Ball and Henkel join forces on sustainable aerosol packaging
The packaging has been designed using Ball’s ReAl technology, which utilizes recycled aluminum to create a metal alloy that is said to have increased strength and allows weight reduction without compromising integrity.
The original version of the ReAl technology was launched in 2014, replacing a standard, heavier aluminum aerosol can that included approximately 25% recycled materials in a package that weighed 11% less.
Newest version of ReAl technology
However, the newest version of the technology has now been unveiled and is being debuted in the newly launched Fa hairspray, in both 150ml and 200ml sizes.
This version of the technology contains a comparable level of recycled materials, but the packaging engineers behind the design have managed to reduce the weight by a further 4%, meaning the can now weighs 15% less than the standard model.
The development means that the Henkel Fa branded hairspray can be marketed on the back of the significant claim that the packaging is the lightest commercially available can on the market, ultimately contributing to a lower carbon footprint for the product.
Lower carbon footprint
Indeed, Ball estimates that by using the lighter weight packaging Henkel is reducing the carbon footprint for the product by approximately 12% - the equivalent of a vehicle driving around earth more than 1,000 times given the standard product supply volumes.
"ReAl is a material that is stronger, formable and compatible with Ball's existing aerosol can lines," said Dan Rabbitt, vice president, Ball Aerocan.
"For companies like Henkel, who continually drive for more sustainable packaging, this means that they can achieve their goals without sacrificing design or shelf presence. Everyone wins with ReAl – the customer, the consumer and the environment."
