Written on: September 8, 2021 by SprayTM
The International Organization of Aluminum Aerosol Container Manufacturers (AEROBAL) announced the winners of its 2021 World Aluminum Aerosol Can Awards. The judging panel was comprised of nine journalists from globally recognized packaging and aerosol industry magazines. AEROBAL Secretary General Gregor Spengler said he was pleased to find that the innovative strength of the industry had not diminished during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the particular challenges of the crisis and the difficult market overall.
The winner in the “Aluminum Aerosol Cans Already on the Market” category was Cocinero Fritolim with cans manufactured by Trivium Packaging Argentina. Cocinero Fritolim is an edible oil spray that offers health-conscious consumers both quality and controlled portioning. The oil comes in three different flavors: Clasico, Oliva and Butter. For each variant, a design concept highlights and emphasizes the product’s brand image.
The shape of the can presented a challenge; in the graphic pre-production phase, the distinctive face of the chef had to be created precisely so that it would appear perfectly proportioned despite the deformation of the can during the manufacturing process. Also, the cans are sustainable, as Cocinero uses infinitely recyclable aluminum cans with recycled content. Overall, the cans stand for health consciousness, attractiveness and sustainability, which is completely in keeping with the company’s mission, said AEROBAL.
The winners in the “Prototype” category were two aluminum cans—Save the Earth and The Matrix—intended for self-marketing purposes and manufactured by CCL Container in the U.S. CCL Container partnered with Sun Chemical to develop and produce the attractive aluminum cans with novel spot varnish ink technology. CCL responded to its customer’s strong interest in a new option offered by this printing technology and their desire for new ways to design aluminum cans. The strong contrast in visual perception between the matte and glossy areas fascinates at first sight and ensures an outstanding presence on the shelf, said AEROBAL.
The new technology no longer uses a traditional varnish in the conventional sense. Instead, varnish is integrated into the printing ink as an additive. Deformation of the can would be extremely difficult without a varnish, which protects the cans from scratching, chipping, abrasions and other signs of wear. The extraordinarily appearance of the two award-winning prototypes gives an idea of opportunities made possible by this technology, according to AEROBAL.
The aluminum can for Cien Deodorant Spray—produced by German can manufacturer Tubex— was the winner in the “Sustainability” category. According to Tubex , the can is the first aluminum aerosol can printed with an eco-friendly and sustainable printing ink. The ink is free of mineral, palm, soybean and coconut oils and therefore contributes to protecting the Earth’s rainforests. Furthermore, no genetically modified organic substances are used and all binders are based on renewable sources.
In addition to the environmental performance of the printing ink, the winning can also offers a range of sustainable and eco-friendly properties, including a patented alloy that leads to a further weight reduction of 6% compared to previous versions of the can. The can also contains 25% certified post-consumer recycled (PCR) material as well as a water-based coating lacquer that reduces the use of solvents by 60%.
“Sustainability continues to play the central role in the aluminum aerosol can industry and, of course, in packaging in general,” noted Spengler.
“It’s remarkable and satisfying to see that even in times of crisis, the efforts and investments of our member companies have not diminished when it comes to sustainable concepts. Looking at this year’s competition, it rather seems to be the case that our industry is once again stepping up its efforts to create eco-friendly and environmentally compatible packaging solutions.
“As well, the awards have also produced impressive and ground-breaking ideas in printing, decoration and finishing that will open up additional opportunities for designers and marketing specialists and further boost the role of the aluminum aerosol can in global packaging markets,” Spengler concluded.
