Transforming everyday trash into a tropical escape
By Edward Neves, Scientist II, Research & Development – Glad
As a leader in waste management, our R&D team is always looking for ways to reimagine the everyday and provide our consumers with clearly superior experiences. Our latest innovation, Glad ForceFlex MaxStrength Bahama Bliss Trash Bags, isn’t just about managing waste — it’s about elevating a routine task into a sensory experience.
I understand the Trash category might not spark the same excitement for everyone as it does for me. It’s often seen as purely functional, even boring. However, we believe that even the most functional products can inspire. That’s why we set out to transform the way people think about trash bags.
Our top priority was maintaining the strength Glad is known for, as it’s the No. 1 consumer need in trash bags. The challenge was balancing that with a fun, whimsical product experience through color and scent. The scientific process began with a broad range of product attributes and involved iterative testing, both in product design and consumer feedback, to understand which elements resonated most.
This insight allowed us to refine the formula more efficiently and align development with consumer expectations. Throughout, we conducted multiple rounds of technical testing using both industry-standard and proprietary methods to ensure every iteration met our strength benchmarks, delivering dependable performance with a playful twist.
After launching exclusively last year at Walmart, thanks to strong consumer response we’ve now expanded nationwide in both 4- and 13-gallon sizes.
The Bahama Bliss innovation reflects our broader commitment to consumer-led innovation and category growth. We’re not just making trash bags — we’re creating experiences that resonate functionally and emotionally. It’s proof that even the most utilitarian products can spark joy and drive brand love.