Berry Global patented a new deodorant application

Berry Global has developed a patented technology for the manufacture of the roll-on balls used in the production of roll-on deodorant applicators. The company says the technology delivers faster output to produce balls at a consistently high quality, with minimal material wastage during production.

The new technology represents a multi-million investment by Berry and demonstrates the company’s extensive technical and design expertise, harnessing the skills and experience of personnel across its global network to create a game-changer for the roll-on deodorant market. “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, Berry Global’s 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, patented technology is its ability to manufacture the hollow ball using a single injection moulding tool. 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 also ensures exact dimensions for each ball, which is essential to avoid leaks when a roll-on is used by the consumer. Similarly, cap closure top load resistance is tested to extremely high pressures to prevent leakages. 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. Importantly, while the ball is a standard design, Berry’s technical teams work with individual customers in the development of each deo roll-on to ensure full compatibility with their products for consistent and reliable use by the end-consumer.

The ball is manufactured in polypropylene, which is widely recyclable where appropriate recycling infrastructure is in place. In addition, it can be manufactured in up to 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, helping companies meet legislative requirements and their own sustainability goals.