ASKACOMPANY

At Aska Company, we leverage our core plastic molding technologies to create high-value products that solve customer "inconveniences." In this issue, we introduce two new spout and cap-related products currently under development.  1.　AS Smart Dispenser Development Background and Concept In response to the growing demand for "suspended storage" in bathrooms, we are developing a specialized nozzle that allows pouches to be hung and used directly. While existing products in the market faced challenges such as insufficient compatibility with high-viscosity liquids and issues with dripping, our new product overcomes these hurdles with a more versatile design. Furthermore, many conventional products contain metal components, posing challenges for recyclability. In line with our "Plastic Resource Circulation Strategy," Aska Company has adopted a "Metal-less, 4-Part Construction" using only plastic materials. We offer a next-generation packaging solution that balances ease of installation with high environmental performance.   Product Features Superior Convenience through Hanging： Suspending the pouch from a towel bar or similar fixture saves space. It prevents the buildup of "slime" often found on bottle bottoms, ensuring hygiene. By utilizing gravity, the contents can be used up completely to the last drop without waste. Adaptability to a Wide Range of Viscosities:： A single nozzle provides smooth discharge for everything from low-viscosity liquids to high-viscosity hair treatments. Our unique structure ensures a clean cut-off after use, thoroughly preventing drips. Environmentally Friendly Metal-less Design:： Consisting of only four parts. The all-plastic construction eliminates the need for sorting during disposal, making recycling effortless. This design fully aligns with Japan’s "Plastic Resource Circulation Strategy." ...

At ASKA Company, we have accumulated a wealth of proprietary expertise essential for manufacturing our products. In this issue, we would like to introduce one of our latest initiatives: "Sensing Molds," designed to capture and understand the precise conditions within the mold during production.  What is a Sensing Mold? A Sensing Mold is a next-generation mold equipped with various internal sensors to "visualize and quantify" behaviors during the molding process—elements that were previously considered a "black box." By capturing minute changes during molding in real-time, we aim to establish mold design and molding technologies based on empirical data, moving beyond a reliance on the "experience and intuition" of skilled technicians.  Background: Tackling Gas-Related Defects In injection molding, "gas" generated by the thermal decomposition of resin is a major cause of product burns (diesel effect), short shots, and mold deposits. However, because the behavior of gas inside a mold cannot be seen with the naked eye, countermeasures have traditionally been reactive—only possible after a problem occurs. By sensing this gas behavior, we aim to scientifically clarify "why defects occur." Our goal is to shorten development lead times and boost productivity through proactive measures. To achieve this, we have designed and manufactured a specialized mold specifically engineered to house these sensors for verification. Verification Experiment: Utilizing Gas Flow Sensors We conducted a verification experiment by integrating gas flow sensors into a mold. Based on these results, we have determined that it is now possible to logically evaluate the optimal position and required capacity for gas vents.   ...

The Meaning and Vision Behind the "R&D Center" At Aska Company, we have revamped the space previously known as our "Test Room" and restructured it as our new "R&D Center." R&D stands for "Research and Development": Research：Investigating new technologies and conducting fundamental verification. Development：Transforming ideas into products through design, prototyping, and technical application. Transforming ideas into products through design, prototyping, and technical application. Five Months Since Launch: Behind the Scenes of a High-Speed Renewal This renewal was driven by the "R&D Center Environment Development Project," aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening our development mold-making capabilities. Launched in June 2025, the project achieved a major environmental overhaul in a remarkably short span of just five months. This rapid progress was fueled by our intense commitment to pushing development speed to its absolute limit. Previously, the "prototyping site" and the "mold/equipment processing area" were in separate locations, leading to time lags in information exchange. To prioritize operational efficiency, we decided to consolidate these functions within the same premises. By unifying our operations into a single hub, we have established a system for close, seamless communication and high-speed development. Maximizing Limited Space Through "Ingenuity" The greatest challenge in consolidating equipment from two locations into one was the physical footprint. To fit everything into a limited area—less than half the size of the original sites—the project members engaged in countless rounds of intensive discussion. By optimizing the layout of machinery, shelving, and fixtures down to the last millimeter, we successfully created a highly efficient workspace with a smoother, more ...

In traditional product development, small volumes ranging from 10ml to 30ml have primarily been categorized as the domain of "samples " or "single-use" items. However, as consumer lifestyles become increasingly diverse, a new demand has emerged: a full-sized bottle is often too much, yet a single-use sachet feels insufficient. In this article, we introduce the potential of "Attractive Mini Pouches"—utilizing small spout pouches as a strategic packaging solution to fill this "niche need" and enhance brand value. Shifting from Samples to "Trial Products" In the past, small pouches were generally perceived as items that were "given away for free" or "used only while traveling." Today, however, expectations for these small packages have evolved from simple "low-cost trials" to "high-quality experiences." Consider high-performance serums or hair oils made with rare ingredients. For users who want to "use a product for a full week to truly feel the results," the mini spout pouch is the perfect solution. It allows the brand to maintain the same worldview as the full-sized product even in a small volume. The look and color of the cap, the satisfying "click" when opening it, the design and texture of the pouch, and even how it looks sitting on a vanity—all of these elements are part of the brand experience. By investing in high-quality packaging to show that "even though it’s small, it’s a high-quality product," you can evolve a simple sample into a gateway for a "favorite product." Furthermore, small spout pouches (roughly 30ml to 100ml) can meet various demands as standalone products ...

