Written on: June 22, 2022 by SprayTM
Focusing on sustainability as well as functionality, Netherlands-based Weener Plastics (WP) has developed a new spray system for aerosol spray caps with an insert: the Ultimate Spray System (USS). The patented, sustainable, two-piece product technology offers the performance of familiar, proven conventional spray caps, according to WP. This is the result of the material used for the insert as well as the smart design of the spray cap.
To achieve refined spray patterns for specific application requirements, aerosols often use a spray cap with an insert. Traditionally, inserts are made of polymethyl methacrylate (POM), which cannot be recycled and disrupts waste streams. To solve this, WP noted that it has developed the unique USS with a polypropylene (PP) insert: a true mono-material product. The PP spray cap, including the PP insert, can be recycled 100% in standard waste streams. To increase circularity further, the spray cap is also available in recycled PP (rPP/PCR).
According to WP, the USS offers a second novel feature: the spray cap can be easily and conveniently removed from the aerosol container before disposal. Thanks to an intuitive functionality, the finger-button can be lifted, at which point the housing of the spray cap is torn open and can be removed. The separate spray cap and aerosol container can then be disposed of in the appropriate waste stream, ensuring effective recycling.
The USS is not only sustainable, but also highly functional, said the company. Extensive tests with a wide range of formulations show an “excellent spray performance.” Depending on the application, customers can choose the required spray characteristics, for example, different orifices and spray patterns.
The system also offers design freedom for the spray caps. As a result, a vast number of different designs and customization are feasible to boost brand recognition or distinguish from the competition. The insert and housing can both be given different colors. The caps fit standard aluminum and tinplate aerosol containers and can be processed on standard filling lines.
This new development is part of WP’s circular economy program. Innovative technologies, low-carbon materials and smart product designs are key drivers to improve circularity and lower the footprint of its products.
