I recently attended the Aerosol & Dispensing Forum 2017 (ADF), which ran parallel with Packaging of Perfume Cosmetics & Design 2017 (PCD) at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York. What always inspires me about the packaging industry is the innovative spirit of its supply chain.

These under-appreciated “Brands behind the Brands” – many of which exhibited at the ADF/PCD – seem to have an endless capacity for driving big, bold ideas up and down the supply chain. Functioning largely as “silent partners,” their packaging ingenuity and creativity often go unnoticed by the average consumer. However, as a marketing professional serving the packaging industry for over 20 years, here’s what I saw at the ADP/PCD that could be real game changers in the industry:

The Planet-Friendly Plastic Aerosol

Airopack created substantial buzz at the ADP with its “planet-friendly” plastic aerosol. Already a commercial success, the Airopack aerosol uses a piston barrier system and clear air for pressurization. At ADF/PCD 2017, the company introduced attendees to its next generation plastic aerosol, which can be pressurized without the use of the piston barrier insert.

A New Twist on a Proven Delivery System

A number of exhibitors showcased complementary products and components in support of the plastic aerosol. One was Power Container. The company featured its commercially proven bladder barrier system in a style that was both transparent, and designed to work within a plastic aerosol package. The inability to see product within a metal container has always been something of a latent pain point with consumers. With this virtually all-transparent delivery system, that problem could soon be a thing of the past.

The See-Through Bag-on-Valve

Summit Packaging Systems (SPS), in addition to showcasing a variety of unique dispensers and actuators, also gave a “nod” to the plastic aerosol by featuring it’s new transparent bag-on-valve actuator that, in addition to accommodating a plastic aerosol, provides consumers with an improved product dispensing experience.

The Higher-Functioning Flip-Top

LINDAL Group presented its new FlipClassic, an insert-less actuator with an integrated side-hinge cap that offers a higher functioning alternative to the traditional twist-lock actuator. The FlipClassic enables one-handed product dispensing, while eliminating the vexing problem of lost over caps, and the mess of unwanted dispensing that often comes with it. 

Taking Hair Color to a New Dimension

One company at ADF/CPD 2017 was clearly banking on the continuation of the hair color trend, with a rainbow of colors that resemble anything but the colors of natural hair. American Spraytech featured a new proprietary innovation: a holographic mousse and spray that are 3D color changing, and actually create a holographic-like effect in sunlight. The application is temporary, and will wash out (to the delight of parents everywhere).

You Can Always Count on Great Tech from Japan

So many great packaging innovations can be tracked back to Japanese origins. Their progressive, innovative culture has been the source of many great packaging solutions that have become mainstays on retail shelves around the world. The Daiwa Personal Care exhibit featured one such solution: a new high-performance line of pumps that deliver up to 32 varieties of foam density. I sampled one at their exhibit; the product dispensed as a rich, almost whipped-cream like texture.

The Illuminating Actuator

I had the pleasure of catching up with Precision Global’s recently appointed US Director of Sales, James Taylor, who introduced me to FlashSight™ Technology. This first-of-its kind dispensing applicator features a built in-LED light directly above the nozzle to enable users to see precisely where they are spraying in low-light areas. First commercially used by Liquid Wrench, Precision is the exclusive manufacturer of the illuminating actuator. One can readily imagine the possibilities of this technology for a variety of applications that would benefit from improved visibility at point-of-dispense.

A Smarter Way to Spray Powders

A clever package being presented by Qosmedix was a spray bottle with an extended nozzle sprayer, designed to apply spray powder or glitter formulations. The nozzle is designed to collapse after use, ensuring that product will not escape the package in transit or when not in use. The package is suited to a range of applications, including body powders, and advanced painting techniques.

Ordinary Looks with Extraordinary Functionality

Innovation doesn’t always have to look cool. Sometimes, a seemingly ordinary appearing package delivers extraordinary results. That’s the case with Package Development Company’s new approach to child-resistance, featuring a tray-in-a-box combination. The outer box features a built-in tab that prevents young children from accessing the contents contained within the interior tray. For adults, the opening mechanism is simple. And, all components are 100% recyclable.

From Simple Elegance to Visually Vogue

Heinz Glas was on hand to show an impressive array of packaging to reaffirm that the range of decorating and design possibilities in the medium of glass truly has no limits. And Heinz Glas had a great range on display. From the elegance of the Tiffany perfume bottle that bears the look and touch of high-end crystal, to the intricate details and texturing of the Opium bottle, and everything in between.

Many other exhibitors at the show had equally impressive solutions on display. The list was long. But as the saying goes, “You really had to be there.” It was a great showcasing of best-in-class technologies from supply chain partners that clearly ‘get it’ when it comes to innovation. Be sure to check out next year’s show, and other events from the ADF/PCD.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ed Delia is president of Delia Associates, a business branding and marketing firm with an extensive clientele in the packaging, manufacturing and related industries. He is the second generation leader of NJ-based Delia Associates, which was founded by his father Michael A. Delia, in 1964. Ed is also a frequent speaker on the subjects of B2B brand development, and digital marketing, and authors numerous papers and articles on these subjects as well.