Household cleaners prove less is more

Wonder Tablitz Corp., Walpole, MA, is performing a sustainability sleight-of-hand with a new line of household cleaning and deodorizing products that yields 96 oz of liquid product per each empty 32-oz bottle sold. Scheduled to launch in mid-October, the Wonder Tablitz™ line of four cleaning solutions relies on the company's patented effervescent tablet technology and a custom spray bottle that holds tablet refills to provide consumers with an environmentally friendly and effective cleaning system, the company says.

The line was developed by the Schultz family, former owners of the Gonzo® line of stain removers. According to Wonder Tablitz partner Andrew Schultz, the company was attracted to the convenience aspects of tablet-style cleaners, as well as to the environmental implications of concentrated and refillable cleaners. "From an environmentally smart standpoint, 18 months ago when we began developing the product, fuel was already extremely expensive," he says. "So coming up with a package that would reduce the footprint of our product was very compelling."

Refill cavity

To provide consumers with a complete "cleaning system," the company created a patented bottle with a recessed, 3.5" x 1.25" x 0.25" cavity in the front panel that houses three tablets in a polyvinyl chloride blister. The refills are held in the cavity by a resealable label that allows them to be stored until use. A second unique feature of the proprietary high-density polyethylene bottle, according to Schultz, is a 28-mm opening on the side of the bottle fitted with a screw cap that allows consumers to easily fill the bottle from a faucet after adding the effervescent tablet. A standard trigger-spray dispenser from an unnamed supplier tops the bottle.

Cleaner shipped empty—no water

Among the environmental benefits of the product and package cited by Wonder Tablitz Corp. are reduced carbon dioxide emissions and less waste sent to landfills. Because water is added to the bottle after the product is purchased by the consumer, the bottles weigh less during shipping, requiring less fuel to transport. And, since each bottle represents three 32-oz bottles, 66% less plastic waste is sent to the landfills, Schultz explains.

The first four products in the Wonder Tablitz line-Glass & Multi-surface Cleaner, Citrus All Purpose Cleaner, All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach, and Fabric Refresher & Odor Eliminator-will be sold in large specialty and hardware retail stores, in grocery stores, and through catalogs, as well as on the company's Web site, www.wondertablitz.com. The retail cost of $5.99 is an approximate 50% savings over 96 oz of competitive product, according to the company.