Energizer Introduces Child-safe Packaging
In an effort to reduce the occurrence of children ingesting coin-sized button batteries and the associated medical complications, Energizer has launched a new, child-resistant packaging made from more durable and flexible materials. The packaging’s transition to retailers is expected to be completed by the holiday season.
Energizer has added easily understood icons on the front of the package to let parents know to keep the batteries away from small children, along with detailed warning copy indicating the danger of ingestion and how to get help if the batteries are swallowed.
“The incidence and severity of button cell battery ingestion is on the rise and not only did we want to bring visibility to what is an invisible threat in many homes, but we made a commitment to work toward both technology and packaging solutions that can save lives,” said Stacey Harbour, director of marketing, U.S. Batteries for St. Louis-based Energizer. “The new child-resistant packaging can help prevent ingestion and is a big step in the right direction.”
In addition to improving both coin battery packaging and associated warnings, Energizer supports the National Capital Poison Center’s research to prevent and treat battery ingestion and help consumers and doctors treat battery ingestion emergencies. The Center also advocates for other electronics companies to address the problem by developing child-resistant battery compartments.
Energizer has also partnered with Safe Kids USA to launch “The Battery Controlled,” a campaign designed to raise awareness through advertising, printed materials and videos with important prevention and treatment tips for parents, caregivers, safety advocates and the medical community.
“While children usually swallow coin cell batteries they obtain directly from products or find left out or discarded, child-resistant packaging that meets the strict CPSC regulations has the potential to eliminate up to 11 percent of coin cell battery ingestions,” said Dr. Toby Litovitz of the Washington, D.C.-based National Capital Poison Center. “We hope this effort mobilizes all device and battery companies to identify and implement ways to reduce both the incidence of battery ingestion and the severity of the damage that can occur when these cells are swallowed.”
Energizer’s new packaging meets guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.