Aptar Beauty Unveils Full-Plastic Spray Pump

Introducing a Sustainable Solution for Home Care

Aptar Beauty has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in the home care market with the launch of its new full-plastic trigger spray pump (TSP). This product is designed to meet the growing demands of consumers who are increasingly looking for sustainable and efficient solutions. The TSP is not just another dispenser; it represents a significant step forward in the company's commitment to environmental responsibility and user-centric design.

Enhanced User Experience

The TSP is engineered to provide a superior consumer experience through its soft actuation and versatile spray options. Its lightweight structure ensures comfort and ease of use, making it ideal for everyday tasks. The low actuation force required to operate the pump allows for a smooth and gentle spray, which enhances the overall user experience. Whether it's for cleaning surfaces or removing stains, the TSP delivers consistent performance.

Eco-Friendly Design

One of the standout features of the TSP is its all-plastic design, which is fully compatible with recycling processes. Constructed entirely from polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), including a PP spring, the TSP is designed to be highly recyclable within the polyolefin stream. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.

The spring’s unique design ensures that it does not come into contact with the product, offering greater compatibility with even corrosive cleaning formulas. This feature is particularly beneficial for products that may contain harsh chemicals, as it helps maintain the integrity of the dispenser over time.

Versatile Applications

The TSP is optimized for a wide range of applications, including home care, surface cleaning, and stain removal. With a dosage of 1.2cc, it provides the right amount of product for most tasks, ensuring efficiency and reducing waste. The design of the TSP also offers numerous customization options to cater to different consumer preferences. These include various nozzles for distinct spray patterns, such as spray/stream and spray/foam, along with different neck finishes.

Additional Safety Features

Safety is a key consideration in the design of the TSP. It includes safety features such as a ratchet neck finish, a child-resistant feature (CRC), or a clip, which enhance product security. These features are especially important for households with children, providing peace of mind for users.

Growing Market Demand

The trigger market, dominated by surface care and stain removal segments, is experiencing significant expansion, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Aptar Beauty's TSP is well-positioned to meet these growing needs with a sustainable solution that combines performance with environmental responsibility.

Luigi Garofalo, the global category director for personal care & home care at Aptar Beauty, emphasized the importance of the TSP: “TSP is more than a trigger; it is a strategic addition to Aptar Beauty’s dispensing portfolio that reflects our commitment to performance and product recyclability.”

This innovative product marks a new chapter for Aptar Beauty as it continues to lead the way in developing sustainable and user-friendly solutions for the home care market.

Aptar Beauty Unveils Full-Plastic Spray Pump

Introducing a Sustainable Solution for Home Care

Aptar Beauty has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in the home care market with the launch of its new full-plastic trigger spray pump (TSP). This product is designed to meet the growing demands of consumers who are increasingly looking for sustainable and efficient solutions. The TSP is not just another dispenser; it represents a significant step forward in the company's commitment to environmental responsibility and user-centric design.

Enhanced User Experience

The TSP is engineered to provide a superior consumer experience through its soft actuation and versatile spray options. Its lightweight structure ensures comfort and ease of use, making it ideal for everyday tasks. The low actuation force required to operate the pump allows for a smooth and gentle spray, which enhances the overall user experience. Whether it's for cleaning surfaces or removing stains, the TSP delivers consistent performance.

Eco-Friendly Design

One of the standout features of the TSP is its all-plastic design, which is fully compatible with recycling processes. Constructed entirely from polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), including a PP spring, the TSP is designed to be highly recyclable within the polyolefin stream. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.

The spring’s unique design ensures that it does not come into contact with the product, offering greater compatibility with even corrosive cleaning formulas. This feature is particularly beneficial for products that may contain harsh chemicals, as it helps maintain the integrity of the dispenser over time.

Versatile Applications

The TSP is optimized for a wide range of applications, including home care, surface cleaning, and stain removal. With a dosage of 1.2cc, it provides the right amount of product for most tasks, ensuring efficiency and reducing waste. The design of the TSP also offers numerous customization options to cater to different consumer preferences. These include various nozzles for distinct spray patterns, such as spray/stream and spray/foam, along with different neck finishes.

Additional Safety Features

Safety is a key consideration in the design of the TSP. It includes safety features such as a ratchet neck finish, a child-resistant feature (CRC), or a clip, which enhance product security. These features are especially important for households with children, providing peace of mind for users.

