ST. LOUIS — Energizer Holdings Inc. has developed what the company called the first child-resistant packaging for coin lithium batteries.
Energizer said Monday that the new packaging, made from more durable and flexible materials that make it difficult for young children to open, is designed to reduce the incidence of ingestion of coin-size button batteries by children and the related medical complications.
In addition to deterring children from getting into the package, Energizer has added icons on the front of the package to let parents know to keep the batteries away from small children. A detailed warning on the batteries also notes the danger of ingesting coin-cell batteries and how to get help if that occurs.
The company said it expects to have nearly all of its coin lithium batteries converted to the new packaging before the holiday season.
"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," director of marketing for U.S. batteries Stacey Harbour said in a statement. "The new child-resistant packaging can help prevent ingestion and is a big step in the right direction."
Energizer noted that the repackaging is the latest step in its ongoing efforts to make batteries safer through education and research. For instance, the company said it supports the National Capital Poison Center’s research into ways to prevent and treat battery ingestion and help consumers and physicians treat battery ingestion emergencies. In addition, Energizer has partnered with Safe Kids USA to launch The Battery Controlled, a campaign designed to boost awareness through advertising, printed materials and videos with prevention and treatment tips for parents, caregivers, safety advocates and the medical community.
