Aerosol Packaging

Lightweight
Steel is a cost-effective and impact-resistant solution for a wide range of repeat use applications. It delivers your brand to the consumer in optimal condition.

Smooth
Steel's even surface is ideal for printing and decorating, making the package a great "billboard" for brand messaging.

Light Reflecting
Designers can capitalize on this property by contrasting metallic and opaque effects, further enhancing package appearance.

Rigidity
Steel's consistent ability to preserve products - ensuring they remain intact and perform as intended when dispensed - have led to its popularity as a packaging material.

Flexibility
Steel is easily formed, allowing it to be shaped into innovative designs, creating instant shelf appeal.

Aerosols and the Environment

Long seen as a threat to the environment, aerosol packaging can actually be beneficial. Let's take a moment to review some key facts:

Aerosols do not use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants and haven't for more than 25 years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Food and Drug Administration issued regulations effective March 17, 1978 prohibiting CFC use as aerosol propellants. Less than one percent of aerosols -- "essential uses" such as asthma inhalers -- are permitted to use CFCs. However, even these exempted uses are steadily switching to non-CFC propellants.

Aerosol cans are 100% recyclable. Most aerosol cans are made of tinplated steel and can be recycled with other steel containers. Post-consumer steel cans are in demand because steel furnaces require recycled steel to make new steel. Today's steel aerosol cans contain an average of 25% recycled content.

Aerosols make virtually no contribution to smog. In the lower atmosphere, smog is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react with sunlight and nitrogen oxides. According to research by the U.S. EPA, the major manmade sources of VOCs are vehicle emissions, combustion and industrial emissions. The EPA estimates that consumer products account for only 5% of VOCs from manmade sources, with the amount coming from aerosols so small, it is almost unmeasurable. However, the consumer products and aerosol industries have taken steps to minimize the level of VOCs in their products.

Thanks to the Consumer Aerosol Products Council for some of this information. Visit www.nocfcs.org for more information.