Aerosol sprays are widely used in various industries for packaging and dispensing products. The aerosol spray technology was invented in the early 1930s and has come a long way. However, with all its benefits, aerosol sprays also have a negative environmental impact. Here is a discussion on the environmental concerns of spray filling and how bag-on-valve technology can help mitigate those concerns.

What is spray filling?

It is the aerosol spray technology used in aerosol cans. It combines a liquid, such as an air freshener or insecticide, with a propellant like compressed air and then dispenses it through an aerosol nozzle. The aerosol canister is filled with liquid, and the aerosol nozzle releases pressurized particles of the liquid into the air when it is sprayed.

History of spray filling and how it is used today

Aerosol sprays have been used since the 1930s. Back then, the technology was used for medical purposes, such as delivering inhalable drugs to patients. It has since been widely adopted in the cosmetics, food/beverage, and home/personal care industries. Major aerosol spray applications today include air fresheners, sanitizers, and insecticides.

Ways spray filling can harm the environment

Most aerosol sprays are designed with aerosols that help to aerosolize a substance, but they can negatively impact the environment. Here are 17 ways aerosol sprays can harm the environment:

Pollution of air and water due to aerosol propellants

Because aerosol propellants are often hydrocarbons, they can contribute to smog and acid rain. They do this by creating aerosolized particles that can be carried through long air distances. These aerosolized substances then settle onto bodies of water and land surfaces, contaminating them with pollutants.

Contribution to global warming due to aerosol propellents

The aerosol propellants used in aerosol sprays contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are known to be potent greenhouse gases. When these aerosols are aerosolized and released into the atmosphere, they contribute to global warming.

Contamination of food sources due to aerosols settling on them

When aerosol settle on crops, they can cause contamination and lead to food safety issues. It is especially concerning when propellents are used in aerosol sprays as they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be hazardous to health when ingested.

Inhalation of aerosolized particles

Inhalation of aerosolized particles can be hazardous to health, particularly aerosols containing VOCs. When aerosols are aerosolized and released into the atmosphere, they become airborne and can be inhaled, leading to potential health risks.

Contamination of groundwater due to aerosols settling on them

Aerosols can settle into bodies of water and eventually contaminate them, decreasing their quality. It can have serious consequences for both the environment and those who rely on these bodies of water for drinking or irrigation purposes. With spray filling, spray droplets containing chemicals and other pollutants can be released into rainwater runoff or even from the evaporation of spray particles from spray cans, leading to groundwater contamination.

Increased waste from spray filling

The spray cans that are used for spray filling can add to the amount of waste in landfills. Not only do they create additional trash, but they also contain hazardous materials that require special disposal methods. This can be costly and often not well regulated, leading to spray cans being discarded with other household waste.

Disruption of cloud formation

Spray filling is often used to spray products onto surfaces, but the process is not without environmental repercussions. One of the most significant concerns with spray filling is its disruption of cloud formation – spray particles can interact with clouds and limit their growth and formation. They do this by acting as nuclei, which encourages the formation of smaller cloud droplets that are more likely to evaporate rather than form into rain. This disruption can disrupt the hydrological cycle and cause changes to climate patterns in some areas leading to extreme weather events like storms and floods, crop losses, and disruption of animal habitats.

What are the alternatives to spray filling?

There are several alternatives to spray filling. For example: • Pneumatic sprayers: These sprayers use compressed air to spray liquid onto surfaces in a controlled manner, resulting in less waste and less environmental impact. • Electrostatic sprayers: These use electricity to create an electrostatic charge on the particles being sprayed, allowing them to be attracted to the surface being sprayed. It lessens the amount of spray used, reducing wastage and environmental impacts. • Low-pressure sprayers: They use a low-pressure system to spray liquid onto surfaces more efficiently. Low-pressure sprayers reduce waste and environmental impact using fewer chemicals than traditional spray-filling methods. • Foam sprayers: Foam sprayers use foam to spray liquid onto surfaces. It is generally more efficient than spray filling, using fewer chemicals and producing a higher-quality finish. These alternatives can replace spray filling with much less environmental impact. An even more impactful alternative is BOV technology.

What is Bag on valve technology (BOV)?

An aerosol spray filling technology uses a valve and bag system to spray contents in an even, concentrated spray. Instead of using compressed gas-like spray filling, the BOV technology uses a spring-driven diaphragm to push out liquids or creams as an aerosol spray. This spray is usually used for consumer products such as deodorants, shaving creams, hair sprays, and insect repellents.

How Bag on valve technology is better for the environment

Uses less energy

BOV uses less energy than spray-filling technology, as the valve and Bag are powered by a spring-driven mechanism instead of compressed gas. It saves energy and reduces carbon emissions. It makes BOV spray technology a much better choice for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable.

Reduced waste

The BOV spray contains significantly less waste than spray filling technology, as the Bag can be recycled or reused with each spray. It helps to reduce landfill waste and pollution overall.

