What Is Child-Resistant Packaging?

Child-resistant (CR) packaging is designed to be significantly difficult for children under the age of five to open within a set period of time. The goal is to prevent most young children from accessing the contents during a short testing window, while ensuring adults can still open and properly close the package.

Child-Resistant vs. Child-Proof Packaging

The term “child-proof packaging” is often used in conversation, but it is not a recognized regulatory standard. The correct term is child-resistant packaging, which reflects the true intent of these designs. No package is completely “child-proof.” Child-resistant designs are created to delay access and reduce risk, not eliminate it. 

Child-Resistant Cartons

CR packaging is not limited to bottles and caps. Folding cartons can also be engineered with integrated safety mechanisms.

Common child-resistant box designs include:

• Push-and-slide trays requiring pressure at a specific location
• Locking tabs that must be engaged simultaneously
• Multi-step opening sequences
• Hidden release points combined with structural resistance

These designs rely on coordinated movements that are difficult for young children to execute, but intuitive for adults once understood.

Because the mechanism is built into the structure, precise engineering, board selection, and manufacturing consistency are critical.

Industries That Use CR Packaging

Several industries rely on child-resistant packaging to meet regulatory requirements and reduce liability risk:

• Cannabis products
• Nicotine and vaping products
• Pharmaceuticals (prescription and OTC)
• Certain cosmetics and personal care items
• Household chemicals

As regulatory oversight expands—particularly in emerging markets like cannabis—CR packaging has become a critical component of compliance strategies.

How CR Packaging Is Certified

Certification of child-resistant packaging involves standardized, third-party testing protocols. In the United States, performance requirements are regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). Packaging must meet specific performance thresholds that demonstrate it is challenging for young children to open within a reasonable timeframe, yet usable for adults.

Child Panel Testing

Children between 42 and 51 months of age participate in controlled testing. They are given a limited amount of time to attempt to open the package without instruction. If unsuccessful, they may receive a demonstration and a second opportunity. To pass, a high percentage of children must be unable to open the package within the initial test period, and a certain percentage must still be unable to open it after demonstration.

Senior Adult Testing

Adults typically between ages 50 and 70 are tested to confirm the packaging is not overly difficult for its intended users. To pass, a large majority of adults must be able to open and properly reclose the package within the specified time frame. This testing ensures safety does not come at the expense of accessibility.

Independent Laboratory Evaluation

Testing must be performed by an accredited third-party laboratory. Internal testing alone is not sufficient for regulatory compliance.

Documentation and Compliance Requirements

Once a package successfully passes testing:

• A General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) is issued by the manufacturer 
• Suppliers provide documentation tied to the specific system tested
• Detailed records must be retained in case of regulatory review or investigation

Compliance applies to the exact configuration tested. Any modification to board grade, structural dimensions, closure components, or manufacturing tolerances could affect performance and invalidate prior certification. This is why early engineering alignment and production consistency are critical.

Designing for Safety and Manufacturability

Developing effective child-resistant packaging requires balancing:

• Regulatory compliance
• Consumer usability
• Brand presentation
• Production efficiency

It is not simply about adding a locking feature. It’s about designing an integrated system that performs reliably at scale.

For brands operating in regulated categories, investing in properly engineered and certified child-resistant packaging protects consumers, supports compliance, and reduces risk exposure.

Need a Custom CR Packaging Solution?

If you’re exploring CR options for your product, our packaging engineers can develop a custom solution tailored to your product and industry requirements.

Get the conversation started today!

When designing premium packaging, the insert inside the box is just as important as the box itself. Custom box inserts not only protect the product, they enhance the entire unboxing experience. The right solution depends on your product, brand aesthetic, sustainability goals, and how the package will be handled in transit and at retail.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common packaging insert options and when each one makes the most sense.

Paperboard Inserts

Paperboard or cardboard inserts are one of the most versatile and sustainable solutions available. They are fully recyclable and can be produced using recycled or FSC®-certified materials. Cost effective and highly customizable, paperboard inserts allow for printing, coatings, embossing, and foil stamping to align with your brand’s visual identity.

