Convenience features such as ease of opening and reclose can play a major role in enhancing export prospects - as well as domestic sales - as participants in a new Danish project are discovering.

The Danish Technological Institute (DTI) is co-ordinating a programme that aims to establish openability guidelines for industry. Some manufacturers, such as project partner and Danish Crown company Tulip, have already made changes in this area.

At a recent DTI-organised conference, director of the Danish Food and Drink Federation Ole Linnet Juul was among those who highlighted the implications of an ageing population in Europe. Research shows, he said, that around 40% of consumers have problems with opening packaging.

"Ease of opening will be important for exports, too, and product managers understand that," said Juul.

He cited Tulip's salami packs as an example of a redesign that has significantly boosted sales. In fact, said the company, the move was more about protecting markets than creating new ones.

"We've kept our customers, and have had positive feedback since then," said product development manager, Bent Dahlgaard of the pack, which also incorporates a reseal zipper. "The previous pack was difficult to unpeel and, once it was open, the sausages needed to be repackaged."