An industry working together...
The epic movie Gladiator contains a scene showing a reenactment of the Battle
of Carthage. The main character Maximus leads a hardened group of criminals
representing the “Barbarian Horde.” Just before the fearful misfits see what is about
to be released into the colosseum against them, Maximus tells them, “Whatever comes
out of these gates…we have a better chance of survival if we work together!” What follows
is a battle where the once fearful underdogs defeat the better equipped enemy by working
together as a team.
As an industry, we have battled to keep our families and team members safe and plants
running during the COVID-19 pandemic—all while demand for certain aerosol products
has skyrocketed to the point of straining supply chains. Working together has been key for
this industry to achieve the winning results accomplished.
To work together, support its members and the entire aerosol industry, the National
Aerosol Association (NAA) has facilitated weekly calls to share best practices to overcome
the COVID-19 crisis. The calls offer attendees the opportunity to share ideas and ask questions.
An agenda was followed that allowed for best practice discussions around government,
operations and team member motivation and safety. The camaraderie and positive
attitude towards sharing ideas with other industry members was inspirational and validated
the deep connection that so many of us feel towards this industry.
Further, the Aerosol Summit meeting hosted by the NAA and industry regional associations
has been rescheduled to March 21–23, 2021 at the Sheraton Grand Nashville. All
2020 registrations have been rolled over for this event, which will feature an impactful
program with unparalleled networking opportunities. Based on current registration,
225–250 attendees are expected.
The year 2020 is another busy one for the regulation of consumer products impacting
the aerosol industry. The NAA is working on volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations
in California, New York and Colorado. Also, work on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) regulations,
impacting the use of the propellant 134a, is occurring at the State level in 15 different
States. Member companies receive detailed updates regularly and consultation as requested.
The NAA is the only national organization in the U.S. wholly dedicated to the aerosol
packaging form. Its mission is to protect, promote and support the aerosol industry. Each
member company has equal input into the direction and actions taken by the organization,
which always acts in the best interest of the aerosol packaging form.
NAA membership provides access to the most influential regulatory relationships with
the California Air Resources Board (CARB), where the bulk of regulatory activity impacting
aerosols originates. Members also benefit from impactful industry meetings that provide
powerful programming and prime networking opportunities with leaders from across the
industry. The NAA also provides members access to more than 35 years of data from the
Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) that documents the remarkable safety record
of all the aerosol products used by consumers. If not a member already, please contact
naa@nationalaerosol.com today for a membership application.
Emperor Marcus Aurelius led the Roman Empire during one of the worst pandemics in
European history. In his writings he recorded, “Fear does us more harm than the things of
which we’re afraid.” Fear can be overcome by focusing on helping others rather than focusing
on our fears and problems. The teamwork and sharing of information to combat the
COVID-19 crisis by so many in the aerosol industry has been inspiring! Our fellow citizens
need many of the essential products manufactured by the thousands of people at aerosol
filling facilities and supporting supply chains all around the U.S. and we have not failed to
deliver!
Joe Bowen, President,
National Aerosol Association (NAA)
6 Spray June 2020
SPRAY Technology & Marketing
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Volume 30, No 6, June 2020
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Guest Commentary
This month, Commentary is provided by guest editorialist Joe Bowen,
President of the National Aerosol Association (NAA).