Gourmet Food Multipack

Corrugated / Cardboard Inserts

Corrugated or cardboard inserts provide added strength and durability while remaining eco-friendly and economical. These inserts can be laminated with printed paperboard to combine structural performance with high-end graphics. They are ideal for heavier products, gift sets, and multi-item kits that require additional support without sacrificing presentation.

Whiskey Gift Set

Molded Pulp Inserts

Molded pulp inserts are an increasingly popular sustainable alternative to plastic-based options. They are recyclable, can be made from recycled materials, and offer a premium, ultra-smooth surface. These inserts are custom molded to cradle products precisely while providing excellent strength and protection. They can also be laminated with printed paperboard for enhanced presentation.

Fragrance Sample Kit

Thermoformed Inserts

Thermoformed inserts provide a smooth, premium appearance and are custom formed to fit your product perfectly. They offer strong protection and are typically more budget friendly than molded pulp. This option is often chosen when clarity, precision fit, and a refined look are priorities.

Cosmetics Kit

Foam Packaging Inserts

Foam inserts for boxes offer exceptional cushioning for fragile products while maintaining a clean, premium look. They are custom fabricated for a precise fit and can be a cost-effective option when maximum protection is required.

Optics Box

Finding the Right Insert for Your Package

Each insert option offers a unique balance of sustainability, protection, aesthetics, and cost. Whether you’re prioritizing eco-friendly materials, premium presentation, or maximum durability, selecting the right insert can significantly enhance both product protection and the overall customer experience.

Engaging with your packaging partner early in the design process ensures the insert complements the structure, supports your sustainability goals, and delivers the unboxing experience your brand is known for. Get your project started by speaking with a packaging expert today!

Understanding FDA Packaging Requirements

When it comes to packaging for food and pharmaceuticals, compliance with FDA regulations is essential. These standards safeguard consumers by ensuring product safety, integrity, and accuracy from manufacturing to the point of sale.

At Wynalda Packaging, we understand the complexities of FDA packaging requirements. Our experienced team and certified facilities provide the expertise, precision, and documentation necessary to help brands meet every requirement with confidence.

FDA Food Packaging Requirements

FDA food packaging requirements govern the materials, manufacturing practices, and labeling standards used to ensure packaged foods remain safe, high-quality, and accurately represented to consumers.

Packaging Materials

Packaging materials used for direct food contact, including coatings, adhesives, inks, and substrates, must comply with Title 21 CFR Parts 174-178 and must not:

• Transfer harmful substances to food
• Alter taste, odor, or appearance of the food
• Compromise the product’s quality or shelf life

Wynalda’s team works directly with customers to select approved materials and ensure that all production and finishing processes meet FDA standards for safety and performance.

Labeling Requirements

Food packaging must also meet strict labeling regulations to ensure consumers receive accurate and transparent information.

Key FDA labeling requirements include:

• Truthful representation: All claims must be accurate and not misleading.
• Mandatory information: Labels must display the product name, ingredient list, net quantity of contents, and manufacturer or distributor name and address.
• Nutrition Facts label: Most packaged foods require an FDA-compliant nutrition panel following 21 CFR 101.9.
• Allergen labeling: Major allergens must be declared per the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).
• Imported foods: All imported food labels must meet FDA standards and appear in English.

FDA Drug Packaging Requirements

Pharmaceutical packaging is held to even more stringent standards due to its direct impact on patient safety and product efficacy.

Packaging Functionality

The FDA requires that packaging for drugs and medical devices:

• Maintains product integrity throughout its shelf life
• Provides adequate protection against contamination or degradation
• Is compatible with the drug or device (per CFR 211.94)
• Does not leach or react with its contents

Wynalda Packaging ensures compliance through validated processes, documented quality controls, and traceability from prototype to full-scale production.

Labeling Requirements

Drug packaging labels must provide complete, accurate, and legible information to meet 21 CFR 201 requirements.

Requirements include:

• Prescription drugs: Must include product identity, quantity, strength, dosage form, manufacturer details, and directions for use.
• Over-the-counter drugs: Require a “Drug Facts” panel listing active ingredients, purposes, warnings, and directions.
• National Drug Code (NDC): Every product must display its unique NDC identifier.
• Safety and accuracy: All information must be truthful, supported by evidence, and updated promptly when new safety data emerges.
• Patient information: Certain drugs require Medication Guides or Patient Package Inserts to communicate proper use and potential risks.

