Certification you can trust
Independent Certification that highlights products and packaging designed to be easier to open and use.
We offer two Certification programs. Easy to Open identifies packaging that has been tested and shown to be simpler to open. Ease of Use identifies products that have been tested and found easier to handle and use in everyday life.
Helping everyone enjoy easier-to-use products and packaging
Both programs are designed to support people living with arthritis, but accessible design can also help many others who experience reduced hand strength or dexterity. This includes people living with disability, our growing ageing population, and anyone who may at times find standard packaging difficult to open, hold, or use.
Products and packaging that display these Certification logos must pass a structured testing process and receive Arthritis Australia Board approval. This gives shoppers, health and aged care services, and industry partners confidence that accessibility claims are backed by independent assessment, not just marketing language
How the program works
Easy to open
Easy to Open Certification is for packaging. It helps consumers identify packaging that is easier to open and helps brands show that accessibility has been properly tested on pack and online.
Ease of use
Ease of Use Certification is for products. It helps consumers identify products that are easier to handle, use and interact with in normal daily use.
Why certification matters
Why it matters to users
Certification makes shopping simpler. It gives people a clearer way to identify products and packaging that may better suit their needs, especially when hand pain, reduced grip strength or limited dexterity make everyday tasks harder.
It also helps address a common problem: many products use terms like “easy-open” or similar claims without independent evidence. Arthritis Australia’s Certification programs were created to give consumers a trusted standard they can rely on.
Why it matters for industry
Certification gives organisations a credible way to show their commitment to inclusive and accessible design. It can strengthen consumer trust, support product differentiation and show that design decisions have been tested with people who have real lived experience of accessibility barriers.
It also provides a structured pathway. Testing combines scientific and consumer input, generates detailed feedback, and can highlight opportunities to improve design before Certification is awarded.
The testing process
How Certification is achieved
To achieve Certification, products and packaging must go through consumer testing and review. Testing is designed to assess accessibility in a structured way and provide practical feedback on usability.
Current program information says this testing is a comprehensive design audit that combines scientific and consumer testing. It is conducted through the Intuitive Design Applied Research Institute, and passing this stage is the first step toward Certification.
What industry should know
- Testing supports both packaging and products
- Certification starts with successful testing
- Board approval is required before Certification is granted
- Detailed reporting can help guide design improvements
The impact of major giving
Find Certified products and packaging
Browse Arthritis Australia certified products and packaging that are designed to be easier to use and open.
Bring Certification into your design process
Explore testing and Certification pathways for products and packaging, and connect with the Accessible Design Division.
Contact our team on 02 9518 4441 or email design@arthritisaustralia.org.au.