Sponsored by aerosol filling company, Jago-PRO, this year’s BAMA Innovation Day took place on 17 April at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds
The event kept visitors engrossed with a medley of presentations on aerosol-related topics covering sustainable new designs, the latest manufacturing processes, and some thought-provoking concepts.
Visions to improve the manufacturing environment
A theme that ran throughout the day was the various ways in which the manufacturing environment can be improved. Torus Group offered more insight on their widely adopted aerosol inspection solutions for dimensional and destructive testing under production conditions, while Alloway explained more on their inspection technology and the vision systems, big data and automation methods that improve the production on filled aerosol lines. Zigler also shared more on innovative solutions for aerosol filling equipment, as well as highlighting current market needs and historic trends within the industry.
BAMA chief executive, Patrick Heskins, said: “As well as working with suppliers to improve sustainability, there is always room for manufacturers, throughout the supply chain, to improve their processes, increase efficiency and reduce waste in all areas of production. We hope visitors will find it valuable to take a deeper dive into these latest production-oriented developments.”
Sustainable aerosol containers
Also featuring throughout the event were the various ways in which to improve the sustainability of aerosol containers. Representing the most significant contributor to the carbon footprint within our industry, whatever the material, sustainability – understandably – was at the centre of the message from each of the presentations on and around the topic of containers.
Staehle Aerosol Cans introduced its ‘thinner, lighter and greener’ next generation aerosols cans with reduced CO2 footprint, while Metaprint and ThyssenKrupp explained more on the carbon lowering impacts of using aerosols cans made from Bluemint® steel.
New technical advances to enhance the capabilities of plastic aerosols were put forward by Plastipak, and xtracan revealed more on the technology between xtracan and monobloc aerosol steel cans, demonstrating its resistance, manufacturing process, sustainability and safety benefits.
The bigger picture on innovation
The fundamental theme of innovation stayed consistent throughout. Event sponsor Jago-PRO, an aerosol filling company that puts innovation very much at the heart of everything it does, welcomed attendees at the beginning of the day. Then, business development director Michal Kubik took to the lectern at the start of the second session to discuss more about the future trends and direction of aerosols and how we see them developing.
Following on was innovation consultants, Idyl, who took the audience through their presentation on the importance of having a clear strategy and what to consider when developing one. Here2Grow Cosmetics and Homecare Labs’ Dr Henry Brew then moved the conversation around innovation to the personal care market and how, particularly in relation to aerosol products, its sustainable growth has emerged as a response to growing environmental concerns and consumer demands.
Heskins commented: “Innovation is, of course, about new ideas and concepts, but understanding more from our speakers on strategy, sector-specific trends and the drivers behind them helps innovative ideas progress and become tangible successes.”
The latest designs
As always, the Innovation Day aims to keep visitors up-to-date with all the latest developments, including alternatives to high-performing pressurised aerosol containers. This year, Alternative Packaging Solutions’ chief innovation officer explained more on its twistMistTM technology including its performance, brand and CO2 reducing benefits. There was also a fascinating presentation from Purple Holdings on its revolutionary plug-in valve system, a concept that perhaps offers a new solution on how the valve can be attached to the container.
Heskins said: “As well as bringing new ideas from companies outside of BAMA, I’m delighted to see plenty of BAMA members presenting at this year’s event. We are always pleased to promote the excellent work our member companies do and for those who think they might have something ready to tell the industry in 2025, do get in touch as it’s never too soon to think about booking a presentation slot, or a table for next year when the Innovation Day will be back again.”
BAMA’s Innovation Day 2024