Growing Market Demand

The trigger market, dominated by surface care and stain removal segments, is experiencing significant expansion, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Aptar Beauty's TSP is well-positioned to meet these growing needs with a sustainable solution that combines performance with environmental responsibility.

Luigi Garofalo, the global category director for personal care & home care at Aptar Beauty, emphasized the importance of the TSP: “TSP is more than a trigger; it is a strategic addition to Aptar Beauty’s dispensing portfolio that reflects our commitment to performance and product recyclability.”

This innovative product marks a new chapter for Aptar Beauty as it continues to lead the way in developing sustainable and user-friendly solutions for the home care market.

STAAH Enhances SwiftBook Booking Engine

Enhancements to SwiftBook Booking Engine Improve User Experience

Hotel distribution technology provider STAAH has introduced new improvements to its SwiftBook Booking Engine, aiming to make the hotel booking process more straightforward for users. These updates are designed to streamline the experience and reduce confusion during the reservation journey.

One of the most significant changes is the redesigned Datepicker interface. The new version offers a “clutter-free” layout that removes excessive information, promotional content, rates, and restrictions from the booking calendar. This update is especially useful for mobile users, who often face challenges with limited screen space.

By eliminating non-essential details and only marking sold-out dates with a simple "x," the updated Datepicker supports a broader range of booking behaviors. It accommodates guests who are simply browsing for availability rather than looking for specific rate options. This shift in design helps create a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Hotels can easily implement the new Datepicker design through the BE Themes module in SwiftBook. They can select the updated interface from a dropdown menu, making the transition smooth and hassle-free.

Another notable improvement is the introduction of a visual indicator for sold-out dates. Previously, dates without availability were labeled as "SOLD," which led to confusion among users. Many interpreted this label as meaning the entire date was unavailable, including both arrival and departure times.

The updated design replaces the "SOLD" label with a clear "x." Additionally, it partially shades dates that are unavailable for arrival but still allow for departures. This change reduces misinterpretation and enhances the overall user experience.

These updates aim to make the availability status more intuitive, helping to reduce user frustration. By improving clarity, the latest enhancements in SwiftBook’s booking engine are expected to prevent potential guests from abandoning the booking process.

Collaboration with Cloudbeds

The recent upgrades come on the heels of STAAH’s partnership with Cloudbeds, a hospitality management software platform. This collaboration, announced earlier in May, aims to provide hotel operators with tools to streamline their channel management processes. By integrating with Cloudbeds, STAAH is expanding its capabilities to support hotels in managing their bookings more efficiently.

The improvements to the SwiftBook Booking Engine reflect STAAH’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the digital experience for both hoteliers and guests. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, such innovations are essential in meeting the changing expectations of travelers.

Benefits for Hotel Operators

For hotel operators, these updates offer several advantages. The simplified booking interface not only improves the guest experience but also helps reduce the likelihood of abandoned bookings. A smoother and more transparent process can lead to higher conversion rates and better customer satisfaction.

Additionally, the ability to customize the booking interface through the BE Themes module gives hotels greater flexibility. They can tailor the look and feel of their booking page to align with their brand identity while maintaining a seamless user experience.

The integration with Cloudbeds further strengthens STAAH’s position in the market. By offering a comprehensive suite of tools, STAAH enables hotel operators to manage multiple channels more effectively, reducing the administrative burden and allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional service.

Looking Ahead

As the travel industry continues to adapt to new trends and technologies, STAAH’s latest updates demonstrate a forward-thinking approach. By prioritizing user experience and providing flexible solutions, the company is well-positioned to meet the needs of both hotels and guests.

With continued innovation and strategic partnerships, STAAH is setting a new standard in hotel distribution technology. These efforts are likely to have a lasting impact on how hotels manage their online presence and interact with customers.

STAAH Enhances SwiftBook Booking Engine

Enhancements to SwiftBook Booking Engine Improve User Experience

Hotel distribution technology provider STAAH has introduced new improvements to its SwiftBook Booking Engine, aiming to make the hotel booking process more straightforward for users. These updates are designed to streamline the experience and reduce confusion during the reservation journey.

One of the most significant changes is the redesigned Datepicker interface. The new version offers a “clutter-free” layout that removes excessive information, promotional content, rates, and restrictions from the booking calendar. This update is especially useful for mobile users, who often face challenges with limited screen space.

By eliminating non-essential details and only marking sold-out dates with a simple "x," the updated Datepicker supports a broader range of booking behaviors. It accommodates guests who are simply browsing for availability rather than looking for specific rate options. This shift in design helps create a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Hotels can easily implement the new Datepicker design through the BE Themes module in SwiftBook. They can select the updated interface from a dropdown menu, making the transition smooth and hassle-free.

