You have probably noticed the two different kinds of cereal box closures—the tab-and-slot kind and the tab-only kind that folds under the opposite side—and if you’re intrigued by these small but indispensable design problems that the human race has solved by its dogged ingenuity, here’s a New Republic article that tells us most of all we might ever want to know about this bit of paperboard machinery.
The slotless design has most of the advantages, so writer Paul Lukas asks the obvious question:
So with the slotless design appearing to offer superior functionality and greater efficiencies, why would anyone stick with the slotted format? “Some people think the slotless version feels less secure, because there’s less overlap and less of a lock,” said Pat Shields, Director of Structural Design at the box manufacturer Rock Tenn. (He also added, “When the slot rips, at least it gives you an outlet for expletives. Hey, we’re there to serve.”) And Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor of the trade magazine Packaging Digest, said, “For flour-based products, maybe the larger overlap could help prevent insect infestation.”
So that’s what the slotted style has going for it: It offers a false sense of security, gives you an excuse to cuss, and maybe keeps the bugs out.
Related but different: If you’ve never wondered at, or been wondered by, the ingenious design of the pop can stay-on tab, this will inspire your respect: