Child Resistant Closures in Home Care Products

Child resistant closures (CRC) have become a critical safety feature in the packaging of household cleaning chemicals, reflecting decades of innovation. The introduction of the first CRC cap in 1967, known as the “Palm ‘n Turn,” marked a turning point in packaging safety. The cap met the requirements of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act and drastically slashed the incidence of poisonings. 

Safety as the Primary Concern 

Household cleaning products are the second most common cause of unintentional poisoning in children under six years old in the United States1. Because of this, child resistant packaging is now required for many common household chemicals, including cleaners, under U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. These closures are designed to make it significantly more difficult for children to access toxic substances, resulting in a reduction of the risk of accidental ingestion.  

Types of CRC Caps 

There are numerous options to suit various applications for child resistant closures, with a robust selection available through MRP Solutions as a child resistant caps manufacturer. The different mechanisms for child resistant closures generally fall into a few categories: 

• EZ-Safe® 
• Push down and turn (PDT)
• Pictorial push down and turn 
• Smooth finish (Sleek CR® line)
• Chem lock tab 

Market Trends  

Transparency: Today’s consumers expect brands to be open about their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing practices. This push for transparency not only builds trust but also reinforces a brand’s commitment to corporate responsibility. 

Personalization: There is growing interest in products tailored for specific needs, such as sensitive skin or specific cleaning challenges. 

Multi-Functionality: There is a noticeable shift toward multipurpose cleaning products that can tackle various surfaces and cleaning needs. These all-in-one solutions are increasingly popular, as they offer greater convenience, efficiency, and simplicity for busy households.2 

Functional Considerations When Selecting a Child Resistant Closure 

• Ergonomics for adults: The ergonomic features such as textured surfaces for an easier grip, or even a larger opening that uses a larger cap, can make it easier for older adults to apply the force or complete the motions necessary to open the cap, especially for older adults who might struggle with physical limitations or strength when opening packaging. 
• Durability: The CRC cap needs to be durable enough to withstand repeated opening and closing, as well as attempts by a child to force it open. This durability needs to extend to the variety of different environments the package will encounter, including temperatures and humidity or jostling during shipping and storage. 

The Plastic Industry Practices Sustainability  

The plastics industry continues to make strides towards greater sustainability. MRP Solutions takes advantage of recyclable Polypropylene, and available Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) resin. Child Resistant Closures using 100% PCR are available for both inner and outer components and have been successfully protocol tested in several different cap sizes for CRCs. 

This offers several benefits impacting the environment and resource conservation, points that can resonate with the consumer audience. Environmentally, using PCR in child resistant caps helps control the amount of waste deposited in landfills, reducing the need to extract or form new materials. 

A recent published study on global green purchasing habits surveyed 15,000 consumers across Europe and the Americas. The findings revealed that nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents consider it important for the products they buy to contain recycled materials. This preference is particularly pronounced among younger consumers: 60% of those aged 18 to 24 are willing to pay up to 10% more for products with sustainable packaging. In contrast, only 47% of consumers aged 55 to 64 and 44% of those over 65 expressed the same willingness to pay a premium for sustainability.3

Regardless of the material used, CRC caps supplied by MRP Solutions undergo the same safety testing and certification as virgin plastic. 

Working With a Domestic Supplier for CRC Closures 

MRP Solutions operates three facilities to manufacture its products within the United States. Working with a domestic child resistant caps manufacturer for plastic closures can offer several benefits, including: 

• Compliance with U.S. regulations: Child resistant caps are regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and MRP Solutions can ensure its closures meet governmental standards and regulations. 
• Access to high-quality materials 
• Faster turnaround times: MRP’s domestic footprint allows for shortened lead times and avoids the shipping delays associated with suppliers located in other parts of the world and backlogs due to supply chain issues. 
• Ease of collaboration: MRP Solutions offers in-house design and tooling capabilities for custom closures and designs, and a domestic location helps assist with new project collaboration. 

MRP Solutions supplies the industry’s most comprehensive collection of child resistant closures available, with sizes from 20 mm to 89 mm in any color. Embossing options can either help illustrate proper cap opening procedures, or other messaging, such as brand identification or warning labels, to help reduce manufacturer liability. Regardless of your cap and closure specifications, ask MRP Solutions to find the right combination of style and safety to protect your product and protect your audience. Call us or visit our website today: https://www.mrpcap.com/,  or request samples directly from our website. 

Sources:

1 Unintentional pediatric exposures to household cleaning products: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Poison Data System (2000–2015) – PMC 

2 Top Home Care Trends Shaping Laundry, Dish Care, and Cleaning in 2025 

3 Sustainable Packaging By the Numbers