An often overlooked case sealing issue that many organizations face is damage due to sharp instruments. Something as simple as a knife or other sharp object can wreak havoc along the supply chain.

One risk related to knife cuts is product damage. This may cause items to be deemed unsaleable, resulting in costly returns. The Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Marketing Institute estimate that damaged product and other unsaleables cost consumer packaged goods manufacturers $15 billion annually or 1 to 2 percent of a manufacturer’s gross sales.

Another risk related to the use of a knife to open cartons is personal injury.  The costs associated with just one cut or laceration are astronomical when you factor in direct costs such as worker’s compensation payouts and healthcare, and indirect costs such as wages paid related to lost time or work stoppage, and time and money spent on worker replacement.

Check out the infographic below for more on the risks of opening cartons with a knife. And, see how you can eliminate the knife from the equation at rhbopptape.com.