Bag on Valve Aerosol Packaging in the Food Industry

Aerosol-packaged product sales (and the number of units sold) have been steadily increasing. Over the past year (2018-2019), aerosol sales have grown significantly to $3.3 billion. This represents a quarter of all total sales in its category. The average number of aerosol units per retail outlet has seen a 12% increase over the past five years. It is evident that consumers are now seeking more practical and efficient solutions to the products they plan to purchase. Subsequently, this has driven growth toward alternative packaging solutions amongst consumers and within the foodservice industry. As new technology paves the way for the launch of new innovative products, forward-thinking companies and entrepreneurs see a promising opportunity with aerosol-based food packaging.

The undeniable potential of aerosols has proven itself greatly, especially when viewed from the consumer’s perspective. When products in this category are purchased, the total value is nearly twice as high as when they are not purchased. Manufacturers should look closely at these statistics when collaborating with retailers to increase the bottom line. Marketing food products appropriately (and in the right packaging) will assist teams as they strive to offer consumers more efficient alternatives in their busy lives.

While consumers have moved away from certain types of products (such as air fresheners, spray-on deodorants, lacquers, and polishes), food products sold in this type of container have steadily seen an increase in sales. This product market has grown while consumers have increasingly become more driven by the need for value. Simultaneously, the minds of consumers and their shopping habits have changed a great deal. Consumers have become more value-conscious, regardless of their household income level. Even very high-income consumers have become more focused on value. This speaks volumes about the focus of consumers as a whole. The rising demand for innovation, convenience, and health (as found in new food products dispensed from aerosol containers), reflects a major shift in buyers’ priorities.

Collectively, the average age of the consumer is older than ever before. Buyers are living longer and remaining in the consumers’ market. Over time, the older demographic will have a heightened acceptance of today’s advanced aerosol packaging. Statistics have shown a greater interest in convenient, easy-to-use spray foods across the board.

A key factor of this new interest in aerosol food packaging is the reduction in household food waste, which is now an epic issue across the globe, particularly in the U.S. It has been reported that the average U.S. family wastes up to 25% of the food and beverages they purchase. A similar report from studies in the U.K. state that consumers waste well over 10 million tons of food annually. This equates to approximately .45 tons of food waste per household. Solutions to minimize the level of excessive waste are beneficial to society as a whole.

Consumers now seek more practical and efficient solutions to the products they plan to purchase. Thus, this has driven growth toward alternative packaging solutions amongst consumers and the food service industry. As new technology opens the way for the innovative launch of new products, forward-thinking notice increased the opportunity for aerosol-based food packaging.

A new advancement, bag on valve technology (BOV), offers innovative and attractive solutions for food packaging. Also used for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, the BOV offers an increase of product effectiveness and protection of sensitive ingredients. Unlike traditional sprays, propellant is not expelled with BOV. BOV aluminum cans also weigh less. This alternative packaging solution is ultra-hygienic; it prevents any possible contamination of your product.

Internally, the can contains a multilayer bag that serves as the product reservoir.

The BOV generates a spray with the help of a pressurized element allowing for very continuous flow; the spraying pattern is controlled and even. Air is kept between the can and valve. The Bag-on-Valve is tightly sealed and unidirectional (flows only outward), completely protected from outside elements like a vacuum.

These cans have the capacity to hold products from 30 ml up to 500 ml in size. Taller can sizes can be used for many markets, including the wine market, the shorter format opens up the use of this distinctive package to a variety of markets, from tea and coffee to confectionery, biscuits, and cosmetics. Little to no product is wasted; with traditional dispensers, some product would sometimes be left in the can and thrown away. With this form of packaging, there is less of a need for preservatives and longer product shelf life.

Bag on valve containers are suited for the following food products and many more:

• Mousse and Fruit Cremes
• Liquid Flavorings
• Cooking sprays/oils
• Olive oils
• Vinegar
• Salad Dressings
• Condiments
• Coffee and tea concentrate

Individual products will be tested thoroughly for safety and efficacy.

Because the Bag on Valve system is unilateral, the food product is not exposed to oxygen. The Bag on Valve system is not flammable. Because air or nitrogen is used as the propellant, the product is also noncombustible. Bag on Valve is also eco-friendly and has no negative effects on the ozone layer. Many consumers find that this benefit alone makes the product well worth the purchase.

Unlike other types of packaging, these cans offer an even and very controlled spraying pattern. Consumers exert less energy using these cans, as no pumping motion is required.

They can be sprayed at all angles instead of needed to aim the can a certain way to dispense the product. Additionally, there is reduced spray noise and little to no chilling product discharge when spraying the product. The product is dispensed as a mist or as a jet.

Also, products of different viscosities can be dispensed. Dispensing tips can either be incorporated into the valve stem, the valve actuator or be a separate attachment to the valve. The tip produces the pattern in which the product is dispensed. Dispensing tips can release your product in a variety of patterns.

