, e.g. extra robustness or airtight seals, and easy and convenient use including ease of opening. A really well-designed pack is one that strikes an effective balance between these two requirements. The degree of success varies with the nature of the package. A few packs in some batches will be more difficult to open and a number may be virtually impossible to open. However, this is usually because of a fault in the packaging machine or the quality control rather than the pack design. Manufacturers are increasingly aware of the special 'openability' problems encountered by customers with physical disabilities, and efforts to improve matters by better quality control will benefit all users.
