the winners of the world aluminium aerosol can award 2013 were presented at this year&rsquos congress of aerobal, the global association for manufacturers of aluminium aerosol cans. a truly global competition the 18 aerobal members with their production facilities in europe, north and south america, asia, australia and africa account for about 75 per cent of production worldwide. the jury that chose the best aerosol cans was no less capable or globally active editors from 12 wellknown and respected packaging publications from five continents selected the winners once again this year.the coveted award for products already on the market went to tubex from germany for its aluminium aerosol can for the &lsquowellaflex&rsquo brand. the can attracts great attention at the point of sale in the middle there is a break in the embossing around a large w and f in order to create space to print the brand name &lsquowellaflex&rsquo. this is a solution that is as demanding to implement as it is persuasive besides an unusually fascinating appearance it also offers the consumer an impressive haptic experience. thanks to optimisation of the process steps, the rate of production for this can is not lower than it is for a conventional can without embossing.the first prize in the prototypes category also went to tubex for its &lsquoautumn&rsquo aerosol can. this can is an outstanding example of how it is possible nowadays to achieve barely conceivable results using modern, innovative printing techniques and appropriate special inks. digital printing fantastically reproduces a photorealistic image of a young woman with perfect and extremely fine nuances in the skin tones right down to the highlights in her cheekbones. the autumnally coloured leaves are in wonderful contrast to the intensive colour of her black hair.&ldquothe jury&rsquos decision is a clear indication of where the development of the aerosol can is heading,&rdquo explains gregor spengler, secretary general of aerobal. &ldquoin addition to its unique barrier properties, its high standards of reliability and quality as a result of it being a onepiece can, and its good recyclability, the aluminium can scores above all because of the interesting possibilities it offers when it comes to printing and shaping. here it is increasingly making greater use of its advantages over other comparable forms of packaging. for the client&rsquos market activities it thus offers a whole host of additional opportunities to convey visual effects and brand images and to appeal to customers emotionally and effectively at the point of sale.&rdquo