Product category:
Packaging, Conveyors and Materials Transfer
News Release from: MonoSol | Subject: MonoSol M-8630
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 03 November 2004
Water souble films around dishwasher
detergent
Method Products was developing a new automatic dishwasher detergent, and turned to MonoSol, the world leader in specialty water soluble films, to help achieve improved safety in consumer handling
When Method Products was developing its new automatic dishwasher (ADW) detergent, it turned to MonoSol, the world leader in specialty water soluble films, and Cloud Packaging Solutions to help achieve its vision The result: the new Method Dish Cubes, contact packaged by Cloud in water soluble film from MonoSol, which offers consumers the added convenience of a pre-measured unit dose while improving safe handling by eliminating contact between the consumer and the chemical product
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 21 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
New water soluble film improves compatibility
MonoSol, the world leader in specialty water soluble films, introduces M-8900, a new copolymer-based polyvinyl alcohol water soluble film ideal for highly acidic and highly alkaline chemicals
New edible-ingredient film from MonoSol
MonoSol, the world leader in developing and commercialising specialty water soluble films, introduces a new edible-ingredient film
"Single dose detergents are popular in Europe, and we were confident going in that the time was right for this approach to succeed in the US too.
We took the concept a step further with the elimination of toxic chemicals in the formulation of the detergent," explained Adam Lowry, co-founder and Vice President Product Development at Method.
"Since the August 2004 introduction, consumer response to our Dish Cubes has been overwhelmingly positive - sales are even stronger than we expected".
Further reading
Robot machine-tending at aerospace manufacturer
Aerospace component manufacturer Centrax has installed an ABB IRB2400L six-axis robot to investigate the feasibility of introducing fully automated machine tending to selected manufacturing processes
Global Quality Culture for Multinational
Product consistency and quality and a mandate to reduce costs spurred container manufacturer Crown Cork and Seal Co to institute quality measures that could be applied for all manufacturing sites
Control and signal processing with VisSim/DSP
HR Textron is using VisSim/DSP for the rapid prototyping of hydraulic actuator systems that control the transition from helicopter mode to aircraft mode on military aircraft
Method worked closely with the water soluble experts at MonoSol in developing the unit dose packaging format.
The top priority was compatibility between the film and the detergent to assure the long-term performance of the packaged product in differing conditions of humidity and temperature.
After MonoSol conducted Product Compatibility Testing (PCT), the team selected the MonoSol M-8630 water soluble film, which offers compatibility with Method detergents as well as fast solubility, good machinability and tear resistance.
The M-8630 is a cold water soluble film of cast polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).
The Dish Cubes are produced at Cloud Packaging Solutions, a contract packer and manufacturer of packaging equipment, using their unique continuous motion rotary drum thermoformer at the rate of 1000 pouches per minute.
The top web is MonoSol M-8630 in a thickness of 1.5 mil and the bottom web is the same M-8630 but in a thickness of 2 mil.
Unlike traditional pouches that are heat sealed, Cloud seals the water soluble film by applying a small water-based slurry to the seal area, which produces a tacky surface that allows the film to easily seal under pressure.
The top web is printed with the Method logo during the form/fill/seal process to add visual interest to the finished product.
Method, known as "people against dirty," are focused on creating more environmentally sound detergents without phosphates or bleach, while delivering products that perform as good as traditional, more toxic alternatives, if not better.
Method Dish Cubes are fully biodegradable; the water soluble film dissolves completely in the dishwasher, leaving no residue behind and no waste to be disposed of.
The Method concentrated ADW detergent, available in two appealing scents, is packed into 24g unit dose pouches.
The secondary package is a tinted PET jar that attractively showcases the Dish Cubes and stands out on market shelves.
"In evaluating suppliers, we put a lot of stock in product quality, customer service and competitive pricing.
We've been very impressed with MonoSol.
They were open to discovering new approaches and developing new products; they covered all the bases, which is what I was looking for in the relationship," Lowry concluded.
• MonoSol: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
