This month’s roundup of new household goods launches sees that scented products have been given a makeover, with new launches providing innovative elements. These include a tumble dryer freshener that sticks to the dryer drum and an undercover bed fragrancer that keeps sheets fresh for longer. These launches highlight the fact that home fragrance remains an important consumer concern.

In the US, Procter & Gamble has launched the Bounce Dryer Bars, which consist of tumble dryer fresheners that come in a bar format and attach to the inside of the dryer drum. Designed as a long lasting alternative to dryer sheets, the bars are said to last for up to four months. This is an interesting idea that appears to have been borrowed from the toilet bowl cleaning market, in which Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel from S.C. Johnson is a similar concept.

Also designed to make laundry smell better is Secret Scentsations Bed Bouquet Undercover Fragrance, which has recently been launched in the US by Secret Scentsations. The product consists of a scented pad that is designed to be placed on a mattress, providing bed linen with a pleasant fragrance for up to 30 days. This could be a hit with students and other individuals who do not have the time or inclination to change their bed linen on a regular basis.

Another fragrance product recently introduced to the US market is the Bright Air Lasting Impressions Air Freshener Infused with Natural Oils from Bright Air. This air freshener is designed to be more attractive than conventional products of its type, being presented in a glass diffuser that is touted as complementing most interiors. Both the diffuser and the scent that it emits are designed to invigorate users’ senses and enhance their surroundings.

Meanwhile, Biotech Medical has launched the SpectraSan 24 Disinfectant Spray in the US, which is described as a cleaner that can provide 24-hour protection against household germs, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. The product is said to be odorless and to cause no skin irritations, utilizing the active ingredient silver dihydrogen citrate. The 24-hour residual effectiveness claim appears to be unique, as is the silver dihydrogen citrate formulation.

Another new product using silver technology is the Dai Dong Tien Plastic Sina Nano Silver Storage Box. Launched in Vietnam by Dai Dong Tien Corporation, this consists of an antibacterial storage box that is designed to hygienically store food, preventing bad smells and germs from developing in the box. The use of silver as an antibacterial agent appears new to the storage box category.

Over in Ecuador, the Polipack Green Wrap Oxo Biodegradable Plastic Wrap has recently been launched by Polipack Cia. This is a plastic wrap that is designed to be more environmentally friendly than conventional wraps, being made from biodegradable material. This could appeal to ethically minded consumers concerned about the environmental impact of wraps made from foil or polythene.

Datamonitor: Household Products: Global Industry Guide

Datamonitor: Global Household Products to 2012