Process

From idea to product

Successful packaging innovation meets a variety of needs: consumer needs, retailer growth opportunities, customer growth opportunities, package capabilities and Ball’s manufacturing capabilities (see model at right).

As shown in our model, successful new products and packages grow both consumption and retail sales. Identifying these growth opportunities and locating their intersection (along with the other needs identified) is core to our philosophy of innovation, and it differentiates likely successes from novelties and careless investments.

Gated Approach

Refining ideas and building business cases through opportunity maps like the one above are key activities in Ball’s innovation process. At Ball, we systematically evaluate various sources of ideas, including the modified requirements of our customers and outside inventors (inventor info). We collaborate closely with our customers in order to gain a precise knowledge and understanding of their needs and requirements.

Our packaging innovation teams use an evaluation process to assess ideas and develop and track innovation projects. After each phase of an innovation project, we evaluate the results before moving ahead. The approach allows us to invest wisely, invite our customers to join our innovation process at any key phase, and ensure overall project quality and product viability.

Outside Inventors

How to submit your idea

As part of our commitment to innovation, we may consider ideas, innovations and inventions provided by inventors from outside Ball. Ball will only consider outside ideas, innovations and inventions through the following process.

If you have a patent (no patent? scroll down for directions) for the invention you would like Ball to consider:

1. Send an email with your contact information and request a "Submission Agreement" form. You must not include any information regarding your invention at this point. If you do, it will be returned to you without being considered by Ball.
2. Once you are provided the Submission Agreement, you will need to complete and sign it, and send it to the address provided. When you send the Submission Agreement, you should include information regarding the invention claimed in your patent, and all applicable U.S. and foreign patent numbers. No modifications to the Submission Agreement will be accepted.
3. After receipt of the signed agreement and your submission, Ball's New Product Steering Committee will review the invention claimed in the patents you have identified as part of its regular idea screening process.
4. After this review, you will be informed in writing if Ball wishes to proceed with further discussions regarding your invention.

If you do NOT have a patent for the innovation you would like Ball to consider:

1. Send an email with your contact information and request a "Submission Agreement" form. You must not include any information regarding your innovation at this point. If you do, it will be returned to you without being considered by Ball.
2. Once you are provided the Submission Agreement, you will need to complete and sign it, and send it along with a description of the innovation you would like to submit to the address provided. No modifications to the Submission Agreement will be accepted.
3. After receipt of the signed agreement and your submission, Ball's New Product Steering Committee will review your idea as part of its regular idea screening process.
4. After this review, you will be informed in writing if Ball wishes to proceed with further discussions regarding your innovation.