Squinting to decipher the fine print on the back of a laundry detergent bottle or scrutinizing to find the fill lines on the plastic cap can be a vexing task. Double goes for the visually impaired.

In partnership with NaviLens—a scanning and navigation app that empowers people with blindness and low vision—Henkel-owned All Free Clear Detergent has reportedly become the first laundry brand to introduce the technology on its packaging.

It will also be featured on the All Free Clear Mighty Pacs Original laundry detergent tubs and pouches, helping the seven million Americans who live with low vision gain greater independence while easing the burden of their daily experiences during cleaning routines, in the supermarket and convenience store aisle or while traversing public transportation.

“Our founders recognized that existing visual markers—like QR codes—were often difficult to detect from a distance, required precise alignment, or lacked key information to be truly helpful,” Javier Pita, CEO, NaviLens, told Happi. “To tackle these challenges, our team spent years researching advanced computer vision and developing a proprietary code that can be detected by a smartphone camera from far away, in a fraction of a second, and without needing to focus precisely. This breakthrough led to the creation of NaviLens, a patented system that took several years of R&D to perfect.”

From the Metro Train to the Supermarket

NavilLens was officially introduced in public spaces like metro stations and museums before it expanded to product packaging. The technology was successfully implemented in public transportation networks in major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, New York and San Antonio, TX, and in cultural venues and retail environments. Feedback has been positive. Pita said visually impaired users appreciate the ease of scanning from longer distances, the speed of detection and the audible guidance that provides detailed product or location information.

“This real-world usage validated our belief that accessible navigation can dramatically improve people’s day-to-day experience, giving them greater independence and confidence when moving through public spaces or grocery aisles,” he explained.

Breaking Blindness, Language Barriers

NaviLens technology can read product information and usage instructions, helping users more easily navigate their laundry routine,” Julia Galotto, vice president of marketing, Henkel. “Our All Free Clear Mighty Pacs are pre-measured detergent packs, which eliminate the need for the dosing cup. By combining the NaviLens technology with the convenience of our premeasured pacs, our updated packaging will help enable greater independence among those with low vision and blindness each day.”

Once individuals download the NaviLens app, the device detects NaviLens codes and audibly notifies the user of the product name, type, dosing instructions and in-store location. Apart from visual impairment, NaviLens can also benefit those with language barriers and anyone in need of additional resources.

American Foundation for the Blind Partnership

All Free Clear is supporting the low vision and blind community with a $25,000 donation to the American Foundation for the Blind in honor of Low Vision Awareness Month, in February. The goal is to create equal opportunities and expand possibilities for those with blindness and low vision. Low Vision Awareness Month is targeted at spreading more information about Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and diseases affecting the eyes that could lead to visual impairment. AMD affects approximately 15 million people in the US.

All Free Clear Mighty Pacs Original with NaviLens technology are available on shelves at retailers nationwide.