Chemical use is commonplace in restoration and remediation projects involving water damage and microbial growth. Disinfectants, antimicrobials and deodorizers are often sold in both ready-to-use and concentrate formulations. They can be extremely effective when used according to their product label.

The Challenge

Improper dilution of concentrate products can lead to loss of efficacy, ultimately resulting in unwanted dirt, debris, load, staining and microbial contamination. The “glug, glug” method of estimating chemical quantity during the mixing process is probably more prevalent on job sites than anyone would like to admit. It’s an inaccurate and unacceptable standard that can have negative consequences. 

Disinfectants, antimicrobials and deodorizers are often sold in both ready-to-use and concentrate formulations. They can be extremely effective when used according to their product label.

The end-result of improper dilution may be unrealized project goals, unmet client expectations and failure of clearance testing. This is true for both EPA registered and non-EPA registered products.

Traditional product packaging also presents problems for technicians. Bulk liquid containers leave plenty of room for error, contribute to product waste and may result in lost time. Finally over-sized containers create storage and transportation issues. Their low carbon packaging typically ends up in landfills, creating environmental issues.

The Premeasured Solution

The advent of premeasured packaging of concentrate chemicals in industries such as Jan-San has played a major role in improving that industry’s efficiencies for years. In fact, dilution control has been optimized in other industries for nearly 50 years.

Premeasured packaging typically involves the use of small, plastic pouches – each containing a quantity consistent with the dilution rate provided for on the product labeling. For example, 2-ounce pouches are supplied for a product whose label mandates 2 ounces per gallon of water.

Premeasured packages have numerous benefits over the bulk liquid containers, including:

• •Accurate-strength solutions every time.
• •Easy storage – small liquid packets versus bulk liquid containers sized a gallon and larger.
• •Simple and cost-effective shipment, storage, and jobsite transportation of materials.
• •Basic mixing instructions that can be done anywhere by anyone.
• •Reduced product loss - eliminates the complexity and wasteful over-mixing associated with gallons, pails, and drums.
• •Reduced labor costs – premeasured product concentrate can be carried by workers at all times and be filled at any water source, eliminating time spent transporting large containers back and forth.
• •Time and cost savings with more precise product concentrations and simplified training resulting in projects completed quicker and more efficiently.
• •The support of sustainability initiatives with an environmentally-friendly low carbon form of packaging that also results in a significant reduction in landfill waste.

Emerging in Restoration & Remediation

Premeasured packaging is now starting to make its way into restoration and remediation industry.

An early example of this packaging innovation was recently released by Bad Axe Products. Their EPA-registered ONSLAUGHT disinfectant comes in the traditional 1-gallon bulk container, as well as pre-measured 2-ounce packets.

Another option for busy contractors.

“As an instructor for classes covering many different aspects of the restoration industry, I encourage contractors to be open to new ideas,” says Michael Pinto of Wonder Makers Environmental. “Having a third choice of product packaging for antimicrobials fits in with my belief that contractors should take the big toolbox approach to evaluating their equipment and supply needs. Although ready-to-use products and concentrates in larger containers certainly have their place in the industry, pre-measured packages allow contractors even more flexibility in determining what is right for them,” Pinto noted.

Looking to the future.

As the restoration and remediation industry continues to develop, grow, and becomes increasingly competitive, the rapid adoption of premeasured packaging will likely soon be commonplace. After all, if the end result means increased worker productivity, decreased costs, and more consistent results, premeasured product packaging is the type of innovation that positively impacts a company’s bottom line right away.