Six in ten consumers surveyed struggle to open or close conventional glass jars, according to new research commissioned by Sonoco, highlighting the importance of accessibility in everyday packaging.

As Europe’s population ages, the need for inclusive design is becoming increasingly relevant. According to Eurostat, 22% of the EU population was aged 65 or over in 2025, compared with 17% in 2005. For people living with reduced hand strength or dexterity, easier-to-use packaging can be life-changing, supporting greater independence. For others, it simply makes everyday life more convenient.

Conducted by independent research firm, Kadence International, among 162 consumers in France and the UK, the study also found that 81% would be more likely to purchase products featuring Sonoco’s easier-to-open Orbit closure following hands-on testing. The findings suggest that accessibility is not just relevant to specific consumer groups, but can also influence broader consumer preferences and offer opportunities for brands.

At Sonoco, understanding people’s needs and translating them into meaningful solutions has been integral to the company’s innovation process for decades. Orbit embodies this approach, making vacuum-sealed glass jars easier to open through a two-part metal closure that reduces opening torque by up to 50% compared with conventional alternatives.

Kadence’s research provides further evidence of its usability. When comparing the 82mm Orbit closure with a conventional twist-off alternative, 100% of participants found Orbit easier to open, 97% said it required less strength and 96% considered it easier to use than the closures on jars they normally purchase.

For people with reduced hand function, these improvements can make a fundamental difference. In September 2026, Orbit received the Swedish Rheumatism Association’s ‘Easy to use’ certification, following independent testing involving people with varying levels of hand strength and dexterity. By placing real users at the centre of the assessment, the certification recognises products that meet high standards of usability and accessibility.

Just days later, Orbit won the inaugural User-Friendly Packaging category at the PackNorth Award 2026, presented at Empack in Stockholm on 30 September. Introduced following an initiative by the Swedish Rheumatism Association, the award reflects growing industry attention to inclusive packaging design.

Beyond these distinctions, some of the most meaningful recognition has come directly from consumers. Following the award, Sonoco received messages thanking the company for the difference Orbit could make to their lives or those of their loved ones. One participant in the Association’s testing programme explained that she had previously relied on her son to open jars, often having to wait until he was available. With Orbit, she could open them independently. Her experience illustrates what inclusive packaging can mean in practice: not simply greater convenience, but greater freedom in everyday life.

“The real value of Orbit goes far beyond the technology itself,” said Philippe Cazeaux, vice president commercial, Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA. “Hearing how something as simple as opening a jar can transform someone’s daily life reminds us why we innovate.

“We are seeing growing interest from brands, particularly private labels across Europe, which recognise the importance of making everyday products accessible to more people. The ‘Easy to use’ certification independently validates these benefits and helps brands make them visible to consumers.”

While ease of use is not always apparent on the shelf, independent certification can help consumers identify more accessible packaging before purchase.

Following Orbit’s certification, Sonoco encourages brands adopting the closure to contact the Swedish Rheumatism Association directly to explore licensing its ‘Easy to use’ mark for display on their packaging. These arrangements also support the Association’s work on behalf of people living with rheumatic diseases.

“We are grateful to the Swedish Rheumatism Association and everyone involved in the testing,” added Cazeaux. “Their contribution brings real consumer experiences into packaging innovation and helps make accessibility a more visible consideration for brands and consumers alike.”