The article is a transcript of an interview with Norbert Piotrowski- Director of R&D at Aerosol Service for the British Aerosol Manufacturers' Association (BAMA).

You recently celebrated Aerosol Service's 30th anniversary - can you briefly tell us how the company's history began?

It was a family initiative, driven by vision and curiosity. In 1993, my father co-founded a small manufacturing company in Poland. None of us imagined that three decades later our aerosol solutions would reach customers around the world.

I grew up watching the company take shape - first in humble halls, then in modern facilities serving the world's largest cosmetics and household brands. From the beginning, we believed that true growth comes from doing things right: delivering quality, staying curious about the world and working side by side with customers.

The turning point came in 2018, when we launched our own R&D department. This completely transformed us - from a manufacturer responding to market needs, we became a proactive innovator. Today we don't just keep up with trends - we co-create them.

What sectors do you specialize in?

From the very beginning, we were attracted to products close to people's daily lives - cosmetics, personal care, household products. These are sectors where innovation meets intimacy - a small improvement in packaging or formulation can make a real difference to the user experience.

Over the years, we have specialized in these areas, working with both global leaders and fast-growing niche brands. Whether it's dry shampoo, facial mist or disinfectant, we understand the nuances of each category and the expectations that accompany them.

Our unique feature is our ability to adapt. We don't just produce - we co-create. Each new project is an opportunity to dive into the brand's DNA, understand its voice and translate it into a high-quality product that stands out on the shelf.

Your products are available in many markets around the world. What has this expansion looked like?

Our global journey didn't start with a map - it started with trust. One customer recommended us to the next, and soon our formulations and packaging solutions were crossing borders we hadn't even planned. What started as a regional business quickly became international - driven by reputation, not advertising.

Today, our products are present on many continents - from Europe to North America to Asia. This global reach is proof of our ability to adapt - both in production and in understanding cultural differences, regulations and consumer expectations.

For us, expansion has always meant more than entering a new market - it's about building lasting partnerships wherever our customers and their consumers are.

Tell usmore about aerosol R&D.

Innovation has always been at the center of what we do - but it became a real driver in 2018, when our R&D department was established. Since then, we have started not only to follow trends, but also to set them.

Today, our R&D team is a dynamic center of chemists, engineers and product designers. One of our greatest successes was the development of the PURO system, an award-winning dispensing solution that solved common user problems such as clogged nozzles and product wastage.

Whether we're working on packaging ergonomics, optimizing formulations, or testing new propellants that comply with environmental standards, we treat every challenge as a combination of science and creative vision. Because every innovation starts with a simple question: how can we do it better?

How do you approach product safety?

Safety is the foundation of our business - embedded in our company culture, processes and expectations of ourselves and our partners. For us, safety is more than regulatory compliance - it's about thinking about every step: from formulation development and raw material selection to filling, packaging and delivery.

Employees are trained to think critically, not just tick off checklists. We operate under strict quality standards, ensuring that every batch meets our internal standards and customer expectations. A safe product is not just a technical achievement - it's a promise given to every brand and every consumer.

How are you responding to environmental challenges?

At Aerosol Service, we believe that true sustainability is based on concrete, measurable actions. In 2024, we launched a series of upgrades to our infrastructure and production systems that are already delivering visible environmental benefits.

We are increasing energy efficiency by installing a 500 kW photovoltaic system, replacing machinery with energy-efficient ones, and introducing process heat recovery with new compressors and heat pumps. As a result, we are reducing electricity consumption and carbon footprint per unit of production.

In addition, we have built a rainwater retention tank, which improves water management and allows us to respond more sustainably to extreme weather conditions. These investments are part of a broader strategic program supported by European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG).

How important are the latest manufacturing technologies to you?

For us, technology is a way to enhance everything we do - faster response, better product quality and more sustainable production. That's why we're investing heavily in plant modernization - from smart automation to energy-efficient machinery and process monitoring systems.

In 2024, we rebuilt more than 6,000 sqm of infrastructure to streamline logistics and improve operational safety. We upgraded drainage, strengthened access roads, and optimized loading zones to maintain operational efficiency and readiness for the future.

For us, innovation means building a plant that is not only efficient today, but also prepared for what's to come.

What BAMA events do you plan to attend?

We are looking forward to the upcoming BAMA Forum. This is a great opportunity to network, discuss real industry challenges and share our own experiences. We are also eager to join working groups, especially those related to the development of more sustainable and functional aerosols.

BAMA events are a great opportunity to stay abreast of trends, share knowledge and build valuable relationships in the sector.