Pressure Points
Industry events foster
supplier-manufacturer alliances
The questions keeping me up at night
mostly revolve around how to grow
the use of aerosol technology. What
will be a game changer for aerosols? At
what point in the creation of a product is
the packaging type decision made and who
makes it? How are suppliers and manufacturers
working together to create new and
innovative aerosol products?
Therefore, conferences and events that
focus on aerosol technology and packaging
are so important. They bring together those
asking and answering these questions.
As a scientist, aerosol technology advocate
and trade association professional, I regularly
attend and present at aerosol-related conferences.
In early October, I was honored to
join many of my colleagues at the European
Aerosol Federation’s (FEA) Global Aerosol
Events, held in Düsseldorf, Germany, which
were co-located with the International Liaison
Committee (ILC) yearly meeting. There
were representatives in attendance from
every continent except Antarctica1.
Events like these act as a town hall for
an industry that is as unique as it is global,
helping us to learn from each other, make
our voices heard, develop new projects, forge connections and
show our commitment to our community of fellow professionals.
Conferences, trade shows and publications such as SPRAY are also
where aerosol success stories are shared, giving others involved
Growth can come from many places,
but mutually beneficial suppliermanufacturer
partnerships that avoid the
pitfalls of traditional R&D are one of the
best approaches to ensure the continued
viability of the market...
in the product creation journey opportunities to see how aerosol
technology is creating growth for brands.
The creativity of our industry was on full display in Düsseldorf,
from new product launches, high-efficiency manufacturing technologies
and high-definition container printing to new formulations,
all-plastic valves and greener solvents. More than anything
else, celebrating these success stories, frequently the result of
collaborative innovation between a supplier and manufacturer,
FEA Global Aerosol Events, Düsseldorf. (Photo supplied by SPRAY)
helps everyone by raising the profile of aerosol technology as a
go-to solution with decision makers. Growth can come from many
places, but mutually beneficial supplier-manufacturer partnerships
that avoid the pitfalls of traditional R&D are one of the best approaches
to ensure the continued viability of the market.
As you read this article, the leaders of the industry will be
examining these same questions and making strategic plans to
protect and promote aerosol technology at the HCPA Annual
Meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. If you were unable to attend, you
can still add to the conversation by answering two questions in
this quick survey—what do you think is the biggest aerosol innovation
of the last five years, and secondly, where do you think the
next game-changing aerosol innovation will come from? Entire
new categories? New container materials? Refillables? Share your
opinion at http://bit.ly/aerosolquestions. Thank you. Spray
10 Spray December 2018
NICHOLAS GEORGES
Director, Scientific Affairs, HCPA
1Associations in attendance included AAA (Aerosol Association of Australia), AAF (Asian Aerosol
Federation), ABAS (Brazilian Aerosol Association), AIAJ (Aerosol Industry Association of Japan),
AMA (The Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association South Africa), APC (Aerosols Promotion Council
India), BAMA (British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association), CPF (China Packaging Federation),
FEA (European Aerosol Federation), FLADA (Latin American Aerosol Federation), HCPA (Household
& Commercial Products Association), IGA (Die Industrie-Gemeinschaft Aerosole e.V. Germany),
IMAAC (Instituto Mexicano Del Aerosol A.C.), TAA (Thai Aerosol Association)