BERRY Global has announced it has developed a patented technology for the manufacture of the roll-on balls used in the production of roll-on deodorant applicators.
The company claims the tech delivers faster output to produce balls at a ‘consistently high quality’, with ‘minimal’ material wastage during production.
The move represents a multi-million investment by Berry.
“Our new deo ball technology is a product and process technical innovation, which underlines our in-depth knowledge of both plastic materials and their manufacturing techniques,” said Alejandre Beltran, EVP innovation, R&D and sustainability. “It is through these innovations that we are able to continually push the boundaries of what is possible in plastics, while embracing our responsibility concerning sustainability.”
Critical to the new technology is its ability to manufacture the hollow ball using a single injection moulding tool. Berry explained this features a novel insert to join the two halves of the ball together, before being over-moulded. The four-stage process creates a smoother central join for the two halves, with zero offset, meaning less plastic has to be grinded away during the manufacturing process.
Precision manufacturing is also said to ensure exact dimensions for each ball, which is essential to avoid leaks when a roll-on is used by the consumer.
The 1.4” is the most popular size of deodorant ball and will be used in the relevant designs within Berry’s portfolio of deo roll-ons. While the ball is a standard design, Berry added that its technical teams work with individual customers in the development of each deo roll-on to ensure full compatibility with their products.
The ball is manufactured in polypropylene, which is widely recyclable where appropriate recycling infrastructure is in place. it can also be manufactured in up to 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.