Another notable improvement is the introduction of a visual indicator for sold-out dates. Previously, dates without availability were labeled as "SOLD," which led to confusion among users. Many interpreted this label as meaning the entire date was unavailable, including both arrival and departure times.

The updated design replaces the "SOLD" label with a clear "x." Additionally, it partially shades dates that are unavailable for arrival but still allow for departures. This change reduces misinterpretation and enhances the overall user experience.

These updates aim to make the availability status more intuitive, helping to reduce user frustration. By improving clarity, the latest enhancements in SwiftBook’s booking engine are expected to prevent potential guests from abandoning the booking process.

Collaboration with Cloudbeds

The recent upgrades come on the heels of STAAH’s partnership with Cloudbeds, a hospitality management software platform. This collaboration, announced earlier in May, aims to provide hotel operators with tools to streamline their channel management processes. By integrating with Cloudbeds, STAAH is expanding its capabilities to support hotels in managing their bookings more efficiently.

The improvements to the SwiftBook Booking Engine reflect STAAH’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the digital experience for both hoteliers and guests. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, such innovations are essential in meeting the changing expectations of travelers.

Benefits for Hotel Operators

For hotel operators, these updates offer several advantages. The simplified booking interface not only improves the guest experience but also helps reduce the likelihood of abandoned bookings. A smoother and more transparent process can lead to higher conversion rates and better customer satisfaction.

Additionally, the ability to customize the booking interface through the BE Themes module gives hotels greater flexibility. They can tailor the look and feel of their booking page to align with their brand identity while maintaining a seamless user experience.

The integration with Cloudbeds further strengthens STAAH’s position in the market. By offering a comprehensive suite of tools, STAAH enables hotel operators to manage multiple channels more effectively, reducing the administrative burden and allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional service.

Looking Ahead

As the travel industry continues to adapt to new trends and technologies, STAAH’s latest updates demonstrate a forward-thinking approach. By prioritizing user experience and providing flexible solutions, the company is well-positioned to meet the needs of both hotels and guests.

With continued innovation and strategic partnerships, STAAH is setting a new standard in hotel distribution technology. These efforts are likely to have a lasting impact on how hotels manage their online presence and interact with customers.

Surprising EV Adoption Hurdle: Junky Garages

The Growing Challenge of Home EV Charging

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise in the United States, a surprising number of Americans may find themselves needing to rethink their garage spaces. According to a recent report by a strategic communications agency based in Michigan, home charging systems are essential for increasing EV sales. However, a significant portion of potential EV buyers lack access to a 240-volt outlet near where they park their cars.

While most American homes can support such an outlet, the report found that one-third of homeowners with garages cannot park there. This issue is particularly relevant as more people consider transitioning to electric vehicles. Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at the agency, suggests that solutions exist for those who face this challenge. “You can have a charger outside your garage, or if you don’t have a garage at all, you can get chargers that are mounted outside. They aren’t that much more expensive,” he said. He also noted that adjusting behavior at home, such as moving items out of the garage, could be a simple solution.

Understanding EV Charging Options

The study highlighted several key points about EV charging infrastructure. Direct-current fast chargers make up less than 3.85% of chargers in private networks across the U.S. and Canada. These chargers can cost up to $70,000 to install, making them a costly option for many homeowners.

Telemetry’s Light Duty Vehicle Forecast predicts that EVs will represent between 20% and 44% of all new vehicle sales in North America by 2035. This range could translate to 33 million to 57 million EVs on the road. If these projections hold true, between 4.7 million and 31.9 million homeowners would need to install at-home chargers by 2035.

Level 2 chargers, which are commonly found at public charging stations, are considered ideal for home use. They offer a faster charge compared to Level 1 chargers, which function similarly to plugging in a lamp and take around 20 hours to charge 120 miles. Level 3 fast chargers, on the other hand, can charge an EV most of the way in under 30 minutes.

Financial and Structural Barriers

Despite the benefits of home charging, there are financial and structural hurdles that many face. The study found that electric vehicle ownership still tends to favor homeowners, as home charging accounts for 80% of all EV charging today. Over 80% of EV owners own their homes, indicating a strong correlation between homeownership and EV adoption.

However, for renters, the situation is different. Telemetry reported that residential charging remains a challenge for roughly 23% of Americans living in multifamily residences, such as apartments. Of the 20% of new EV purchasers who live in these types of homes, only 11% report parking near charging access at their residence.

