The rapidly increasing production of single-use plastic products and the strain on the world's ability to deal with them have made plastic pollution one of the most important environmental problems. The pressure to take action against plastic pollution is widely understood, and many organizations have pledged to create a closed-loop economy. Recycling is important, but it is only one component. Therefore, the way we use everyday products must evolve. The real breakthrough is refillable and reusable products. Such packaging seems an ideal way for the industry to move away from single-use plastic, although it is not without its challenges. Consumers are increasingly demanding greener packaging, while shifting their preferences to more sophisticated packaging with higher quality materials and even personalized designs. Innovative reuse models can fit into these trends, offering functional and aesthetically pleasing packaging with personalization capabilities.

Refillme - a new filling system

Aerosol Service Poland is innovating in the field of aerosol can packaging. The goal is to promote the recycling economy and change the way we buy, use and dispose of personal care products or cleaning products. The innovation is based on a specially designed adapter that allows aluminum aerosol cans to be reused and adapted for gas-free liquid products. The adapter is designed for easy attachment and removal from a 25.4mm diameter can. Special jaws clamp onto the neck of the can when the applicator is screwed on, ensuring a tight seal. Various types of pumps, atomizers, flip-top closures and caps can be used as applicators. The innovation can be used for a variety of products, such as soaps, shampoos, shower gels, as well as dishwashing or glass washing liquids. Compared to aluminum bottles offered on the market, the use of standard aerosol cans does not require specialized and very expensive equipment during production. Moreover, the soft thread of aluminum bottles can easily deform with repeated use, which cannot be said of durable aerosol cans. Another important advantage of the proposed solution is the ease of disassembly of the packaging - the separation of the plastic adapter and pump from the metal can, which facilitates the segregation process. Further restrictions on the use of multi-material and plastic packaging are expected.

How does this innovation fit into future packaging trends? Customers can be encouraged to purchase a reusable aluminum can that they can fill from pouches (pouchy). Aluminum cans, which can be made 100% recycled, have the highest recycling rate of any packaging material. They are compact and lightweight, so they require less energy to transport. Metal packaging is safe, shatterproof and a 100% barrier to light. With various decorative options (brushing, 360° printing, embossing, glossy or matte varnish), aluminum cans can increase product exclusivity, stand out on the shelf and increase brand value in the premium segment. The fact that labels and markings are not required (since they can be sold empty) makes it possible to fully personalize and make the printing on the can even more attractive. The set can be sold with pouches (known as doypacks), which are flexible sachets with a rigid neck and liquid inside. They are available in a variety of sizes, types and formats, and their use reduces the environmental impact of the products by reducing the carbon footprint during transportation and reducing waste at disposal.

Aerosol Service's contribution to sustainable development

At Aerosol Service, innovation and sustainability are the pillars of strategic decision-making. We strive for pro-environmental and pro-sustainable development in all our activities. We are motivated by the idea of protecting the environment through the development of green products and production technologies. We are a future-oriented company, thinking globally and creating sustainable value. We are constantly improving our zero waste policy and in the process of developing innovations we pay special attention to the needs and expectations of our customers and consumers. We want to cooperate with companies that share the same values.

Text: Norbert Piotrowski, Ph.D. (Director of Research and Development at Aerosol Service, assistant professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology, Gdansk University of Technology)