Worldwide production of aluminum aerosol cans tops seven billion The International Organization of Aluminum Aerosol Container Manufacturers (AEROBAL) reported a record result in aluminum aerosol can production in 2013. With output rising by 2% to more than seven billion cans, the industry continued its upward trend and managed to top the seven billion mark despite economic turbulence worldwide and a slowdown in growth in several of the largest emerging markets in Asia and South America. Aluminum cans account for nearly 50% of the total worldwide output of aerosol cans. AEROBAL Secretary General Gregor Spengler indicated that further prospects are positive, even though the global economic environment has become more difficult. “Of course, in the current economic situation, it is not easy to give a forecast,” explained Spengler. “However, whereas the European market seems comparatively saturated, we continue to see substantial potential for growth in the emerging markets of Asia and South America. Disposable per capita income is on the rise. This rise, combined with the functionality of the packaging and the resulting growth in its popularity in these regions make us optimistic overall about a promising trend for aluminum aerosol cans in the global packaging market.” About 80% of total production continues to be designated for cosmetics. Noteworthy growth in the pharmaceutical and food industries gives hope for promising market opportunities. The piston is made of Vegaprene, a compound specially developed by Hutchinson for this application. Vegaprene is a cross-linked elastomer processed by thermoplastic manufacturing equipment. It combines the best of two worlds: the elongation, elasticity and thermal properties of rubber with the low processing costs and recyclability of thermoplastics. Vegaprene is a homogeneous structure of rubber and fine nodules of thermoplastics and is FDA-approved. The Hutchinson self-sealing piston aerosol can with inflatable piston is suitable for both liquid and viscous products, such as paste, gels and post-foaming gels. It has various applications in food, cosmetic, sealant and glue products. Applications already approved include honey, olive oil, strawberry jam, shaving gels, Dead Sea mud, industrial oils and grease. The new Intravalve aerosol can from German company Intravalve/Purple Holding AB uses a valve system that helps reduce material costs and simplify the manufacturing process. According to the company, Intravalve is a completely new design that doesn’t change the function of the standard aerosol valve or dispenser. It removes the need 40 Spray December 2014 for a mounting cup and, by using a new technology, inserts all valve parts within the aerosol can with a simple mechanical movement. This makes open-can filling possible and even simplifies the process. The Intravalve system consists of a stabilizer, which already includes tubes and the plastic casing. The poppet and the rubber seals are replaced by the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer can be developed specifically for this purpose by means of a machine in the box of “Shot.” It weighs a mere 2.6g and sits perfectly sealed in the can due to the shape of the anti-roll bar, which is opened by the can’s internal pressure, shape and inner flare. Only one part is used instead of three separate parts, which can lead to material and cost savings. The aerosol system helps reduce the complexity of the filling process as well as the total cost of operational handling. “Just one word….Plastics” The aerosol marketplace is always seeking innovation—consumers demand it and competition spurs it on. Although the plastic container is not an aerosol staple, it has now made its way into the marketplace to stay. APPE, a European supplier of PET rigid plastic packaging headquartered in Wrexham, UK, launched a PET aerosol container last year branded SprayPET (see SPRAY, Dec. 2013). Currently available in 330mL, it is now also available in 220mL. According to the company, SprayPET meets the needs for compressed gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and bag-on-valve (BOV) applications. It is suitable for a variety of food, personal care, industrial and home care products such as shaving gels, creams, edible oils, hair care products, paints, polishes and air fresheners. Rigorously tested and passing all necessary regulations, including the European Aerosol Federation’s draft 647 standard, SprayPET is widely regarded as the most stringent in the industry. The flexibility of PET offers a variety of shapes and styles, allowing more potential marketing at a low investment cost. The containers can be transparent or opaque, clear or colored and do not dent or rust. Decorative options include printing, sleeving, labeling and laser marking. SprayPET cans use standard valves and actuators, and are filled on conventional filling lines, with little modification. The PET aerosol is 100% recyclable and has no negative impact on recycling streams, according to the company. Climatop, a Swiss-based environmental certification agency, claims that SprayPET with BOV has a 29% lower carbon footprint than a metal BOV system per liter of shave gel, and a 36% lower total Continued from p.15
Spray Dec 2014
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