Even for homeowners, upgrading electrical systems to accommodate EV charging can be costly. Older homes may have limited 100-amp circuit breakers, which may not be sufficient for proper home charging. If the circuit breaker is far from where the car is parked, additional costs for wiring and panel upgrades could add up quickly.

EV Sales Are Soaring, But Challenges Remain

Despite these challenges, EV sales are expected to continue rising. Telemetry estimates that the U.S. EV market share will more than double in the next decade, with over 40% of all new vehicle sales potentially being electric. This projection represents a significant increase from the current rate of less than 10%.

Recent data from Cox Automotive showed a surge in EV sales this summer, partly due to the upcoming expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit. However, despite this spike, EV adoption has been slower than anticipated, according to Lenny LaRocca of KPMG. “EVs are not at price points the mass market is really excited about, and range anxiety is still a main hurdle to adoption,” he said.

The Cost of Meeting Future Demand

Telemetry estimates that installing the necessary EV charging equipment to meet demand by 2035 will cost between $132.6 billion and $143.1 billion in today’s dollars. Private homeowners are expected to cover around $45.4 billion to $50.4 billion of this total, assuming an average of $2,000 per installed charger.

As the transition to electric vehicles continues, addressing the challenges of home charging will be crucial for widespread adoption. Whether through upgrades to existing infrastructure or creative solutions for those without garages, the future of EVs depends on accessible and affordable charging options.

Surprising EV Adoption Hurdle: Junky Garages

The Growing Challenge of Home EV Charging

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise in the United States, a surprising number of Americans may find themselves needing to rethink their garage spaces. According to a recent report by a strategic communications agency based in Michigan, home charging systems are essential for increasing EV sales. However, a significant portion of potential EV buyers lack access to a 240-volt outlet near where they park their cars.

While most American homes can support such an outlet, the report found that one-third of homeowners with garages cannot park there. This issue is particularly relevant as more people consider transitioning to electric vehicles. Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at the agency, suggests that solutions exist for those who face this challenge. “You can have a charger outside your garage, or if you don’t have a garage at all, you can get chargers that are mounted outside. They aren’t that much more expensive,” he said. He also noted that adjusting behavior at home, such as moving items out of the garage, could be a simple solution.

Understanding EV Charging Options

The study highlighted several key points about EV charging infrastructure. Direct-current fast chargers make up less than 3.85% of chargers in private networks across the U.S. and Canada. These chargers can cost up to $70,000 to install, making them a costly option for many homeowners.

Telemetry’s Light Duty Vehicle Forecast predicts that EVs will represent between 20% and 44% of all new vehicle sales in North America by 2035. This range could translate to 33 million to 57 million EVs on the road. If these projections hold true, between 4.7 million and 31.9 million homeowners would need to install at-home chargers by 2035.

Level 2 chargers, which are commonly found at public charging stations, are considered ideal for home use. They offer a faster charge compared to Level 1 chargers, which function similarly to plugging in a lamp and take around 20 hours to charge 120 miles. Level 3 fast chargers, on the other hand, can charge an EV most of the way in under 30 minutes.

Financial and Structural Barriers

Despite the benefits of home charging, there are financial and structural hurdles that many face. The study found that electric vehicle ownership still tends to favor homeowners, as home charging accounts for 80% of all EV charging today. Over 80% of EV owners own their homes, indicating a strong correlation between homeownership and EV adoption.

However, for renters, the situation is different. Telemetry reported that residential charging remains a challenge for roughly 23% of Americans living in multifamily residences, such as apartments. Of the 20% of new EV purchasers who live in these types of homes, only 11% report parking near charging access at their residence.

Even for homeowners, upgrading electrical systems to accommodate EV charging can be costly. Older homes may have limited 100-amp circuit breakers, which may not be sufficient for proper home charging. If the circuit breaker is far from where the car is parked, additional costs for wiring and panel upgrades could add up quickly.

EV Sales Are Soaring, But Challenges Remain

Despite these challenges, EV sales are expected to continue rising. Telemetry estimates that the U.S. EV market share will more than double in the next decade, with over 40% of all new vehicle sales potentially being electric. This projection represents a significant increase from the current rate of less than 10%.

Recent data from Cox Automotive showed a surge in EV sales this summer, partly due to the upcoming expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit. However, despite this spike, EV adoption has been slower than anticipated, according to Lenny LaRocca of KPMG. “EVs are not at price points the mass market is really excited about, and range anxiety is still a main hurdle to adoption,” he said.

