There are lots of reasons why aluminum aerosol containers ‘knock out’ their competition.

Outstanding performance:

Long valued by marketers of a variety of products for their light weight, the market for aluminum containers is expanding — notably in the area of aerosol products. Worldwide, aluminum aerosol containers account for nearly half the market, beating out steel/tinplate. Companies in the health and beauty, pharmaceutical and food industries are increasingly drawn to aluminum’s “shape-ability”, ease of decoration, and elegant appearance and feel in the hand. Did you know that aluminum also has a greater pressure resistance than steel?

For so many reasons, it’s no wonder that aluminum is beginning to muscle in on steel as the material of choice for aerosol containers.

Aluminum Green Bar

Great shoulders and a shapely profile:

Over the past decade, CCL has pioneered a number of shoulder profiles, including Extended-Neck, Trimline®, Trimwave® and Snap-lock. We even created the first full-body shaped aerosol container based on a technology first introduced by CCL in 2005 (BodyShapes™), which allows top-to-bottom shaping of rigid aluminum containers. In fact, aluminum shines when it comes to creating unique shapes. Unlike steel, aluminum aerosol containers can be curved and contoured from the bottom 40mm up — fitting comfortably in the hand and giving brands a distinct personality that stands out on store shelves.

While a great shape is highly coveted in the beauty industry for skin care, cosmetics, hair care and sun tanning applications, it is equally fitting for food, pharmaceuticals and household products — everything from cooking spays to topical analgesics to room deodorizers. Even automotive categories are getting more mileage with custom aerosol cans for products such as specialty cleaners and other auto-care items. What’s more, a uniquely shaped aluminum container helps prevent product counterfeiting, a problem that can cost millions in potential brand-reputation damage.

World-class decorating versatility:

Few metals lend themselves to as many decorating and finishing options as aluminum. From the modern look of brushed aluminum cans to the drama of debossing, aluminum goes where steel simply cannot. Increasingly, marketers are taking advantage of aluminum’s inherent good looks, with its soft patina. Aluminum aerosol containers accept in-line lithography beautifully; allowing for a rainbow’s worth of colors and a spectrum of design effects, such as halftones and gradients. Whether a brand demands a vivid day-glo or metallic finish or a sophisticated matte look, aluminum makes it possible.

To make a container almost irresistible, add texture to create a product that begs to be picked up. CCL’s “Velvet Touch” option adds the soft, smooth look and feel of pearls that is elegant and sensuous. And it’s only available in aluminum.

The broad range of decorating options afforded by aluminum gives package designers a palette to work with that is virtually unmatched.

A talented, all-around performer that can handle the pressure.

Aluminum aerosol containers are an ideal choice for products with a high chloride content. From cheese spreads and cake frostings and from many hair mousse products to wound medications — these are all products that have a natural affinity for aluminum containers.

Propellants become a factor in choosing aluminum over steel for aerosol containers. For instance, dimethyl ether, a propellant used to stabilize hairsprays, self-tanning products, anti-aging products, wart treatments, air fresheners and spray paints, only work with liner of polyamide-imide — a polymer valued for its mechanical-, thermal- and chemical-resistant properties. Polyamide-imide (also referred to as PAM or PAI) will not cure over steel.

To separate product from propellant, especially important with aerosol-delivered foods, our aluminum containers feature a piston-barrier system that is especially effective with high-viscosity products, such as cream cheese, toppings and cake frostings.

And while aluminum may look “soft” as compared to steel, it actually is far more pressure-resistant. Why? Aluminum aerosol containers are one-piece construction, which is inherently stronger under pressure than most steel containers. Think about that when you leave a can of tanning product in your car on a hot summer day…