Liquid Plug & Play is the name of the first refillable Bag-in-bottle airless system that does not require a pump attachment and works like a squeeze bottle. The universal packaging system not only solves technical problems, but also combines ecological and economic aspects in a new way.
Liquid Plug & Play was developed by Jule Venrath. Her professional background is unusual: with a degree in business psychology and training as a graphic designer, she was initially far removed from the world of packaging technology. However, her creative approach and desire to solve everyday problems pragmatically led her to the inventor scene. The initial spark was her frustration with nail varnish bottles that could not be emptied completely. „Unfortunately, the bottle project didn't materialise, but the idea for my current project came about as a result. to empty the remaining shampoo and cream went. Then I delved deeper into the subject,“ reports the inventor.
What began as a vague idea for emptying leftover cosmetics packaging developed into a patent-protected, scalable packaging system. „The patent application was filed in 2021 and initially I wasn't given much hope, as there are already a huge number of patents in the packaging industry. But then my patent came at the end of 2023 and the journey began.“
Magic turn-up edge
Liquid Plug & Play is a bag-in-bottle airless refill system, that can be used like a classic squeeze bottle. The system is based on a Mechanical pump principle, The product bag can be placed in the centre of the outer sleeve by applying air pressure to a membrane, which displaces the inserted product bag. The product bag is fixed in the centre in a controlled manner during use thanks to a specifically designed fold-over edge on the inside of the robust outer shell and Inverts into each other for emptying - This means that the entire contents can be completely removed.
In contrast to conventional bottles or tubes, the No air is sucked in to equalise the removed volume. This protects the texture and significantly extends the shelf life of viscous products. At the same time, the use of preservatives can be reduced. The main attraction of the system is its ease of use: no decanting, no special handling, no tricks for complete emptying.
A central element is the Separation of durable outer shell and lightweight inner bag. The outer sleeve can be customised and reused over many cycles, while product contact is limited to the inner bag. This means no cross-contamination and maximum hygiene.
Dosing accuracy is also an important feature: the mechanically controlled pump and valve system a constant quantity of product can be removed - regardless of fill level or viscosity. This also makes the system interesting for industries in which hygiene and controlled dosing are crucial, such as in the medical or catering sector.
One system for many industries
Liquid Plug & Play has been deliberately designed as a universal system. Its adaptability to different applications is one of its greatest advantages. In the cosmetics industry, for example, it is ideal for creams, shampoos or lotions. The outer shell can be customised and can even be equipped with digital functions such as NFC, app connection or sensor technology. In the catering sector, Liquid Plug & Play offers above all hygienic advantages and optimum dispensing conditions for sauces or dressings. In the medical sector, Jule Venrath even sees her system as a potential game changer.
„Ultrasonic gel, for example, is highly viscous and can never be emptied in the bottles we have been using up to now. My system could make the ultrasonic procedure much easier, because the output is always the same from the first to the last dispensing and the product is always ready for immediate use. And Liquid Plug & Play also offers advantages for storage and logistics, as only a third of the weight needs to be transported. My invention is also an economical tool here.“
Jule Venrath
Another advantage: Thanks to the thermal effect in the outer shell, even temperature-sensitive products can be stored for some time outside of refrigeration. There are also application options for DIY and household products: from adhesives to cleaning agents - Liquid Plug & Play ensures clean application, less waste and strong brand loyalty.
Licence model instead of own production
Jule Venrath has a clear goal: „I created a proof of concept to show that my idea could be realised. But it was never my plan to produce the packaging myself. I want to gain licencees who will integrate the technology into their existing production lines.“ Companies can rely on a tried-and-tested prototype and a validated concept, without having to conduct their own basic research. „I bring the idea, the companies bring the products,“ says Venrath, summarising her model.
Initial discussions with potential partners are already underway and the feedback has been consistently positive. „I'm amazed at how open the doors are, even at large corporations, and I often receive multiple invitations.“ The interest in the new technology is there - not least because the system could also be a strategic tool for positioning in the growing market for sustainable products.
Circulatory capability as a guiding principle
The Liquid Plug & Play system takes the entire life cycle into account: The outer shell is durable and ultimately recyclable by type. The inner bags are made of either mono-material or separable composite materials, depending on the regulatory requirements. Thanks to the clear separation of technology and product contact, the system enables Hygienic refill solution without risk of contamination - a previously unsolved problem of many refill systems.
