Bag-on-Valve Filling and the Packaging Industry
About the Bag-on-Valve System
For over two decades, Bag-On-Valve (BOV) products have been marketed and sold as non-aerosol items. According to the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST), BOV products are broadly segregated into Aerosol BOV, Standard BOV and Low Pressure or Non-Spray BOV. The mass-produced Aerosol BOV uses hydrocarbons or other appropriate liquid gas propellant to compress stored products. In certain models, hydrocarbons are added into the product mix to create a post-foaming range of products. Aerosol BOV is environmentally-friendly since the container is recyclable. The Standard BOV compresses the BOV system using air or nitrogen.
The Standard BOV, bag on valve, container can be sprayed, but the lack of hydrocarbons makes it impossible to aerosolize. Most Standard BOV’s are marketed as non-aerosol products weighted using Imperial units such as Oz. and Fl. However, Net Wt. measurement is widely preferred for non-pressurized products. The Low-pressure BOV is a relatively recent addition to the BOV system. Under the setup, low nitrogen or air pressure in the region of 2 psi – 6 psi is pressed into a container. The pressure helps compress the bag system when dispensing a product. Non-spray BOV does not aerosolize or atomize. The technology is popular with food, beverages and medical supplies.
BOV Application
The main components of a typical bag on valve system are the valve, bag, propellant, product, bag-on-valve can, and bag on valve actuator. One great thing about the today’s BOV systems is the flexibility to forge different shapes. The valve installed on a Bag-on-Valve can either be male or female depending on the manufacturer’s preference. The propellant used in the system is strictly detached from the stored products. A standard Bag-on-Can is usually made from Aluminum or tinplate, even though the former is highly recommended by product manufacturers.
To match different needs, the actuator used in BOV systems also comes in different sizes. The most sought BOV system bags in the market are FDA approved. A standard laminated aluminum bag comes in 3 to 4 layers. Different types of products can be packaged on the BOV system; the most common areas of application include the packaging of personal care products such as ointments, gels, and lotions. Due to the advances in packaging technology, BOV systems have gained a lot of foothold in storing sterile and oxygen-sensitive pharmaceutical products.
BOV Applications
Cosmetics Applications
- Body lotions and creams
- Suncare products
- Facial wash and cleaners
- Personal hygiene products
- Self-tanning sprays
Pharmaceutical Applications
- Baby care products
- Eyewashes
- Wound washes
- First aid sprays
- Nasal sprays
Food Items
- Liquid and concentrate coffee and tea
- Liquid flavorings
- Edible cooking oils
- Salad dressings
- Vinegar and liquid flavorings
Veterinary products
- Hair polishing products
- Equine wound washes and fungal sprays
- Tick and flea sprays
Miscellaneous Applications
- Car care products
- Odor repellents
- Liquid fire extinguisher
- Game hunting products
- Furniture polishing and cleaners
- Air fresheners
- Insect repellents
- Disinfectants
The Industrial Success of the BOV Laminated Bags
Due to their versatility, BOV laminated bags are being used for different applications. The materials used to produce Bag-on-Valve laminates include: Polypropylene (PP), Cast Polypropylene (CPP), Aluminum, Orientated Polypropylene (OPP) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET and nylon). Aluminum provides an effective barrier from the elements like moisture, aroma and gases. The highly flexible PET is often used as an exterior layer due to its ability to safeguard laminate integrity and mechanical resistance and offer Alufoil protection.
PP is a popular sealing layer that works better on the inside as it provides the much-desired weld strength to the vital valve. Different materials used in attaching the BOV system are often sewn together using a special adhesive to ensure high chemical and mechanical resistance and clean finish. The working mechanism of BOV technology allows users to dispense substances much more quickly and in different directions. Different bag on valve filling manufacturers are also using the technology to create safe products that are free of germs and cross-contamination.
Because customers often make buying decisions based on packaging, brands can use advanced BOV packaging to market their products and build a strong brand identity. Customers will find the packaging ideal because it is convenient and environmentally-friendly compared to the traditional spray cans. A superior bag on valve filling technology can also go a long way to differentiate one brand from the other. Lastly, businesses that adopt the BOV process enjoy the economies of scale while ensuring customers get good value for their money.
BOV consumer benefits
- Capacity to empty up to 99% of enclosed product
- Prolonged half-life and less use of preservatives
- Minimized spray noise and friction
- Controlled spray pattern for optimal effect
- 360-degree spray angle
- No need to assert pumping action during use
BOV production and distribution benefits
- Works with standard cans and actuators
- Enhanced shelf life for products that are susceptible to oxygen exposure
- Efficient filling process
- Use for both liquid and viscous products
BOV safety and environmental benefits
- Sterilizable and hygienic
- Encourages less need for preservatives
- Uses environment-friendly air and nitrogen gas
The Bag on Valve Revolution and Industry Outlook
As the BOV market grows, leading players in the industry are consolidating their positions through joint ventures, mergers and acquisition (M&A), innovation and strategic partnerships. According to a comprehensive industry report published by Grandview Research, the global market for bag on valve filling products stood at $6 billion in 2018. Due to growing demand for bag on valve products, the industry is said to grow at the rate of 7% annually. Bag on Valve filling products are widely used in industries such as pharmaceutical, household care, food and personal care.
