Child-Resistant Pharmaceutical Packaging: Advancing Safety, Compliance, and Sustainability

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine analyzed over 3,000 cases of accidental medication overdoses in children under 18. It revealed a troubling trend: 95% of emergency visits for medication-related poisonings were due to children ingesting medications while unsupervised.

This underscores the critical role child-resistant (CR) pharmaceutical packaging plays—not just in protecting medication, but in protecting lives. Modern pharmaceutical packaging must go beyond basic containment. It must actively prevent accidental access by children, while remaining accessible for adults, especially seniors or those with limited dexterity.

Why Child-Resistant Packaging Matters

Global regulatory agencies—including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Health Canada—mandate strict requirements for child-resistant pharmaceutical packaging. But meeting the standard is just the beginning. Effective CR packaging requires:

• Advanced engineering
• User-centered design
• Thorough regulatory testing

Keystone: Industry Leader in Child-Resistant Pharmaceutical Packaging

For decades, Keystone Folding Box Co. has been at the forefront of child-resistant packaging innovation. Our packaging solutions are engineered for:

• Maximum safety
• Ease of use
• Environmental sustainability

By integrating recyclable materials, secure locking mechanisms, and clear patient instructions, Keystone helps pharmaceutical brands ensure safety, support compliance, and reduce plastic waste.

Features of Effective Child-Resistant Packaging

At Keystone, we design with both safety and accessibility in mind:

• Secure Access Controls – Reclosable designs and intuitive push-and-slide mechanisms restrict unintended access.
• Single-Dose Blister Packaging – Unit-dose formats limit exposure, ensuring children cannot access multiple pills.
• Tamper-Resistant Construction – Our reinforced materials resist punctures and tears to prevent accidental breaches.

All Keystone packaging solutions meet or exceed F=1 child-resistance ratings—the industry’s highest standard.

Designed for Adults, Safe for Children

While safety is paramount, accessibility is also essential. Our child-resistant pharmaceutical packaging includes:

• User-friendly opening features designed for seniors and patients with dexterity issues.
• Clear, printed instructions to encourage proper usage and dosing.
• Accessibility testing to remove obstacles for patients while maintaining safety for children.

Our Solutions: Reliable, Sustainable, and Regulatory-Compliant

Ecoslide-RX® – Child-Resistant Prescription Packaging

A sustainable, secure alternative to traditional prescription bottles:

• Push-and-slide locking system
• 100% recyclable paperboard structure
• Spacious design for branding and dosing information

Ecoslide-OTC™ – CR Packaging for Over-the-Counter Medications

A cost-effective, eco-conscious solution for non-prescription meds:

• Lightweight, space-saving design
• Child-resistant push-and-slide opening
• Fully compliant with CR safety standards

Leading the Industry in Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging

Keystone sets itself apart by prioritizing environmental responsibility in every package:

• 100% recyclable, biodegradable paperboard designs
• Minimal use of plastics
• Increased integration of renewable materials

Partner with Keystone to Protect Patients and the Planet

Child-resistant pharmaceutical packaging is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a vital safety measure that protects families and supports brand integrity. As safety regulations grow stricter and consumers demand greener solutions, Keystone offers innovative CR packaging that delivers on all fronts.

• Safety
• Compliance
• Sustainability

Contact Keystone Folding Box Co. today to learn how our child-resistant packaging solutions can safeguard your pharmaceutical products—and the people who use them.