US Patent 7996327 Product efficiency calculator system and method

A method of using a computer system to inform a consumer about an efficiency associated with an improved packaging configuration for a cleaning product relative to a standard packaging configuration for the cleaning product. The method comprises inputting values from the consumer into the computer system using an input device and storing the input values in a memory, using a processor to calculate a packaging space efficiency and a packaging material efficiency, and using the processor to calculate a total cost savings from using the improved packaging configuration. The method further comprises calculating a storage cost savings based on the shipping-associated packaging space efficiency and the storage cost per unit volume; calculating a disposal cost savings based on the packaging material efficiency and the disposal cost per unit weight; adding the storage cost savings and the disposal cost savings; and displaying output to the consumer using the output device.