In 2013 the development of child resistant cartons containing blister strips in a tray was started. Mid 2014 different sizes of Locked4Kids packaging was tested by Belgian testing institute BVI. With excellent results. A so called range certification was granted. It means that all sizes between the smallest and largest tested carton were automatically certified and there is no need to apply for certification every time a different size is demanded. Provided of course that the desired size stays within the certified range.
To become range certified, different sizes of Locked4Kids cartons were tested by the testing facilities of BVI in Belgium, a ISO 17025 certified institute. Tests with children usually takes place at infant schools and playgrounds and involves between 50 and 200 children per test. In isolated groups of 2, children are instructed to try to open the packaging, even by using their teeth if they like. Than they get 5 minutes to open the packaging spontaneously.
After the first 5 minutes a close distance demonstration on how to open the packaging is given by an auditor. Immediately after demonstration children get another 5 minutes to try to open the carton. To pass the test, no more than 15% of openings is allowed during the first 5 minutes and no more than 20% during 10 minutes.
US16 CFR 1700.20 and ISO 8317 provide a measure of the effectiveness of packagings in restricting access by children. Besides this they cover the accessibility by adults. The basis is extensive testing with children in the age of 42-51 months as well as adults between 50 and 70 years of age. Official testing can only be done by testing facilities which hold an ISO 17025 certification. Locked4Kids has been tested according to these standards.
Locked4Kids cartons have also been tested with seniors. Official testing regulations allow for a minimum level of 90%, which means that at least 90 out of 100 seniors should be able to open the child resistant cartons easily. Tests with Locked4Kids showed that all seniors (100%) were able to open the packaging easily. Even without any opening pictogram printed on the carton.
According to US regulations only immediate or primary packagings qualifies as child resistant packaging. Besides this, these packagings have to pass testing according to protocol US CFR 1700.20. To qualify as primary packaging, all packaging parts should stay connected after each opening by the consumer. Locked4Kids meets these requirements; all packaging components stay firmly connected, each time the packaging is opened and re-closed by the user.
Locked4Kids consists of a carton and a plastic tray that holds the product, e.g. medicines in blister strips. To access the product, the tray should be pulled out like a drawer. To secure child safety this only works if two hooks on the top of the carton are pressed simultaneously. Looking closely at the Locked4Kids carton, you will find two push points with hooks sticking out. These push points are located diagonally across each side of the carton. And that’s why children have difficulties opening the cartons. They simply don’t understand how it works. And if they do, they are not able to handle it physically because their hands are too small.