Industries
A huge component of the growth being witnessed in the industry is attributed to aggressive marketing and expansion of the global personal care and pharmaceutical industries. In addition to producing the highest percentage of revenue, the pharmaceutical application of BOV packaging is expected to record steady growth over the coming years due to the popularity of sterilized products like nasal sprays and wound cleansers. In North America, the growing use of bag on valve filling products is fueled by rising concern about health and medical-technological innovations.
Technological advances have inspired the production of many health products, i.e. throat spray and medical adhesive remover. The other segment of the industry witnessing steady use of bag on valve filling packaging is the food and beverage sector. The industry application is slated to grow considerably at the rate of 7% between 2019 and 2025. In 2018, the household care industry accounted for $951 million of the entire BOV industry output. Buoyed by rising demand for air fresheners, insecticides and cleaning products, the industry is slated to grow at the rate of 6% between 2019 and 2025.
The growth of the real estate sector and demand for BOV products in the developing countries will also add to the growth impetus. As things stand, the biggest selling points for bag on valve filling products include: high levels of safety and protection, use of fewer preservatives and lengthy shelf life for stored products. There are plans to introduce multi-medium BOV systems separated by a tiered chamber and a metering dosage BOVs for pharmaceutical applications. Besides speedy production, future bag on valve systems also likely have fewer laminate layers.
Limitations of BOV Technology
The demand for consumer products with safe and elaborate packaging is driving interest in bag on valve laminates across North America and the rest of the world. The Bag on Valve filling technology offers optimal protection to an array of products that can be stored in aerosol cans. The level of protection is enhanced with the use of a germ-proof bag of valve packaging. In spite of the high safety standards and packaging advances, the following limitations still stand in the way:
- Competition from the widely available traditional packaging products
- Limitations regarding the approved types of bag on valve filling bags
- The technology is unsuitable for certain product ranges
- Undue pressure can cause bag burst
- High production cost due to the use of expensive valve bag filling machines
The Signature Filling Company Advantage
Signature Filling Company is a leading aerosol filling company with a reputation for producing high-quality bag on valve filling products. Being a prominent player in the industry, the company has invested a lot in spray component testing, formulation services, and stability research as part of its extended R&D strategy. The aerosol filling company is also conscious of the environment and has invested in a 100% recyclable product line to ensure zero-emission of harmful propellants. Signature Filling Company maintains an elite organizational structure and knowledgeable staff.
Here are some of the advantages of choosing Signature’s bag on valve filling products:
- Use of layered laminate bag that provides a superior barrier to ward-off the oxidation process
- Efficient product filling process
- Product operating mechanism that does not need pumping motion
- Total separation of repellent from product to maintain product integrity
- Use of non-flammable propellants as part of safety measure
- Product compatibility with standard aerosol cans and actuators
- Tested products with high levels of hygiene and sterilization
- Use of non-flammable and environmentally-friendly BOV system
Signature BOV packaging products are widely used for packaging personal care, food, household, veterinary and car care and industrial products. Entrepreneurs working in the personal care industry are increasingly using aerosols to dispense products due to low cost, convenience, and environmental sustainability. The new technology has made it possible for aerosol filling companies to produce a wide range of affordable and attractive cosmetics packaging for spray tans, hair tonics, and clean cleansers, among other products.
Food and Beverage Industry
A growing number of food and beverage industries are also turning to Signature aerosol filling company aerosol BOV cans because the traditional packaging exposes food to the oxygenation process. Besides beverages like juices, tea, and coffee, products like oils and spices can also be stored on aerosol BOV cans. The same push is being witnessed winemaking. Winemakers are now using the BOV technology to keep wine fresh for longer periods. The pharmaceutical companies using BOV products are prodded by the availability of a sterile and safe line of storage products.
Since the new bag on valve technology makes it possible to separate propellants from the product, many Pharmaceutical manufacturers involved in the production of burn gels, aerosolized antibiotics, and wound sprays have adopted the technology. For safety and security, Signature Filling Company range of packaging products and accessories feature: lot coding and shrink sleeves; tamper-evident seal; flexible run sizes and private labels.
Process
To guarantee quality and timely delivery, the Signature bag on valve filling process is fairly elaborate, efficient and timed. The process broadly entails: placing a valve and bag on the can; crimping the valve gassing; applying pre-determined pressure control; product filling and finally, placement of the actuator and cap. When filling the product, the bag, weight control measures are enforced as part of product standardization. Signature’s massive investment in the packaging and manufacturing process has helped boost production and expand its market reach. The aerosol filling company’s production assembly line has the following installed capabilities and features:
- Distinct aerosol filling company container labeling and lot tracking
- Turn-key storage and packaging
- Double lines dedicated for bag on valve filling production
- Fill size range of 1oz to 14oz.
- Production facility space measuring 20,000 sq ft. and a huge warehouse space of up to 80,000 sq ft.
The aerosol filling company is fully committed to supplying bag on valve products on time and contract basis. The clients served by the Missouri based BOV company are spread all across the country. To guarantee high-quality product specifications and compliance with industry-wide regulations, the aerosol filling company holds a number of industry stamps and certifications. The list includes: EPA, cCGMP, Certified Gluten-Free, Organic Certified, Practice Non-GMO, Kosher and FDA.
How to Get in Touch!
The St. Louis, Missouri based aerosol filling company is betting on lifestyle changes, increased consumer purchasing power and growing demand for convenient packaging to drive future sales. Advanced research and quality assurance guarantee bag on valve filling is a great packaging option. To order your customer-specific aerosol products or learn more about Signature Filling Company, call the number 314-721-3700 or visit the website. The aerosol filling company experts are always at hand to answer all customer queries and concerns.