CYCLE is launching its new, innovative 10X toilet cleaner concentrate , which the entire team is extremely proud of developing. Now we invite you on a behind-the-scenes journey to learn about the real challenges product developers face and the needs that bring a new product to life. It's a long journey from the emergence of an innovative idea to receiving the finished product, as Fanni Hajdú, CYCLE's Head of Product Development, tells us in more detail.
Fanni, the last few years and the COVID situation have taught us that keeping our environment clean is extremely important. Many people have also entered the cleaning product market, and now the shelves are filled with more than just the cleaning products our grandmothers used. As a product developer, what trends and demands do you see emerging from customers?
International trends show that more sustainable, recycled base and packaging materials are gaining more and more ground in the household chemicals market. Products sold as concentrates also support this development direction, with which we can contribute to an environmentally friendly lifestyle in several aspects, in line with which direction Cycle concentrates were the first products manufactured in Hungary to be launched on the market. In the summer of 2021. This provides many advantages to customers striving for an environmentally friendly lifestyle. No need to carry bags, we use 75% less plastic for packaging, less CO2 emissions during transportation and lower transportation costs. We believe that a sustainable future starts in our homes.
What challenges do these emerging consumer demands pose for product developers? What are the difficulties in creating concentrates or completely natural cleaning products?
In recent years, the growing trend towards eco-friendly products has led manufacturers to work with sustainable , naturally derived ingredients. Manufacturers and suppliers of raw materials are trying to keep up with the pace and offer alternatives that meet expectations. During the production of Cycle products, we select the raw materials and packaging materials very strictly, which also challenges us to offer customers the same product feel as its traditional counterparts, be it in terms of smell, texture, or density.
CYCLE is launching its new foaming 10X toilet cleaner concentrate, which you led the development of. How do you see this new product offering users?
Last summer, 4 Cycle cleaner concentrate products were launched on the market, but we are constantly working on developing new products to meet all customer needs. The new, innovative toilet cleaner concentrate is made in a foam format, which does not provide the user experience of the usual liquid cleaner. We strived to meet the needs of our customers and provide a novelty whose effectiveness matches that of its counterparts on the market. During product development, we conducted testing in which our customers could try the product, as a result of which we received a lot of positive feedback. The testers were very satisfied with the effectiveness of the product and were happy to use the foamy novelty, which confirmed that we are moving in the right direction.
“It was quick, easy to use and removed all the dirt.”
"It perfectly dissolved the dirt on the rim of the toilet. After waiting 1-2 minutes, you just need to wipe it off with a cloth."
“It beautifully removed stubborn dirt from the toilet that other products couldn’t.”
What is the process involved in developing a new product and what are the difficulties? What was this process like when developing the 10X toilet cleaner? What can a brand be sure of the success of its product?
Based on market feedback, we start developing a product by assessing market needs, which can take several months or even a year. Cycle cleaning products represent high quality, we do not compromise on efficiency and raw materials. This philosophy often challenges us, as we do not give up until we find the best solution that meets both our own expectations and the needs of our customers. In terms of ingredients, the biggest challenge is finding plant-based, natural, non-toxic alternatives to petrochemicals.
CYCLE already has a ready-to-use toilet cleaner, what is the difference between the newly developed product and the old cleaner? Is one better than the other, and which one would you recommend to whom?
The Cycle WC cleaner concentrate offers an innovative solution for cleaning, while its limescale dissolving ability is comparable to that of the ready-to-use Cycle WC cleaner. The concentrate has the effectiveness, fragrance, and freshness, while with its 50 ml size, we can save packaging material, CO2 emitted during transportation, and our own energy with this little novelty. We see that the new, foamy formula was enthusiastically received by our customers during the tests, so we are happy to recommend it to everyone to try and use it.
“I like the foamy consistency, I can see better where I'm spraying. It cleans nicely. It's really good that it says how to dilute it. The concentrate packaging is better.”
“The foam consistency is very good and it’s easier to clean this way.”
“It really sticks well, so it can have its effect for a longer period of time.”
When it comes to toilet cleaning – we are used to using strong chemicals. But what impact does this have on our family’s health? Can we be sure that natural cleaning products can provide the same hygiene and cleaning effect as the rather strong and effective chemicals made from petroleum derivatives?
Cycle WC cleaner concentrate is safe, non-toxic, and unlike its counterparts containing petrochemicals, it can be used without any worries, without endangering ourselves, our families, or the environment. However, this does not mean that it does not meet the needs of customers. Its effectiveness and fragrance ensure that we can achieve the same cleanliness in our homes, and its price is also favorable, because we believe that sustainability and health should be accessible to everyone.
What are your future plans? In what direction would you like to further develop your product range?
Currently, product development is underway on the design side, the appearance of the products is changing. In the future, the inscriptions on the products will appear in 3 languages. This is necessary to make Cycle products available and popularized in European markets.
