Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use
Published on: July 24, 2021
Openability of soft drinks PET packagings.
Danilo Corrêa Silva1, Luis Carlos Paschoarelli, José Carlos Plácido da Silva
1Department of Design, Paulista State University, Av. Eng. Luiz Edmundo C. Coube 14-01, Vargem Limpa, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. danilo@idemdesign.net
Many PET bottles are difficult to open due to required torque force, posing challenges for a significant number of users. This study introduces a simple test to assess opening forces and predict user accessibility issues.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Human Factors Engineering
- Consumer Product Design
Background:
- Packaging accessibility studies are limited in Brazil.
- Many consumer products present opening challenges.
- Difficulties include non-informative labels, tricky seals, and high force requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a simple test for determining the torque force required to open PET bottles.
- To predict the proportion of users unable to open these containers.
- To highlight packaging accessibility issues in the Brazilian market.
Main Methods:
- Development of a straightforward torque test for PET bottle caps.
- Analysis of force requirements to quantify opening difficulty.
- Estimation of user populations with insufficient grip strength.
Main Results:
- A significant number of users are unable to open PET bottles.
- Many users experience difficulty exerting the necessary torque force.
- The developed test effectively predicts potential accessibility barriers.
Conclusions:
- PET bottle cap torque is a critical factor in packaging accessibility.
- A substantial user segment faces challenges with current PET bottle designs.
- Further research and design considerations are needed to improve universal packaging access.
More Related Videos
07:07Controlled-release of Chlorine Dioxide in a Perforated Packaging System to Extend the Storage Life and Improve the Safety of Grape Tomatoes
Published on: April 7, 2017
05:48Low-cost Polyethylene Terephthalate Lamination Microfluidics Designs for Multiplexed Zebrafish Imaging
Published on: September 27, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Bioplastics
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
Physical Properties Affecting Solubility
As for any solution, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is affected by the attractive intermolecular forces between solute and solvent species. Unlike solid and liquid solutes, however, there is no solute-solute intermolecular attraction to overcome when a gaseous solute dissolves in a liquid solvent since the atoms or molecules comprising a gas are far separated and experience negligible interactions. Consequently, solute-solvent interactions are the sole...
Formulation and Manufacturing Process: Physical Attributes of Generic Tablets and Capsules
Microbes in Beverage Production