The Cost of Meeting Future Demand

Telemetry estimates that installing the necessary EV charging equipment to meet demand by 2035 will cost between $132.6 billion and $143.1 billion in today’s dollars. Private homeowners are expected to cover around $45.4 billion to $50.4 billion of this total, assuming an average of $2,000 per installed charger.

As the transition to electric vehicles continues, addressing the challenges of home charging will be crucial for widespread adoption. Whether through upgrades to existing infrastructure or creative solutions for those without garages, the future of EVs depends on accessible and affordable charging options.

Need Faster Laps in an Old Car? Upgrade to Modern Tires

The Evolution of Tire Technology

Tires have undergone significant advancements over the past few decades, to the extent that replacing them can dramatically enhance a vehicle's performance. In 2024, the new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, specifically designed for the Porsche Carrera GT, contributed to shaving more than 15 seconds off the car’s Nürburgring lap time compared to its 2004 setting. This kind of improvement highlights the intricate science behind tire development.

Tires are far more complex than they appear, with over 100 different components involved in their construction. These elements, often down to the molecular level, have made tires faster and more resilient across various environmental conditions.

Key Components of Modern Tires

Tire components can be categorized into several broad groups. The most noticeable is rubber, which consists of elastomers derived from natural or synthetic sources, such as trees or petroleum byproducts. Structural reinforcements, like steel or textile cords, provide additional strength. Fillers, including carbon black and silica, enhance durability and grip. Additives such as resins, oils, and curing agents play essential roles in the tire's overall performance.

Exploring every aspect in detail would require multiple issues of Road & Track. Therefore, this discussion focuses on the most significant contributors to recent tire advancements.

Innovations in Elastomer Technology

One of the most notable changes came from the introduction of functionalized elastomers over a decade ago. This innovation allows tire chemists to customize certain characteristics of the rubber, which was previously considered impossible. According to Cyrille Roget, scientific and innovation communication director for the Michelin Group, these modifications have transformed adherence, energy efficiency, and wear performance.

Ian Coke, chief technical officer for Pirelli North America, also highlights recent developments in elastomer technology. He notes that Pirelli can now use specialized compositions tailored to specific applications, whether for summer, winter, all-season, or motorsport tires.

Material and Design Advancements

In addition to elastomers, the evolution of tires has been driven by new materials and development methods. High-tenacity aramid and hybrid cords, along with bead technologies that improve rim adherence, contribute to better precision and control. The physical design of tires also plays a crucial role. For example, the wavy, corrugated shape of the steel belts on the Pilot Sport 4S enhances tread stability.

New high-tensile-steel cords have allowed for reductions in weight and rolling resistance, improving energy efficiency. Structural improvements give tire engineers more precise control over the contact patch, reducing heat-induced flex and wear.

Production Equipment and Digital Tools

Production equipment has also seen significant advancements. Michelin and other tire companies have used 3-D-printed molds to introduce complex tread shapes and voids. New sipe designs reduce deformation, improving dry performance. As tires wear, additional tread grooves can develop at lower tread depths, extending their lifespan.

Digital tools have played a critical role in accelerating tire development. Simulation software used in motorsport, such as Formula 1, WEC, and IMSA, has transitioned to the production of street-car tires. This allows engineers to build tires virtually and optimize their contact patch and construction.

The pressure to perform in racing has led to innovations like improved asymmetric sidewall stiffness, belt angles, and cap plies, which have migrated to the consumer market. Michelin’s TameTire modeling software simulates a tire’s performance as it is driven, integrating into full vehicle simulations used by both racing outfits and auto manufacturers.

Virtual Modeling and AI Integration

Coke emphasizes that virtual-modeling tools used in F1 have enabled faster and more precise development cycles in Pirelli’s street tires. The latest generation of the P Zero, for instance, was engineered using advanced artificial-intelligence algorithms and virtual prototyping. This allows engineers to predict tire behavior in a wide range of conditions before physical testing.

These technologies, combined with improved manufacturing precision, tread-pattern optimization, and low-rolling-resistance compounds, now enable high-performance road tires to match or even exceed the capabilities of supercar tires from two or three decades ago. They deliver superior grip, efficiency, and safety.

Conclusion

There is no secret sauce to making tires faster, and this remains true today as when the Carrera GT was first introduced. Instead, there has been incremental progress in every aspect of building a tire, leading to overall improvements that result in drastically faster lap times.