Innovative Packaging

August 19, 2013 (WPVI) -- We've all been there: fighting to get a package open. Or trying to get the last drop out of a bottle.

When you consider that manufacturers spend more than $150 billion a year on packaging, you might wonder why more products aren't user-friendly.

Consumer Reports has some good news! Here is some innovative packaging that's solved some problems.

In the kitchen, forget rummaging for a cleaner. Windex Touch-Up is designed to sit on the counter. A single tap gets you just the amount you neednothing wasted.

Clorox Clean-Up engineers came up with this simple solution to spray bottles where you can't get everything out. The "straw" goes down the side of the bottle to the very bottom, so that you can reach every drop.

And when it comes to messy medicines with missing caps, Neosporin has a better idea. Neo to Go is a neat little dispenser that delivers a single dose. And it can't make a mess in your purse.

Other packaging pluses:

Olivari olive oil has a no-drip spout that keeps the oil from dripping down the side. Better Oats oatmeal pouch saves you a step. Pour out the oats and fill to the water line.

No measuring cup needed. And good news for Fido. His food won't go stale with the package from Hills. It has a Velcro close that keeps the bag shut tight.

Some of those products can cost more than the older version. But it may be worth it for added convenience, reduced waste, and reduced annoyance.

Consumer Reports gets complaints just about every day about bad packaging. If you find one that's driving you crazy, send an e-mail to: Sellingit@CRO.Consumer.org .

Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports' website.

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lifestyle, consumer reports, consumer news, nydia han

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