Amazon Launches "Frustration-Free Packaging"

OMG, finally! We're glad to see a retailer as large as Amazon.com has taken some initiative. How many of you are frustrated by blister or clamshell style packaging such as above?

The dang things are so annoying that "how-tos" have been written about them. It's easy to get a cut from their sharp edges, so we're not surprised that articles about "safely" opening them has been written. Custom openers have even been developed. Amazon.com is, with its "Frustration-Free Packaging" project, taking a step toward eliminating not just those packs but also things like tiny SD cards packed in large boxes.

The project is starting small, with only 19 products from manufacturers including Fisher-Price, Mattel, Microsoft and Transcend. However, Amazon.com plans to expand this across their line in 2009. In their press release, Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com said:

"I think we've all experienced the frustration that sometimes occurs when you try to get a new toy or electronics product out of its package. It will take many years, but our vision is to offer our entire catalog of products in Frustration-Free Packaging. We'd like to thank Fisher-Price, Mattel, Microsoft and Transcend for working with us in this effort - we truly appreciate it."

Yes!, their entire catalog (eventually). Now that would be nice. For now, their current list of products in FF packaging is here.

Now, since we know we're not the only persons to cut their hands with the edge of an "opened" blister pack or some other such crappy packaging, can we get this message across to other retailers? Besides less injuries, it would be a heck of a lot more green.