The Scotch-Brite® Advanced Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Scrubber represents a leap forward in the kitchen cleaning tools category. There is a widely held belief that scrub sponges get nasty over time. Our internal 3M team set out to solve this problem by starting from scratch on a new product concept. The result is amazing, and it successfully meets the project objectives to be non-scratch, to provide great cleaning and to be odor resistant.

The development team went to work developing concepts, building quick prototypes and conducting multiple rounds of iterative, qualitative research with targeted consumers. We created more prototypes between each session, learning and building on previous ideas as we went. Through research we learned that food trapping and slow drying were critical areas to focus our efforts on solving. The team also discovered that the ability to wring out the scrub sponge was very important, and that water absorption was not as important as previously thought. We ran many experiments on small scale prototype manufacturing lines to make materials for testing and leveraged the vast material technology and science of 3M Company to develop the optimal materials for the product. The shape is based on extensive user testing, it fits very well in the hand. The gentle wave form on each edge provides a friendlier look to the hexagonal shape and coordinates well with the core product line.

A great deal of effort also went into the development of the package design. We knew that this had to stand out in a retail environment and that consumers like to be able to touch and feel the actual product before deciding to purchase it. The design team and packaging engineering worked together to develop the final paperboard package with a large opening which allows the product to be accessible for consumers to touch and feel. The eye-catching graphics draw in the shopper to learn more.

Once we had a proposed final construction, a large scale quantitative in-home research study was conducted to get real use data. The results proved to be very positive and the project moved into high gear, execution mode. The final product solution is a proprietary non-woven technology with specially formulated non-scratch Scrub Dots printed onto the surface using a unique process. This is combined with an exclusive fast drying, easily wringable wiping material. We now have wide scale distribution though a major retail channel and several other retailers, as well as online sales.

Consumer claims:

· Odor-Resistant Anti-Microbial* Sponge – Big Cleaning Power that Resists Odors

· Rinse Clean Scrub Dots – Even Eggs and Cheese Won't Stick

· Thick Scrubbing Pad – Cleans off Food Instead of Trapping it

· Dries Fast – Designed to Stand on its Side for Fast Drying

· Non-Scratch – Safe on Cookware, Tubs, Showers, Dishes and More!

· Suds Up and Wrings out with Ease

· Easy to hold Hexagonal Shape

· Made in the USA

· Scrubbing Fibers Made From 75% Recycled Content

*Contains an antimicrobial agent that protects the product from bacterial odors. Product does not protect users or others from food-borne or disease-causing bacteria. Clean thoroughly after each use.