Pioneering pumps

Sree Hari R Nair was an integral part of the first dispenser production line for ALPLA India in Hyderabad. He is now Global Head of Business Pumps and Devices at the ALPLA HQ in Hard and also responsible for developing innovative solutions in this business vertical.

Since summer 2023, ALPLA and the South Korean pump manufacturer HANA Innovation have been combining their expertise in the ALPLAhana joint venture.What is the conclusion after the first year?

The HANA Innovation team had some innovative concepts related to PP Springs for Mono Plastic dispensers. We want to use our manufacturing capacities to bring these to market in various regions. We are currently evaluating additional locations for production lines. At the same time, we are also working on new products and several variants.

What distinguishes ALPLA's pumps from conventional products?

We cover conventional dispensers as well as fully recyclable mono-plastic pumps. Our mono- plastic solution strengthens the sustainability and recyclability factors. We can also work on post-consumer recycled material for certain components of the pumps. Some of our futuristic pumps are based on stable and durable plastic spring concepts. This innovation has enormous potential and, as a newcomer to the market, gives us an added advantage. Most of our customers – especially multinationals – are looking for sustainable and recyclable solutions, partly due to regulations such as the EU Packaging Directive. We expect that by 2030, a high percentage of pumps market will be converted into mono-material solutions.

What was the reaction to the launch of the mono-material pump "ALPLA Hana Dispenser" (AHD) made of PP and what other recyclable solutions does ALPLA offer?

We are very satisfied with the initial feedback from various MNC’s (Multinational Corporations). Our focus is therefore clearly on mono plastic dispenser pumps. We have also started working on a mono plastic fine mist sprayer that will cover both normal fine mist applications and pharmaceutical applications.

As a system provider, ALPLA also supplies the matching bottle for the pump – or vice versa. Is this added value already being recognized on the market?

Absolutely. This is a major advantage. As a system supplier, we can offer our customers organizational, logistical and commercial value addition. They can purchase the bottle and pump from a single source and receive perfectly harmonized components. This offering gives us a unique selling point in the market.

ALPLA recently founded the new ALPLAinject division for injection molding. What role does pump production play in this?

The pump business was and is an integral part of the injection molding business. The establishment of ALPLAinject has once again clearly demonstrated this. ALPLAinject is sharpening the focus on injection molding for ALPLA. I expect that the pump business will also be strengthened by this move considering the focus to customers and markets. Strong services in all regions and the expansion of our global presence will also be helpful for this business vertical.

What opportunities does the market offer and what are the biggest challenges?

Most customers value regional supply, sustainable pumps, and qualified suppliers. We can tick all these boxes. The biggest challenge is the commitment of large customers to the mono-material solutions as on date. They want to make the switch, but first have to familiarize themselves in detail with the use of sustainable pumps in their product portfolio. We are growing together on this task.

Where are the production sites for pumps located?

Conventional dispenser pumps are produced from Hyderabad in India. We currently manufacture the monoplastic version in South Korea at the ALPLAhana site in Hwaseong. As mentioned, we are also evaluating further production lines in other regions of the world. 

The ALPLApharma division produces sterile packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, e.g. for nasal sprays. Are the first pump solutions already available?

For a multinational pharma company’s well-established brand we are working on a customized project for nasal application in India. This pump will be a first in terms of mono-plastic, sustainable application for the brand in the region. There will also be some functions realized here for the first time. 

Speaking of innovation: what new products can ALPLA customers look forward to next?

We will soon be launching two innovative mono plastic dispensers in different outputs – including few variants. We plan to do a marketing launch of both products at the Beauty World Exhibition 2024 in Dubai from 28 to 30 October. I cannot reveal more details now considering the launch plan. Few points in advance: it will be a sustainable mono plastic pump with some globally unique features. Additionally, we are also working on an all-plastic upside-down feature – suitable for various pumps.

Interested?

Would you like to find out more about our portfolio of pumps and would you like free samples? Please contact us by e-mail at pumps@alpla.com