2016 Overhaul: Pepper Spray Packaging

A Refreshing and Environmentally Friendly Design

During 2015, Mace Security International recognized the need to overhaul their pepper spray packaging, which had remained unchanged for many years. The company aimed to create a fresh design that not only reflected their commitment to safety and security but also embraced environmental consciousness. The new packaging design achieves all of these objectives while incorporating tamper-resistant features.

The inspiration for the design came from Mace Security International's newly updated mission statement, which emphasizes empowering individuals through safety and security. The company wanted to offer the best safety and security products to their customers, and that included packaging that reflected their stance. Additionally, the desire to be more environmentally conscious served as a significant motivator for the design overhaul. With the new packaging, Mace Security International drastically reduces their PVC footprint, a change they are excited about.

The unique properties of the design lie in its ability to combine a fresh and contemporary look with environmental friendliness. The transition from PVC clamshells to self-sealing blister cards significantly reduces plastic use. The blister cards are sealed around a molded dome, which securely holds the product in place. This tamper-resistant feature not only ensures the integrity of the product but also adds to the overall aesthetics of the packaging, projecting confidence, empowerment, and strength.

The realization of the design involves utilizing a proprietary self-sealing cohesive applied to paperboard instead of PVC clamshells. The dimensions of the packaging are 114.3mm by 225.425mm, and there are five different domes to fit various pepper spray models. The tighter fit of the domes not only enhances the packaging's tamper-resistant nature but also provides a cleaner and more visually appealing look. The transition to paperboard cards with molded domes drastically reduces the use of PVC, making the packaging more environmentally friendly.

The benefits of the packaging update are numerous. The new design allows for faster manufacturing speeds, cost savings, and labor savings. It also eliminates manufacturing issues associated with the previous packaging and provides positive marketing and branding visuals. The packaging project began in June 2014 at the Mace Security International headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Final samples were launched at the industry show, SHOT Show, in Las Vegas in January 2016. Production of the new packaging will begin in February 2016 and will be implemented as a rolling change across the various pepper spray products.

The design team, led by Jessica Adanich and Bernie Graney, faced several challenges during the creative process. The most difficult part was creating a tamper-resistant design within the existing packaging dimensions. The team tested numerous dome designs with different flange configurations before settling on a design with two flange extensions on each side and locking nubs. This locking design, combined with form-fitted domes, resulted in a solid and sealed package.

The new pepper spray packaging design has received recognition for its excellence. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2016, which recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. This award highlights the packaging's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.

The 2016 overhaul of Mace Security International's pepper spray packaging showcases their commitment to safety, security, and environmental consciousness. The tamper-resistant design, combined with cost savings and a visually updated look, ensures that customers receive a high-quality product that reflects the company's values.