The Third-Party Aerosol Packaging Market

The third-party aerosol packaging sector, also known as "contract filling" or "aerosol filling," plays a crucial role within the cosmetics, cleaning, industrial, and pharmaceutical value chains. In Spain, this market has maintained constant and sustained evolution, positioning itself as one of the leading European producers.

The Spanish packaging market

According to data from AEDA, in 2023 approximately 370 million units of aerosols were produced in Spain, representing nearly 5.8% of the European total (FEA). The market is dominated by tinplate (65%) and aluminum (35%) packaging, and its economic weight is estimated in hundreds of millions of euros, although there are no official public figures.

By segment, personal care represents 40% of production (especially deodorants), the home and cleaning sector 30%, and the remaining 30% is divided between industrial, automotive, and pharmaceutical applications.

Leading packaging companies

Romar Global Care (Valencia): A group that includes Quimiromar and Agrado Cosmetic. It had a turnover of €118.3 million in 2023 and employs more than 400 people. It exports to 70 countries and has a filling capacity of 120 million aerosols per year.

PROERSA Aerosoles (Barcelona): Specialized in aerosol cosmetics. It has more than 50 years of experience in the sector.

Eugenio Santos Envasados (Zaragoza): Offers complete filling services for cosmetics, home, and industry. It has separate facilities to guarantee quality.

Technologies and economic efficiency

Technologies applied to aerosol packaging not only impact sustainability and product quality but are also key to the sector's economic competitiveness.

The use of automated filling lines, Bag-On-Valve (BOV) systems, and high-precision metering valves allows for reduced waste, optimized production times, and decreased operating costs.

These technological improvements, combined with efficient raw material and energy management, are essential for achieving economies of scale, especially for companies operating under the co-packing model. Investment in technology therefore translates into greater profitability and the ability to adapt to global market demands.

Trends and innovation

One of the main trends in the sector is sustainability. Companies are replacing traditional propellants with eco-friendly alternatives such as compressed air or nitrogen. Additionally, Bag-On-Valve (BOV) systems are being introduced, allowing for greater efficiency and safety in product application.

Packaging lightness and recyclability are also gaining prominence. For example, biodegradable actuators and valves with reduced plastic content are being developed. The design of refillable and minimalist packaging is a growing trend.

In parallel, many brands are outsourcing their production to specialized companies to focus on innovation and marketing, consolidating the "co-packing" model.

Employment, exports, and evolution

The sector generates several hundred jobs in Spain. For example, Romar Global Care has more than 400 workers. Exports are also relevant: Spain manufactures, packages, and distributes aerosols to Europe, North Africa, and Latin America, standing out for its competitiveness and quality.

Since 2019, production has grown from about 329 million to 370 million units, reflecting stable evolution and slight growth. The AEDA 2023 report warns about year-on-year comparisons due to methodological changes but confirms a post-pandemic recovery.

Global outlook

Europe produces between 5.2 and 5.4 billion aerosols per year. The United Kingdom leads with 26.9% of the volume, followed by Germany (17.4%) and France (12.4%). Spain ranks sixth. Outside Europe, the United States, China, and India stand out.

Globally, the aerosol can market was valued at US$11.250 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$16.800 million by 2030. Growth is driven by demand in cosmetics, home, and technical products (automotive, spray paints, etc.).

Conclusion: packaging as an economic engine

The sustained growth of the aerosol sector in Spain is supported not only by quality and export orientation but also by the ability to incorporate packaging technologies that optimize resources and reduce costs.

Automation, specialization in co-packing, and the commitment to more sustainable systems not only respond to market demands but also improve the economic efficiency of companies.

In a competitive global environment, technological innovation is no longer an option but a necessary condition to maintain profitability and consolidate Spain's position as a relevant player in the European aerosol industry.