Chelmsford, UK-based water-soluble packaging R&D consultancy Aquasol has jointly developed with Reckitt Benckiser what the companies believe is a genuine first in dishwasher detergent product packaging. It is being used for the launch of Reckitt Benckiser's Finish Quantum dishwashing product.
“Uniquely”, it is housed within a three-compartment, water-soluble injection moulded container with 500 micron wall thicknesses, keeping the micro powder, shine gel and Powerball elements separate, yet housed within a single capsule. A water-soluble lidding film completes the package.
Users simply place a capsule in the dishwasher, without needing to remove and dispose of additional packaging, and set the wash cycle. Water dissolves the film lid and walls, releasing the active ingredients.
Aquasol claims injection-moulded, starch-based alternatives to “traditional” gelatine hard shell capsules used for “no mess” detergent products “offer numerous cost and security benefits”. While most gelatine capsule shells are made using dip moulding, followed by slow drying, the starch-based alternatives do not require this, are ready for filling straight after manufacture and are “completely sealed to ensure total product protection”. They also reportedly offer greater humidity and heat resistance than gelatine.