The aerosol format was voted ‘best product innovation’ in two categories in a recent UK consumer survey conducted by market research firm TNS.
The air freshener category winner was Glade Sense & Spray. It features a motion sensor to spray only when required so that the fragrance is not wasted, and the product is refillable.
The motion sensor is in fact a light detector, as Dr Tom Shearmur, Technical Manager (UK & Republic of Ireland) explained to Packaging Today: “When there is movement in a room in which one of these products has been placed, the light which falls onto the sensor changes, as shadows are cast and move around the room. It is these shadows that activate the spray and set the timer going and ensure that the device does not spray automatically within 30 minutes of the previous spray. However, should extra fragrancing be required, the device has a boost button which will override the timer.
“Conversely, if the sensor does not detect any light changes, it assumes the room is empty and the device does not spray.
“Because of the way that it functions, the device comes with detailed instructions as to where to position it with respect to sources of light, in order to ensure that it performs as desired. For example, users are advised to place the unit opposite a light source so that anybody passing between the device and the light source activates the sensor.
“The sensor is clever in that it will only respond to significant and rapid light changes and not to gradual ones such as sunset or sunrise.
Though unable to elaborate on further uses of the sensor by SC Johnson, Dr Shearmur believes that the success of Glade Sense & Spray ‘will undoubtedly lead to evolutions of this product’.
In the toiletries category of the TNS survey, Gillette Series Shave Gel won for its product formulation.
