Ball

Process

Innovation Image

Turning ideas into reality

A can is a can is a can…right? Well, actually no. Metal packaging is research intensive and must meet a variety of requirements - consumer needs, retailer and customer growth opportunities, package qualifications and Ball’s manufacturing capabilities.

At Ball, innovation is a mindset. We work closely with our customers to better understand their businesses and the challenges they face. Whether our customers and consumers crave smaller portion sizes, large shareable sizes, the next generation of sprayable lotions and deodorants, or eye-catching graphics to make their products stand out, Ball is always ready to collaborate on solutions to help them successfully deliver.

As part of our innovation process, we systematically evaluate many different sources of ideas, including customers, our innovation experts and outside inventors.  From there, our packaging innovation team uses a proven evaluation process to assess ideas, and develop and track projects. After each phase of a project, we evaluate the results before moving ahead. This approach allows us to invest wisely, involves our customers in each key phase, and ensures overall project quality and product viability.

Have an idea?

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

If you have a patent:

  • Email us with your contact information and request a Submission Agreement form. Do not include any information regarding your innovation at this point. If you do, it will be returned to you without consideration by Ball.

  • Once you receive the Submission Agreement, please complete it and send it, along with a description of your innovation, to the address provided. No modifications to the Submission Agreement will be accepted.

  • After we receive the signed agreement and your submission, Ball's New Product Steering Committee will review your idea as part of its regular idea screening process.

  • After this review, we will inform you in writing if we wish to proceed with further discussions regarding your invention.

If you do NOT have a patent:

  • Email us with your contact information and request a Submission Agreement form. Do not include any information regarding your invention at this point. If you do, it will be returned to you without consideration by Ball.

  • Once you receive the Submission Agreement, please complete 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.

  • After we receive the signed agreement and your submission, Ball’s New Product Steering Committee will review the information provided as part of its regular idea screening process.

  • After this review, we will inform you in writing if we wish to proceed with further discussions regarding your innovation.

Innovation Center

Contact Ball

Do you have an idea you'd like to share with us?

E: inventor@ball.com