Air travel takes on airless pump packaging

Tightening of air travel security has led to a plethora of packaging solutions that meet new criteria for personal care products, but one Florida-based company believes it has come up with a particularly sophisticated response.

The 3-1-1 Travel Bag solution, launched by Clear Bag Systems, is said to be a practical carry-on solution that complies with international air travel security requirements to make personal care products both visible and the right size.

The product has been developed in response to increased security for air travels following last year's foiled attempt by terrorist on trans Atlantic flights involving to smuggle on board personal care products such as shampoo or shower gels containing liquid .

The packaging comprises an aluminium top and base and a clear plastic dispenser that comprises airless pump technology that come in an assortment of sizes and capacities to meet US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations.

The TSA 311 rule, which was introduced last year to comply with international rules and to fight the threat of terrorism, states that all liquids, gels and aerosols are required to be packaged in containers no larger than 3oz, or 100ml if traveling to Europe, contained in a zip-top plastic bag.

But the most significant feature is perhaps the airless pump feature, thought to be the first of its kind to be designed for a solution specifically for air travel security regulations.

As well as being an environmentally-friendly solution - there being no aerosol spray or non-recyclable components - the manufacturer claims that the design also allows consumer to refill the containers simply and easily from larger-sized products normally used at home.

Likewise, the containers and pumps have been manufactured to a more robust standard, enabling it to stand up to the rigors of traveling and also facilitating multiple refills.

Because of this design, the containers have a premium pricing, which starts at $4 each.

Available in 50oz, 1.oz and 1.75oz containers, the range is also available in a kit form that includes all the containers together with a TSA regulation compliant clear zip top bag, at a retail price of $24.95.

Since the tightening of travel security a host of new packaging solutions have been introduced, leading to the creation of a new niche in personal care packaging.

Companies providing such solutions also include Graham Packaging and Alpha Packaging, which have both developed specific packaging lines that conform to the new regulations.