The main impact of most detergents is the use phase. Unilever found through user centred research studies that their customers tended to use more washing detergent than needed to ensure a good result [1].

To counteract this practice, they designed 'tablets' which prescribe the correct amount of detergent to use - reducing the amount of detergent consumed and chemicals disposed of (Unilever reported a 53,000 tonne reduction in 1999) whilst increasing the efficiency of the wash, ensuring ease of use and maintaining performance.

By moving from powder to tablets Unilever reduced the amount of packaging material by 29% per wash [2].