More efficient packaging

The BOV spray requires less material overall to package a product, which reduces the need for plastic packaging and other materials that can be detrimental to the environment. It also uses air displacement spray action instead of spray filling, which requires a propellant to spray the product. It means fewer chemicals are released into the environment using BOV spray technology. In addition, because of its airtight seal and pressurization capabilities, BOV spray is less likely to leak or spill onto the ground, further reducing its environmental impact.

Reduced aerosol waste

The spray is generated with one single spray actuator. It is more efficient in creating an even spray pattern. On the other hand, regular aerosol sprays require a propellant to help generate the aerosol spray. It means that when you use aerosol sprays, you are releasing more aerosols into the environment than with BOV spray technology.

Shelf life

Most aerosol sprays generated from BOV spray technology have a much longer shelf-life than aerosol sprays created through spray filling. It means less aerosol waste and fewer aerosols are being released into the environment, reducing its environmental impact.

Lower cost

Using aerosol sprays generated through BOV spray technology is much less expensive than aerosol sprays created through spray filling. It further reduces the environmental impact since fewer aerosols need to be produced.

Suitable for sensitive products

Because the Bag and can are pressurized in a separate container, aerosol sprays created through BOV spray technology are much more suitable for sensitive products. It means there is less risk of contamination and aerosols being released into the environment.

Safer for users

Aerosol sprays generated through BOV spray technology are much safer for users than aerosolized products formulated through traditional spray filling. In aerosol sprays created through spray filling, the propellant is typically a highly pressurized and flammable gas that can cause skin irritation or even more serious health implications if inhaled directly from the aerosol container. On the other hand, BOV aerosols use air as a propellant, eliminating the potential safety risks from aerosols created through spray filling.

Odourless aerosols

Aerosol sprays created using BOV technology can also address another common issue with aerosol products formulated through traditional spray filling – odor. As aerosol sprays created using the BOV method use air as the propellant, they do not contain any added odors that could irritate users. It makes aerosol sprays created using BOV technology ideal for applications such as personal care products and aerosol cleaning solutions, where odorless aerosols are desired.

Reduced risk of contamination and oxidation

When aerosol sprays are filled using the traditional spray filling method, there is a greater risk of contamination and oxidation. Contamination can occur from exposure to humidity, light, or other forms of pollution to the environment, while oxidation occurs when oxygen enters aerosol cans during the filling process. Both these issues can lead to an unpleasant smell or taste and harm the user and the immediate environment. However, Bag on valve technology helps reduce these risks of contamination and oxidation. The aerosol filling machine seals off the aerosol cans with a plastic bag before they are pressurized. It means that less oxygen enters the aerosol cans, thus reducing the chances of oxidation or spoilage. Additionally, since aerosol cans are not exposed to the environment during the aerosol filling process, there is less chance of contamination from outside sources. It makes Bag on valve aerosol technology ideal for aerosols that need to remain clean and uncontaminated and reduce environmental pollution.

Maximum utilization of the product

Bag on valve technology also helps to ensure maximum utilization of the product. It is because it allows for a greater proportion of each aerosol can or bottle to be used instead of traditional spray filling, which typically leaves a certain amount of material in the bottom that users cannot access. Bag on valve technology also has higher efficiency in particle size, meaning that more of the product is dispensed in each spray. It ensures that users get the most out of their aerosol products and reduces waste, making it a better choice for those looking to minimize their environmental impact.

About Signature Filling Company

Signature Filling Company is a leading provider of Bag on valve technology products. The business is dedicated to environmentally friendly solutions while upholding the best standards for the safety and quality of its products. Among the services we provide are: • Contract packaging of aerosol items with bag on valve technology. • Labelling and shrink wrapping of aerosol containers • Formulation service Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that your products are filled efficiently, safely, and with minimal environmental impact. Contact us today to learn more about our aerosol filling services and how we can help you achieve your environmental goals.

FAQs

How does Bag on valve recycling function?

The bag-on-valve system separates the can and Bag once the contents of the can have been utilized. It makes recycling each component easier as it will no longer require two different processes. The can is made from thin aluminum and recycled in the usual manner. In contrast, the Bag is made from polyethylene (PE) which is processed into small pellets to be used in various materials such as plastic components.

What is a BOV actuator?

A bag-on-valve actuator is a device used to spray the contents of a can filled with a BOV system. It works by pressing down on a diaphragm within the actuator, releasing the compressed air and liquid inside. This results in an even, powerful mist of liquid released from the nozzle.

How can you recycle Bag on valve products?

There are a variety of ways you can recycle your BOV product. One of the easiest and least expensive options is to mail your empty BOV product back to the manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer a recycling program that accepts any of their BOV containers back and recycles them for you. You can also find local drop-off centers or facilities that accept BOV products. Many municipalities partner up with companies to provide a safe way to dispose of these products. Finally, you can also look for private companies that offer BOV recycling services. These companies usually have specialized equipment that allows them to safely and effectively recycle the contents of your BOV containers. In addition, many companies offering this type of product are now working with waste management companies to ensure these cans’ most efficient and sustainable disposal.