Wrap Rage

A major newspaper in the U.S. city where I live recently reported, "British researchers blame "Wrap Rage" for more than 60,000 injuries in that country." The article went on to say, "In 2004, a writer for The Times of London described the CD as the crucible of wrap rage, whose old cardboard box was replaced by a zip strip. The answer to our unwrapping prayers! Yet 12 years later, a pull-tab torn off in hand, we are still chewing through plastic like wild dogs."

I've occasionally sliced a finger on the edge of a plastic package, and I've managed to scatter the contents of a potato chip bag about the room. A company that makes my favorite cough drops provides a bag that's resealable, but the initial opening can be frustrating as the perforated portion never quite comes off all the way. It usually takes three or more attempts to completely open the bag.

I've acquired the habit of reaching for the scissors rather than a razor blade or a sharp-pointed knife when opening a new package. Past experience has taught me that introducing some tools into the situation can only increase the risk of injury when dealing with a hard-to-open packaging.

The worst packages to open are children's toys, especially on holiday mornings. Parents are half asleep, the children are impatient, and even after opening the package, you're likely to encounter a host of wire or plastic ties employed to prevent theft. Often, freeing the toy from its packaging without destroying the item is a challenge.

"We've put people on the moon," as the old saying goes, so it seems as though someone could design a package that would protect the contents, without preventing the consumer from getting to it.