The Benefits of Concentrated Household Cleaning Products

Concentrated household cleaning products are a rapidly growing segment of the homecare and industrial cleaning market. Consumers are seeking more sustainable and/or cost-effective cleaning solutions, so items like concentrated laundry detergent, tea tree essential oils, or plant-based cleaning solutions are increasing in demand.

In addition to environmental impact reduction and cost-savings, this market segment is also driven by the convenience of concentrated cleaning effectiveness in smaller packaging, which is just as appealing for manufacturers as it is for shoppers.  

Concentrated household cleaning product benefits

‘Ready to use’ cleaning products are sold pre-diluted to the correct strength and ready for immediate use. However, water is typically the most abundant ingredient. Concentrated cleaning products contain similar active ingredients but use significantly less water than their traditional counterparts.

For example, a ready-to-use regular detergent might use up to 80% water per load. In contrast, concentrated laundry products may use only 40% – much more eco-friendly and affordable from a modern consumer perspective. Concentrated cleaning supplies benefits include:

• Efficiency 
  Concentrated laundry products and household cleaners maintain their efficacy through potent formulations. Compared to non-concentrated cleaners, concentrated cleaning products (such as liquid laundry detergent) require smaller doses to achieve comparable cleaning effectiveness, resulting in less product usage and reduced application time. These efficiencies streamline household chores and minimise the burden on natural resources through reduced water consumption during rinsing.
• Environmental sustainability
  Concentrated household cleaning products typically use smaller packaging sizes and require less water for dilution. Concentrated formulations contribute to plastic waste reduction, less landfill waste, and carbon emissions associated with transportation.
  
  Additionally, the concentrated nature of these products minimizes the volume of chemicals entering wastewater and mitigates the ecological impact on aquatic ecosystems.
• Cost-effectiveness
  One of the most compelling arguments for adopting concentrated household products is the potential for substantial cost savings. According to a Mintel report entitled “Sustainability in Household Care – UK – 2023,” this is an economic climate where 43% of consumers describe their finances as “just okay,” so any form of economic relief is a vital benefit among shoppers. With concentrated formulations reducing the cost per load compared to traditional formulas, they are growing in importance for European households.
  
  Furthermore, the reduced packaging size and lighter weight of concentrated products result in lower shipping costs for manufacturers, which can be extended to consumers. Over time, these savings accumulate, offering households a tangible financial benefit while also promoting budget-conscious consumption.
• Consumer convenience
  Consumers have historically preferred convenience, but this trend is seeing a resurgence, likely spurred by post-COVID-19 return-to-office mandates for workers. After all, consumers want more time to spend with family or friends and less time focused on cleaning. 35% of EMEA product launches in 2022 boasted ‘ease of use’ claims.
  
  Concentrated household cleaning and laundry products offer unparalleled convenience for consumers in their usage and storage. The compact packaging requires less storage space, making it ideal for those living in apartments or with limited storage space.
  
  Additionally, the smaller bottle sizes allow for easier handling and transport, facilitate effortless replenishment, and reduce the logistical challenges of purchasing and storing bulky traditional products. The convenience factor enhances the overall user experience and encourages impactful adoption of sustainable consumption habits.

Concentrated cleaner impacts on current and future consumers

The good news for brands, producers, and – of course – the planet is that consumers are embracing concentrated household cleaning and laundry products, demonstrating a pivotal step towards a more sustainable and economically viable future. Through their enhanced efficacy, reduced environmental impacts, and cost-saving potential, concentrated formulations offer a compelling value proposition for manufacturers, consumers, and regulatory bodies alike.

By advancing household cleaning innovation and prioritizing sustainability in the space, Univar Solutions collaborates with global brands and manufacturers to find the best ingredient solutions to create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable concentrated household cleaning and laundry products.

Connect with our homecare and industrial cleaning team of ingredient specialists to learn how we can work together to discover the best formulations for your concentrated cleaning products.