Production Environments

Both food and drug packaging must be produced under clean, controlled conditions and align with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations.

Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)

FDA approval depends on a manufacturer’s ability to demonstrate compliance with cGMP regulations, which establish minimum standards for the methods, facilities, and controls necessary to ensure quality, consistency, and safety. Choosing a packaging partner that adheres to these regulations and can provide complete documentation and verification of compliance is essential to achieving FDA approval.

AIB-Approved Facility

Wynalda Packaging operates an AIB-approved facility, reflecting strict adherence to standards for cleanliness, quality control, and food safety. This reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest levels of compliance for customers in regulated industries.

The FDA Packaging Approval Process

For new food or drug products, or any significant changes to existing packaging, the FDA requires production-quality printed packaging samples as part of the review process. This often involves multiple rounds of revisions, so brands benefit from working with a packaging partner capable of quick-turn, small production runs and rigorous documentation.

At Wynalda Packaging, our Design and Prepress teams are deeply involved throughout this process, refining every detail to ensure each submission meets FDA packaging requirements and helping customers efficiently navigate their respective approvals.

Achieve Compliance With Confidence

Navigating FDA packaging requirements can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Wynalda Packaging brings deep regulatory knowledge, precision manufacturing, and responsive support to work with you through the process.

Whether you need FDA-compliant food packaging or pharmaceutical cartons, our team is equipped and ready to help. Speak with a packaging expert to get your project started!

In today’s global marketplace, packaging security plays a crucial role in protecting both brand integrity and consumer safety. Counterfeit and diverted products not only threaten revenue but can also harm your reputation and consumer trust, especially when it comes to high-value or sensitive goods.

By integrating anti-counterfeit and anti-diversion strategies into your product packaging, brands can create multiple layers of protection that deter tampering, enable traceability, and provide consumers with confidence in product authenticity.

Innovative Packaging Security Applications

There are many ways to enhance the security and traceability of your packaging. Below are several proven anti-counterfeit packaging technologies that can be incorporated into folding cartons and other secondary packaging formats:

Unique Serialization

Assigning unique codes, such as serial numbers or QR codes, to each carton enables full traceability and verification at every stage of the supply chain. This helps identify where a product was made, where it’s been, and ensures only authentic goods reach the customer.

Tamper-Evident Features

Structural packaging designs can include closures or seals that show visible evidence if a product has been opened or altered. This not only deters tampering but provides immediate reassurance to consumers that their product hasn’t been compromised.

Holographic Security

Holographic elements use a metalized film to create detailed 2D and 3D images that shift in color and appearance when viewed from different angles. These distinctive, difficult-to-replicate visuals provide an immediate visual verification of authenticity.

Security & Taggant Ink

Invisible to the human eye, taggant ink—or security ink—can be printed during production and revealed only under UV light or with specialized digital readers. This hidden identifier helps brands confirm authenticity without affecting the packaging design.

RFID Technology

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags can be embedded during the packaging manufacturing process, allowing for real-time tracking and authentication throughout the supply chain. RFID enhances both security and inventory visibility.

Microtext

Microtext involves printing extremely small text that requires magnification to read. This subtle but effective anti-counterfeit packaging feature is challenging for counterfeiters to replicate and provides an added layer of protection.

Building a Multi-Layered Security Strategy

The most effective approach to packaging security combines multiple technologies. Layering visible and invisible security features makes it exponentially more difficult for counterfeiters to duplicate and provides additional checkpoints for verification throughout your distribution network.

By integrating these solutions in your packaging design process, you can strengthen your brand protection, safeguard consumers, and ensure product authenticity from production to purchase.

How Wynalda Packaging Can Help

At Wynalda Packaging, we combine advanced printing capabilities with customizable anti-counterfeit packaging technologies to help brands protect their products and reputation. From holographic foils and taggant inks to serialized printing and RFID integration, our team works with you to develop packaging that enhances both security and shelf appeal.

Ready to explore how we can elevate your packaging security? Contact us today to start a conversation.