Coster Group introduces its Bag-on-Valve with an integrated metering system
With BOVs, having the propellant separate from the product is possible. With metered dose BOVs, Coster ensures a specific dosage with each actuation.
Pero, 27th April 2024 – The aerosol world has undergone a strong push forward in recent years and Coster has contributed to the evolution, being the first company in the sector to introduce a Bag-on-Valve on a technical application.
The Bag-on-Valve (BOV) is a special valve equipped with a bag, specifically designed to keep in a can the product separated from the propellant, typically compressed gases such as air or nitrogen.
Since its introduction on the market, the demand for a BOV able to provide a specific dosage has raised. Therefore, Coster aims to bring a solution to the sector presenting its metered dose Bag-on-Valve (mBOV).
The metered dose BOV, thanks to a piston-chamber system coupled to a three-way valve, allows the accurate delivery of a specific quantity of product at each actuation. The idea at the base is to exploit the energy stored as compressed air inside the can as the actual engine of the valve.
The mBOV maintains all the typical strengths of the standard Bag-on-Valve adding the metering feature, which opens new scenarios in pharma, cosmetics and food applications, allowing a controlled delivery. Moreover, it embraces the “reduce” trend which avoids the accidental product waste, and it allows the brand owner to provide accurate usage instructions to the user (i.e., apply a certain amount of product equivalent to a specific number of actuations).
“Some products must be dispensed in a specific quantity as well as must be paraben free. For this reason, they must not be in contact with the surrounding environment. The metered dose BOV can be considered the aerosol counterpart of airless pump solutions bringing the advantages of a higher flexibility in terms of packaging choice.” explains Andrea Rainieri, Coster Chief Innovation & Sustainability Officer. “The compatibility with standard filling equipment avoids also additional investment to the customers already adopting BOV technology.”
Coster’s metered dose BOV is also sustainable, for two main reasons: firstly, because the propellant should be either compressed air or nitrogen, which are both eco-friendly. In addition, this technology feeds the recyclability process, since the aerosol can once emptied from the product can be recycled in the metal stream.
The advantages in ecological and environmental terms are combined with those related to product preservation: the aluminium can prevents any contamination from the outside, whilst the bag keeps the product separated from the air.
Almost all fluids and viscous products can be filled in a BOV system as long as the viscosity of the product is low enough to pass through the valve stem and the delivery performance can be easily adapted to the customer needs by using different configurations of Coster actuators.
Coster’s innovative metered dose Bag-on-Valve (mBOV) system is poised to increase the range of dispensing technologies available to the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, offering a unique combination of precision dosing, application versatility, and sustainability.
For cosmetic applications, the mBOV facilitates the creation of aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe packaging. The system ensures exceptional product preservation, allowing for a longer shelf life. Additionally, the mBOV’s comfortable 360° application and precise dosing contribute to a premium user experience.
In the pharmaceutical sector, precise dosing is paramount. The mBOV guarantees the accurate delivery of vital therapeutic ingredients. This translates to increased patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the mBOV’s focus on reliability, safety, and sustainability aligns perfectly with the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical packaging.
“We have already performed several tests with our customers’ bulks to verify their compatibility, obtaining positive results. The Bag-on-Valve system is a functional solution for several sectors, from medical, to food, cosmetic and industrial. However, there are already many other companies that require this technology for their aerosols. Our technical and laboratory team is doing a great job in developing our own metered dose BOV” states proudly Mr. Rainieri.
Coster boasts an entire plant dedicated to Bag-on-Valves production, Coster 4, which is located in its Trentino headquarters.