Cambridge Consultants develop new foaming technology for cosmetics

UK-based innovative product development and technology consultant, Cambridge Consultants, has announced a new foaming technology that can be used as a replacement for flammable propellants such as the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cosmetics.

The new foaming technology will eliminate the potential harmful emissions from aerosols containing daily cosmetic products such as shaving foam and hair mousse.

Cambridge’s new technology will provide a low-cost alternative to VOCs which are contributing towards the ground-level ozone and have been linked to respiratory problems.

Introduction of the new foaming technology will also do away with the necessity of the aluminum aerosol cans that can be replaced with cost effective polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

Also, the smaller air bubbles in the foam are said to give a smooth texture for products like shaving foam or whipped cream than the conventional techniques.

Cambridge Consultants senior technologist Mark Nicmanis said the new technology provides an environmentally-friendly alternative that will enable companies to get ahead of the impending legislation and gain first-mover advantage.

"It doesn’t require VOCs or flammable propellants – which allows the use of low-cost, attractively-shaped PET bottles without presenting a fire hazard for warehouses," Nicmanis added.

"PET bottles typically cost half as much to produce as aluminum cans. And on top of the environmental benefits of doing away with VOCs, PET bottles can be recycled and have half the environmental impact of aluminum cans."

Traditionally, VOC is propane and/or butane liquefied inside an aerosol can together with a foaming agent and the solution to be dispensed.

Cambridge Consultants’ new foaming technology does not require dissolved or liquefied gases such as VOCs or even carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide, and the foam is formed simply with compressed air or nitrogen.

The bubbles produced are a fraction of the size of a grain of sand with a diameter of less than 40 microns and give a creamy texture to the foam.