A new guide has been produced to help tackle the frustrating problem of Unintentional Product Residue (UPR).
UPR is the waste at the bottom of a pack which consumers struggle to get out or don’t even know is there.
As well as potential economic and environmental implications, consumer attitudes towards a brand may be affected if they feel cheated at being unable to get all the product out.
INCPEN has produced the guide – called ‘The Bit at the Bottom’ – following a proposal made by Boots UK to help us understand the issue. INCPEN and WRAP commissioned a study by Leatherhead Food Research which identified the reasons why UPR occurs and the steps that producers should consider to prevent it.
Leatherhead examined 362 samples covering a range of regularly used foods, cosmetics, toiletries, cleaning products and DIY products.
The guide includes suggestions on how to make it easier to extract the last bit of product, while stressing the need to ensure the packaging is exactly tailored to the product.
Jane Bickerstaffe, INCPEN director, said, “Nearly all of us will have experienced the frustration of not being able to access ‘the last bit’ of product. Many manufacturers already minimise UPR. Our guide supports their initiatives with advice on steps that can be taken in the early stages of product development.”