In traditional product development, small volumes ranging from 10ml to 30ml have primarily been categorized as the domain of "samples " or "single-use" items. However, as consumer lifestyles become increasingly diverse, a new demand has emerged: a full-sized bottle is often too much, yet a single-use sachet feels insufficient. In this article, we introduce the potential of "Attractive Mini Pouches"—utilizing small spout pouches as a strategic packaging solution to fill this "niche need" and enhance brand value. Shifting from Samples to "Trial Products" In the past, small pouches were generally perceived as items that were "given away for free" or "used only while traveling." Today, however, expectations for these small packages have evolved from simple "low-cost trials" to "high-quality experiences." Consider high-performance serums or hair oils made with rare ingredients. For users who want to "use a product for a full week to truly feel the results," the mini spout pouch is the perfect solution. It allows the brand to maintain the same worldview as the full-sized product even in a small volume. The look and color of the cap, the satisfying "click" when opening it, the design and texture of the pouch, and even how it looks sitting on a vanity—all of these elements are part of the brand experience. By investing in high-quality packaging to show that "even though it’s small, it’s a high-quality product," you can evolve a simple sample into a gateway for a "favorite product." Furthermore, small spout pouches (roughly 30ml to 100ml) can meet various demands as standalone products ...

ASKA Company’s Evaluation System At ASKA Company, we provide the spouts and caps used in spout pouch containers as our original "AS Spout Series." While we do not manufacture or heat-seal the pouches themselves in-house, evaluating the product as a whole—including the pouch—is essential during the development process. These evaluations are conducted by the "Product Management Group (PM Group)," which is responsible for evaluating new products. In this article, we will introduce the specific evaluation and testing procedures carried out by the PM Group.    Evaluation Environment for Spout Pouches Since plastic products are easily affected by temperature and humidity, we conduct our tests in a dedicated "Constant Temperature and Humidity Control Room." This room is equipped with various measuring instruments born from our QC (Quality Control) circle activities, known as "MK Activities." Most spout pouch evaluations are performed using these specialized devices. Key Evaluation Items and Testing Methods for Spout Pouches ① Peel Strength Measurement Objective: To verify the adhesion strength between the pouch and the spout. Equipment: Z-Gauge (Uniaxial Strength Tester) Specs: Capable of measuring up to 500N. Method: The pouch is pulled until it peels away from the spout to measure the force required.   ②Seal Integrity Check (Ageless Check) Objective: To visually inspect the bond between the pouch and the spout for leaks. Equipment: Ageless Check Liquid (highly penetrative dye) Method: A high-penetration liquid is sprayed onto the interface between the pouch and the spout to check for any seepage.   ③ Compression Resistance Test Objective: To determine the maximum load ...

What is a Spout Pouch Container? A spout pouch container is an integrated package consisting of three elements: the "spout" which serves as the pouring opening, the "cap" which allows for opening and closing, and the "pouch film" which forms the main body of the container. We are responsible for manufacturing and supplying the "spout" and "cap" components. These components are then heat-sealed to the pouch film to complete the final spout pouch container. Original Samples for Clearer Proposals In the past, due to a lack of technology to integrate them into a pouch, we sometimes had to propose just the spouts and caps as standalone parts to our customers. However, simply showing the individual components before they became a complete spout pouch container made it difficult for customers to visualize the actual usage scenario or the overall design impression. Therefore, to more clearly convey the appeal of our "spout" and "cap," we began creating our own original proposal samples by designing the pouch film ourselves. For beauty products, we use calm color schemes and sophisticated designs that suggest cosmetics or hair care items. For food products, we incorporate photos of fruits or dishes to help customers imagine the product's use on a daily dining table. While these pouch designs are not meant to be commercialized products, the goal is to help customers visualize concretely: "If we use this spout and cap, this is what the finished product could look like." The Process of Creating Proposal Spout Pouches   When creating the samples, we start ...

For seven days, from August 19th to 25th, 2025, we exhibited at the "Osaka Healthcare Pavilion," located within the venue of the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. During this exhibition, we showcased our spout pouch products and a next-generation spout pouch that is currently under development. It was a valuable opportunity for us to directly present Aska's technological capabilities and its potential in the healthcare sector to the many visitors. The Future of Healthcare as Envisioned by Spout Pouches In addition to our existing products, we also introduced new spout pouches that are currently under development. We exhibited the "AS8.7 Spout Cap," which features a smaller caliber than conventional products, achieving lighter weight and improved design, as well as the even more compact caliber "AS5 Oval Cap." Visitors showed keen interest in the spout pouches, which featured shapes they had never seen before. We also received questions about the potential for various applications, including medical, nursing care, and disaster preparedness, often sensing high expectations for product development that meets on-site needs. In particular, there was high interest in hygiene and portability, underscoring the renewed attention on the convenience of the spout pouch format. Atmosphere at the Venue During the exhibition period (August 19th–25th), the pavilion received 228,154 visitors, resulting in a continuous and bustling crowd. The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion is a prominent area featuring exhibits focused on the future of health, medicine, and welfare. Throughout the exhibition, not only our booth but also those of other exhibitors were crowded with visitors daily. Especially on weekends, we ...