Whether it is the neat and neutral NEA lotion pump selected by Natura for its DIVERSA Liquid Foundation, or the ultra-low profile lubricant-free XD-11 fine mist pump chosen by Lolita Lempika for its new SI LOLTIA fragrance, Rexam designs its new pumps for fast priming.

“There is an art to designing and developing pumps that offer quick priming operation and retain flawless quality for the entire life of the product,” said Julie Vergnion, Product Manager, Rexam Personal Care Division. “Our long-standing dedication to pump performance and commitment to enhanced functionality results in complete consumer satisfaction and stronger brands through the design of quality products.”

According to Vergnion, certain key characteristics in the design of Rexam quick-prime packaging date back more than 15 years. “The secret lies in our ability to optimize the configuration of the pump which is entirely contained within the bottle neck, and to design a venting hole ensuring controlled pressure equalization. The dip tube also plays a role in priming, even though it is ‘invisible.’”

“A perfect example of this expertise,” she said, “is our ultra-low profile quick--priming XD-11 fragrance pump, which fits completely within the bottle neck. In combination with our invisible dip tube, all the consumer sees is the fragrance. Yet despite this sophisticated design, this dispenser is extremely easy to fit onto the bottle, without special equipment.”

“Most consumers have little idea of the many operations taking place in sequence between the first press on the actuator and the first release of fragrance or lotion,” Vergnion said. “Initially, the pump is full of air at standard atmospheric pressure. Upon actuation, the air in the pump is compressed by a piston. When it reaches the bottom of the stroke, a priming valve opens allowing this compressed air to escape and the pressure in the pump returns to atmospheric pressure.”

When the pump actuator is released, the valve closes, the piston rises and the internal volume increases, creating a drop in air pressure to below the atmospheric pressure within the bottle. This difference in pressure draws the fragrance or lotion into the dip tube and then into the pump. This process is repeated until the pump is full. Then, certain operating processes change because the valve opens under the pressure created in the pump: pressing the actuator produces the spray or delivers the dose of lotion.

“The high output of our pumps results in quick priming with just two to three strokes in the case of our XD-11 fragrance pump,” Vergnion said. “It is the rapid opening and closing of the valves at the correct times that results in fast and easy priming, which consumers appreciate.”

“In addition, conventional dip tubes mar the appearance of bottles. This is why complete transparency of dip tubes has long been a dream for brand owners. First announced in 2006, the light refraction properties of the Rexam ‘invisible’ dip tube render it virtually undetectable, combining superior functionality and good looks,” Vergnion said.” Its refractive index renders it undetectable once it is full, which is easily achieved on packaging lines, greatly improving the overall aesthetics of the packaging” she explained.

“Quick priming, smooth operation, refined and precise output and aesthetics that open new design possibilities are the hallmark of our perfume and lotion pump range,” she said. “Our hard work over the years results in unprecedented convenience for the end-user which is a major benefit to brand owners.”

Thus, it is this expertise in the art of priming, acknowledged by cosmetics customers worldwide, which has enabled Rexam Personal Care to offer lotion and fragrance pumps which are quick-priming and are able to deliver today’s advanced formulations efficiently, smoothly and precisely.