Household cleaners are delving deeper into the areas of portability and convenience. According to the Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), there are a bevy of new products creating new ways to make household chores easier around the globe.

In the United States, The Dial Corp.’s Soft Scrub brand has received a long-overdue makeover. Soft Scrub with Bleach Anti-Bacterial Cleanser is now available in an inverted squeeze bottle—a 24-oz plastic package equipped with a special membrane to prevent messes and spillage that also offers better ergonomics for the consumer as well as storage benefits. This introduction demonstrates how the inverted bottle format, which first gained popularity in the skin and hair care industries, is beginning to gain ground in the household product arena as well.

Convenience packaging is also expanding usage occasions for the category. Canada’s Bluepath Industries has developed Bacteria Blast Office Surface Instant Sanitizer, a portable sanitizing product designed for use in the office and beyond. This new product, available in a slim 1.62-oz bottle that can be tucked in a purse or pocket, reportedly kills 99.9 percent of harmful bacteria on contact. Its LDPE bottle has a pump spray dispenser and an injection-molded press-on overcap.  

Multi-purpose cleaners—and their multi-chambered packages—have also continued to enjoy growth around the globe. Quick N’ Brite Multicleaner from Denmark, for instance, offers consumers the option of free pouring the liquid or dispensing a pre-measured amount. The package features two dosing chambers, with one chamber providing the option of exact measurement. When the bottle is squeezed, the dosing chamber fills with the amount of liquid necessary for proper cleaning. Dual-chambered packaging has been seen in the skincare arena for some time and seems to have a multitude of applications.

Ease in product handling also continues to be a priority for many of the category’s large and unwieldy packages. Carolin Outdoor Surface Cleaner from Belgium recently launched an HDPE bottle with an integrated handle, molded grip, and injection-molded cap to offer consumers better handling and dispensing convenience. BP

The Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) tracks new product launches, trends and innovations internationally. For additional information regarding GNPD, visit www.gnpd.com or call Mintel International at 312.932.0600.