AEROSOL EUROPE: Mr. Lamboy, we are speaking to you at the ADF/PCD in Paris. What do you think of this trade show and what are you looking for?
Peter Lamboy: I’ve been coming to this trade show for years. It has developed very nicely and, in the packaging sector, focuses on aerosols and dispensers. Today I’m looking for a partner for a new aerosol system.
AEROSOL EUROPE: Are there really new systems?
Peter Lamboy: It’s easy to see that plastic aerosols are capturing new markets. Added to this is the development of new plastic valves. P&G introduced its own system last year. And Clayton is also working on this. My Swedish partners have developed a completely new system.
AEROSOL EUROPE: What’s completely new about it?
Peter Lamboy: I have called this system Plug in Can (PIC). As compared to customary systems, the valve is only pressed in after the filling process. Thanks to the design of a crown form, the valve snaps in under the rim of the aerosol can.
AEROSOL EUROPE: Does the can have to be adapted for this?
Peter Lamboy: We’ve taken care of that. Together with Tubex, we designed a new can shoulder that is very precise in its inner draw-in and has the necessary undercut on its upper edge.
AEROSOL EUROPE: What advantages does this present as compared to a customary aerosol can?
Peter Lamboy: The valve is cheaper. Instead of the expensive aluminum or tinplate disc, now a stabilizer made of PA 6.6 is used. The construction of the inner parts such as the stem, steam seal, and spring is identical to standard valves.
AEROSOL EUROPE: But this requires new cans...
Peter Lamboy: In addition to the alleged restriction, there are significant advantages in filling. No expensive machine is required to clinch the valve disks. No time-consuming maintenance, and no special trainings for the line personnel. When the valve is seated, it’s leak tight.
AEROSOL EUROPE: What makes you so sure?
Peter Lamboy: When I was still managing packaging development at Kao Germany, we had made some initial attempts in our laboratory. The leak-tightness and function were given from the very beginning.
AEROSOL EUROPE: Have you already made contact with manufacturers?
Peter Lamboy: Yes, we have had discussions with a few and even visited them. Aerosols are a very conservative means of packaging. The first valve was put on the market by Robert Abplanalp in 1949. Hardly anything has changed since then. Today, plastic containers for aerosols are being developed. This is a big challenge. And this is precisely where PIC would be a good addition.
AEROSOL EUROPE: How will things go from here?
Peter Lamboy: I made some good contacts here in Paris. We will see what comes of those. I am very optimistic.
AEROSOL EUROPE: We thank you for the conversation.
