Accessible Packaging Roundup
Today, there is a growing trend in the packaging industry toward inclusive and accessible design. And it’s about time – really past time – for products with accessible packaging to be the norm on store shelves, not the exception!
Accessible packaging that is easy to open and handle is a win for consumers and a win for brands. It’s essential for enhancing consumer experience and satisfaction, strengthening brand loyalty and customer retention, and increasing market reach. In a nutshell, when product packaging is accessible, consumers get a great experience, and brands rack up more sales.
Brands are increasingly realizing the universal benefits of inclusive, accessible product packaging and are revamping their packaging to make it easier for everyone to use.
Here’s a roundup of some of the accessible packaging innovations recently introduced by forward thinking brands:
Source: Xbox
Microsoft Xbox – Inspired by feedback from the Gaming and Disability community, Microsoft designed the Xbox Adaptive Joystick packaging with accessibility in mind. Some of the new accessible packaging features include a large base-tab to prompt an uncomplicated out-of-box experience, hinged box lid, with large loop attached for product access, a large loop for seamless cable folio access, and no twist ties on cables for simple handling. Microsoft also applied these insights to redesign and improve the accessibility of the packaging for three new Xbox Series X|S console options.
e.l.f. Cosmetics – Collaborating with world champion blind swimmer Anastasia ‘Tas’ Pagonis, e.l.f. Cosmetics launched the “Beauty For Every Eye” limited edition kit. The kit features three of Pagonis’ favorite e.l.f. products each with a scannable QR code that links to an audio recording by Pagonis describing the product, including finish and application tips. This collaboration aims to make the company’s beauty products more accessible for the blind and low-vision community.
Source: Nestlé
Mattel Barbie – Mattel partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to launch a blind Barbie for their Fashionistas line. Working with AFB, Mattel created accessible packaging for the doll, including the placement and writing of ‘Barbie’ in braille on the package.
Nestlé SMA Nutrition – SMA Nutrition recently announced the incorporation of NaviLens technology into the packaging of its entire Infant Nutrition range. Customers can use the NaviLens GO app on SMA to easily find the product they are looking for in-store and have product instructions and ingredients read aloud. According to the company, blind and partially sighted parents and caregivers can now use NaviLens on all SMA formula packs, giving them a higher level of independence when it comes to making choices regarding their children’s feeding.
Müller Yogurt & Desserts – Müller Yogurt & Desserts announced in July that the company will roll out NaviLens codes across all its branded products, increasing accessibility for blind and partially sighted (BPS) people. Dedicated NaviLens codes printed on Müller products can be scanned using the corresponding app, with audio and haptic cues allowing users to locate and center the code in the smartphone’s camera. Depending on shopper preferences, the app can either read aloud the ingredients, allergens, nutrition, and recycling information for the product, or the user can read the information on their phone using accessibility tools.
Being – The packaging of Being’s line of hair care products which recently debuted at Walmart was designed to be inclusive and accessible. Beauty Packaging reports that some of the accessible packaging features incorporated in the company’s product line include soft, easy-to-squeeze tubes that are ideal for one-handed use, a lipped-lid design on tubes and jars that makes it easier for individuals with limited dexterity to open the packaging, and high contrast labels, large typography, and tactile indicators on the bottles enhance accessibility for individuals with visual impairments and colorblindness.
Chilau Foods – Chilau Foods’ line of southern-inspired stew and boil bases topped with the easy-to-open, accessible EEASY Lid is now available at 250 Meijer stores in the Midwest. The expanded availability of these products means shoppers in the region can purchase a flavorful product line that offers a convenient and accessible jar opening experience. The EEASY Lid makes these Chilau products up to 50% easier to open than jarred products with traditional jar lids.
These companies are winning with accessible packaging. Isn’t it time for your company to adopt a winning packaging strategy?
Go for the win. Make your product packaging inclusive and accessible with the EEASY Lid.
Contact us today to learn more about the EEASY Lid – a packaging innovation designed to provide an unprecedented level of accessibility.