Product can be dispensed in various ways including:

Spray: The product is dispensed as a mist or tiny droplets. The diameter of the spray will vary according to specifications. The tip design determines the exact diameter of the spray mist released.

Stream: This dispenser tip can be built into the actuator or screwed onto the valve to release a stream of product.

Spread: This dispenser tip style provides a ribbon of product.

These containers offer the utmost in resource efficiency. BOV containers are designed to deliver the right amount of product exactly where it’s needed. These containers reduce waste and post-consumer aerosol containers are recyclable. Additionally, their cost-effectiveness makes them practical Because these dispensers control the particle size, the spray pattern, the volume dispensed and the concentration of the spray maximizes cost-effectiveness. The sealed package protects the product and extends its useful life. Aerosol products can be used without contact, thus avoiding cross-contamination. Many consumers are highly concerned about spreading germs of any kind; this packaging ensures that buyers can enjoy their food product without worry. In addition, the sealed package prevents contamination of the actual product. Aerosol dispensers can be used for other products from shaving cream to asthma inhalers and other medical products.

When packaged in this type of container, the food itself is not in contact with the propellant. It is also the ideal dispensing solution for food products because it keeps the product protected from both light and air. These elements cause food to spoil faster. Families can enjoy their food product longer. Additionally, aerosol food packaging allows for precision when dispensing. Consumers only use the amount of product they need at a given time.

With today’s plethora of retail selection, consumers can easily become overwhelmed by options. Your product needs to make a statement in efficacy and safety, while your packaging should be presented with a unique design that suits your brand. In an increasingly cluttered retail environment, the aerosol cans we manufacture provide brands with unique, eye-catching packaging for your products. Consumers will appreciate the innovative packaging and the many benefits it can provide.

Options are virtually limitless, constructed from a 100% recyclable material. Aerosol containers are mostly made of lacquered tinplate steel or aluminum. Statistically, between 80% and 90% of all steel ever produced is still in use today. The aluminum material of BOV packaging maintains its physical properties after recycling, making the cans beneficial to both the consumer and the environment. Unlike other materials that are downgraded to less demanding uses during the recycling process, aluminum provides an efficient turnaround with the utmost quality control and standards. Manufacturers can benefit greatly from this factor and are able to cut costs by using recyclable materials. Other benefits include:

• Spill-proof
• One step usage-no mixing
• Longer shelf life

The push-button feature provides continuous spray with just the touch of a button, no repeat pumping required. The versatility of these containers also opens the market for other types of products to be packaged using this technique.

Some products (such as spray cheese) would not be possible without this advanced innovation.

Aerosol containers are mostly made of lacquered tinplate steel or aluminum and are easy to recycle.

As a marketing strategy, packaging is one of the key elements for a successful product. During the decision-making process, when a consumer is faced with the option to try one of two products, packaging can sway the consumer more toward your product.

These products offer a number of benefits, such as a pre-measured flow and an on and off valve feature. This tamper-resistant airtight valve ensures that the product stays fresh.

With all of the positives, many more companies have begun testing and development for BOV-packaged edible products. Manufacturers now have access to readily-available options using this technology and are continually expanding into creative and highly sought-after markets. This advanced technology was originally used mostly for cooking sprays, but it is now being seen across an extensive array of consumer food products. These products are available in restaurants, bars, and supermarkets.

Manufacturers in the wine industry have become more intrigued by alternative packaging for their products. BOV offers considerable advantages for manufacturers and consumers in the wine and spirits market. With Bag-on-Valve food packaging technology, consumers can enjoy a glass of wine without the risk of spoiling the entire bottle. Thus, even when a consumer opens a bottle of wine, they can rest assured that their product will remain fresh for an extended period of time. Since wine can be a costly purchase, this advancement is certainly a game-changer.

BOV containers are also available as the new, clear aerosol cans – which contain a see-through bag on the inside; simply peer through the container to gauge exactly how much wine remains in your bottle. This product is still in development stages and should be released soon to the public. Bases on the growing statistics, customers should continue to gravitate toward this new packaging approach, as these products will offer them a great deal more value for their hard earned money.

Bag-on-Valve Benefits for Food Packaging

The benefits that consumers will enjoy with B.O.V. packaging for edible products will cross over into other markets and other types of products as well. There are certain perks for manufacturers and consumers, specifically.related to food items. The key benefit is unquestionable freshness and product purity. Foods packaged using this technique will taste better and stay fresh much longer. Manufacturers can use this greatly to their advantage. Additional benefits include:

• Dispense product quickly and easily: Spray food precisely how and where you need it
• Little to no waste of food product
• BOV packaging offers convenience and practicality for the consumer
• More environmentally-friendly, fully reusable
• No leakage or concern about product seeping out

Utilizing this technology will provide manufacturers, businesses, and customers with much more practical and cost-efficient packaging solutions for many products. For products in spray form, consider choosing BOV technology for your product packaging needs, as opposed to alternative packaging options. Overall, aerosol or BOV food packaging is more desirable for consumers.