Opening packages

Drives me nuts!

I put all carboard in the recycling. I try and remove the tape but it's not always possible to get it all off. I agree there's far too much plastic packaging and don't get me started on bubble wrap which can't be recycled. I just keep some of it for my own packaging where possible.

There are tools you can buy to help with tins and packages. There's also this tool which can cut lots of things from Must Have Ideas. Hope that helps.
musthaveideas.co.uk/products/quick-snips

Me too.
Have arthritis in my hands too.
Hate packets where there is a bubble of plastic mounted on card. Is so difficult to get in the bubble and quite often the edges of plastic are so sharp have cut my hands on occasion.

I keep good sharp scissors to hand in the kitchen at all times.
Also a gadget to pierce the vacuum on jars which then lets you open them .
Yes, I know what you mean Fallingstar, that's why Kitchen Devil scissors are so good for this problem.

I bought a floor cleaner from Amazon. The long handle was packaged as if made of glass. Even a pair of scissors didn't complete the job and at the top I have had to ;leave an area still packaged. I will be writing a review, and it will not receive 5 stars because of the ridiculous packaging.

Oh, I hate ring pulls - especially if they snap off! I always use the handle of a dessert spoon to lever the ring pull extremely carefully but it still takes some effort.

We keep an old kitchen knife specifically for the job. It works a treat.

I have problems with blister packs of tablets because of weak thumbs. The gadgets just squash the pack so I have to use a sharp knife.

I buy eco friendly laundry capsules that arrive by post. They are supposed to be easy to open but in fact are almost impossible.
I've tried writing to them but nothing changed...they said they have to be child proof ( I don't have a child) but in fact they are adult proof. I think I will cancel them and go back to supermarket ones which could be opened with scissors

glasses

I have problems with blister packs of tablets because of weak thumbs. The gadgets just squash the pack so I have to use a sharp knife.

I wondered why my thumb nail keeps splitting down one side but in fact it's probably from opening tough blister packs.

We received a medium size cardboard box today; inside was a smallish cardboard box of antiseptic wipes (as recommended by another gransnetter) and brown paper to fill up the box. The strapping tape needed a knife to cut through it.
Still, the cardboard box has come in useful for something else.

Gingerrice

I buy eco friendly laundry capsules that arrive by post. They are supposed to be easy to open but in fact are almost impossible.
I've tried writing to them but nothing changed...they said they have to be child proof ( I don't have a child) but in fact they are adult proof. I think I will cancel them and go back to supermarket ones which could be opened with scissors

They are very dangerous indeed for children in fact.

I find the bread knife gets through most packaging, but agree about the problems with mixed materials making it unrecyclable.

Trouble is that it is not only bought items that are impossible. I am sure my family have shares in sticky tape and brown parcel tape!

Not just me, then! It seems that scissors or a knife is required to open almost everything nowadays. It’s so frustrating when even paper/card packaging is closed with plastic seals. My packs of medication now come with the box ends sealed. Opening them without a sharp blade means ripping the box.