Refillable Spray Cans
A complementary product + supply chain innovative strategy
Recycling aerosol cans can be difficult to approach, as they typically come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, and present the potential to explode if not discharged properly by the product’s user.
I targeted spray paint cans initially in this analysis as they have a comprehensive advantage over other aerosol products - their packaging is standardised and universal. Despite this, only 30% of aluminium spray paint cans are recycled in NSW, even though 90% of Australians live in a council with the support of a spray paint can recycler. Clearly, there is an issue within the systems, sales and culture around this product that contributes to 70% of spray paint cans going unrecycled.
How do you solve a recycling problem where
the product is not the problem?
Here’s a look at how a spray paint can is used by an end user.
Aluminium is 100% recyclable, can be done so infinitely, and when left in the environment contributes to the acidic precipitation of the surrounding ecosystems and bodies of water.
How do we intervene in this flowchart to incentivise recycling or reusing?
Revising this system with a refillable product, combined with a service for both distributing the product and reintroducing the product into the production cycle, we can remove the need for the product to be recycled or thrown away, and in most cases the product is instead stored for future use. In the case of future use, the product can be refilled, offering more value to both the customer and the service provider, whilst reducing the total products purchased in the process
Both the product and the supply chain require review, as they complement eachother.
Spray paint cans are a consumable product, and are a cheaper and more convenient alternative to refillable spray painting systems, i.e. a pressured spray gun. However, this product does not need to be removed from the supply chain to move towards a more sustainable ethicacy. To do so will require systematic changes to how spray paint cans are supplied and used, on both an end user and supplier level, as well as a fundamental change to the product. This fundamental change is -
A redesign/addition to the current spray paint can design;
a keyed opening notched into the bottom of the current standardised spray paint can form factor, so that it may be refilled and repressurised on demand.
The product does not have to be made from scratch, infact through continuing with standardised spray can form, the same result is achievable through a modification of a quality used spray paint can, of which can be sourced from a spray paint can recycler for much cheaper than the raw material and manufacturing cost.
As part of the service, the product can be returned to the company through the service provider (hardware store or otherwise) for a financial return, providing an incentive for the consumer to reintroduce the product into production, creating a circular economy within this line of product.
This new supply process will both reduce the overall aerosol can contribution to waste, and allows for cheaper spray paint for the consumer, whilst reducing waste on their behalf as they can now bring their used cans back to their hardware store for refilling as part of a service provided alongside the product.
A new supply chain proposal:
Cash incentives for end-users
Cashflow incentives for suppliers
The proposed supply chain is one of which feeds itself. Through monetary incentives for procuring quality used products for reuse and repurposing, combined with the longevity and value of refills, the community benefits financially whilst helping keep aluminium and plastic out of the waste system and local environment and waterways. Per-product value is increased through these refills on the behalf of the seller/service provider too, hence businesses win out financially while providing better value for their customers.
A better view of the can
The new refillable spray paint can design features no revolutionary recycling features, as standardised spray paint cans are already 100% recyclable. Instead, the innovation lies in the complementing of a small product change, and the business systems and supply chain which can exist through the proliferation of this product.
Some criteria which informed a successful design:
The product can be made through modification of existing spray cans
The product can be refilled an unlimited amount of times, using minimal mechanical parts to ensure longevity.
The product is as similar as possible to current standardised spray paint cans, so that current recycling systems and machines can be applied to the product with at most limited modification.
