The great laundry powder swindle. Perhaps?

Lwebbj on 28/03/2009 - 21:04

Ive been wondering, ever since I noticed the co-ordinated competitor brands and retails shrinking the packaging of laundry powders.

Woolworths and Coles are both running promos about it, as well as each brand. eg: http://www.woolworths.com.au/laundry.asp

Does anyone know why they are really doing this? It certainly cant really be to "save packaging and thus the environment" if that was really the case, other companies would do something about their exessive packaging on 90% of products in supermarkets.

Im inclined to think smaller sized boxes (claiming to be double strenght at the same price as the old size box) will still get used quicker by customers who subconsiously think they need more powder than the little scoop suggests?

Call me a cynic - but I just dont buy it. Any thoughts?

General Discussion

Comments

  • aldog on 28/03/2009 - 21:25

    Exactly - how come they didn't think of this years ago? I'm sceptical of it all.

  • webbj on 28/03/2009 - 22:02

    Whilst doing some further reading, I noticed this quote on the omo.com.au website (spruiking their new ultra concentrate solution):

    "…Less chemicals in every pack ^"…

    And checking the fine print:

    "…^ Compared to previous Concentrate formula. Savings based on 2009 annual forecast versus same period 2008 sales volumes…"

    Unless im mistaken, they are actually stating that they are 'watering down the product, whilst selling it for the same price!

    At least they are honest (semi) I suppose.

  • RockSteady on 30/03/2009 - 16:11

    Less packaging costs less to produce - and means less trucks to deliver the smaller packaging, so that costs less in transport as well. The positive impact on the environment would be true, but really only a by-product on saving on packaging and transport.

  • interiordesigns on 30/03/2009 - 18:47

    i have used the smaller packaging and i believe it is exactly the same as the big in concentrate…i dont think it is watered down or if it is its not noticable.

  • webbj on 30/03/2009 - 20:22

    I did some googling, and it seems that this has happened also in the last couple of years in the USA. Apparently its actually the retailers (hence their supporting of the idea) that push the concept - so they can minimize shelf space of these bulky items. I guess that makes sense - and I have no problem with it IF its not watered down.

    The omo quote is somewhat unclear though and im curious with whats gone on there…

    In any case, we purchased plenty of 'bargain' powder over the last few weeks on clearance whilst the supermarkets were getting rid of their old "less ultra concentrate" stock. I wont need to purchase any for a while!

    • [Deactivated] on 12/04/2009 - 15:42

      Nice insight into this new phenomenon - makes a lot of sense - while we can reduce packaging, the real motivator is the shelf real estate. funny they dont share that benefit with us - ie greater price reduction.

  • Raz on 31/03/2009 - 11:46

    What sort of prices did you pay. I bought Radiant 15 kg pack for about $34 dollars from Big w. Are you getting any better?

  • webbj on 01/04/2009 - 11:21

    We did slightly better than that (although I did notice that price at BigW the day after we bought ours).

    Thanks to the woolies unit pricing for doing the maths for me - we paid $1.47 a kilo. For 2kg boxes of DUO (cant remember exactly which product).

    That was clearance price however when they were getting rid of the old 'non-concentrate' stuff.

  • alexportnoy on 07/04/2009 - 21:30
    -1

    WEST GOSFORD (NSW), next to Officeworks, has a general goods warehouse clearance store.

    It's selling XYLO Washing Powder (MADE IN INDIA) - 20 Kilograms for $20.

  • EyesOnMei on 15/04/2009 - 22:42

    I work at one of the 2 retail conglomerates and here are my personal thoughts…
    A few reasons this hasn't happened earlier:
    a) They've alwas been available in concentrate, but people were sceptical
    b) People are a bit more environmentally aware and willing to pay to be 'green' than before. Its hard to shake the consumer sentiment that bigger/seemingly more for money is better. This is finally changing a bit more to make it a strong business case
    c) The 2 main supermakets have been too busy fixing other things than to worry about little things. Their environmental policies are becoming a bit more important to edge each other out slightly and improve brand image now.

    I have used both. I like it. Works just as well if not better than normal versions or the large concetrates. And if you're low on space, (ie live in an apartment) the smaller packaging helps HEAPS! Especially if you like to stock up when things are on special :)

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