Self-defence spray is a category where the container is genuinely part of the product. The user may have one hand free, may be wearing gloves, and may need the spray to go where it is pointed without a long aiming motion. That eliminates some formats before price is even discussed.
We supply the packaging only: the aluminium can body, the valve, the actuator and the cap. Two things follow from that, and both are worth stating at the outset. First, every size below is a packaging specification, not a recipe. Second, whether a self-defence product may be sold in your market, or listed on a particular marketplace, is a question for the brand and its advisers — it is not something a can supplier can settle for you.
The eight sizes we make
| 40 ml | Push-button top Discreet carry |
|---|---|
| 60 ml | Safety cap Pocket size |
| 60 ml | Keychain Personal carry |
| 100 ml | Push-button top Pocket size |
| 110 ml | Push-button top Belt carry |
| 200 ml | Trigger handle Bag & vehicle |
| 330 ml | Trigger handle Security patrol |
| 470 ml | Trigger handle Patrol size |
Push-button or trigger: the choice that decides the rest
The discharge format is the first real decision, because it fixes the size range and the way the user holds the unit.
- Push-button top (40 / 100 / 110 ml). Operated with the thumb, one-handed, and shaped for a pocket or belt. Output per press is small, which suits short bursts.
- Trigger handle (200 / 330 / 470 ml). Held like a small canister and operated with the fingers. A larger, more directed output per actuation, and the format usually chosen for vehicle, bag or patrol carry.
- Safety cap (60 ml). The cap covers the actuator so that pressure in a bag or pocket does not discharge the can. A simple mechanism, and the one most often specified for personal carry.
- Keychain (60 ml). The unit is attached to keys, which is the only way to be sure it is present when it is needed.
Valves and actuators
Every can in this range is built on the standard 1-inch (25.4 mm) opening, which is what keeps the valve and actuator options open rather than locking you into one supplier's fitting.
- Continuous valve. Discharges while the actuator is held — the default for this category.
- Metered valve. Delivers a fixed dose per actuation, where a repeatable quantity matters.
- Self-locking actuator (twist lock). The actuator cannot be pressed until it is turned, which removes accidental discharge in a pocket or bag.
- Bag-on-valve. The formulation sits in a sealed bag and never contacts the propellant. Used where the propellant would be unacceptable in the formula, or where the product has to spray from any angle.
The valve is the standard 1-inch (25.4 mm) valve throughout the range. Continuous, metered and bag-on-valve versions are all supplied on that same opening, so the choice between them does not change the can, the crimp or the filling line.
Caps, decoration and finish
- Colour-matched plastic caps, or a custom moulded cap.
- 1–9 colour printing direct on the body, by offset lithography or silkscreen — warning text and pictograms can be printed as part of the artwork.
- High gloss, matte, pearlescent or metallic lacquer, plus vacuum coating where a metal finish is wanted.
- One-piece seamless aluminium body in 99.5% aluminium: no side seam, and therefore no side seam to leak.
Testing and documentation
What is checked on this range, and how it is recorded:
- Leak testing — 100% of production, water-bath immersion, every can.
- Pressure testing — sampled per batch and recorded against the batch number.
- Burst pressure testing — sampled per batch, results reported on request.
- Dimensional control — in-line diameter, height and shoulder checks during forming.
- Print colour control — matched against the approved Pantone reference each print run.
- Coating adhesion — tested on internal and external coating after curing.
- Batch traceability — material batch and production batch recorded and retained.
Additional regulatory or transport documentation a specific market requires varies by destination, and we would rather name it precisely than describe it loosely. Tell us the country of sale and we will list what we can issue for it and what you will need to obtain locally. The documents we do hold are listed on the certificates page, and how to read them explains what each one does and does not prove.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order quantity?
Our standard MOQ is 10,000 pieces per size and design. Smaller trial quantities can be discussed for a first production run.
Can I get free samples before ordering?
Yes. We provide free blank samples so you can run pressure and fit tests. Printed samples are charged at cost and the fee is refunded against your first bulk order.
Which size suits a belt-carried unit, and which a pocket one?
For a pocket or handbag unit the 60 ml safety-cap can is the usual choice, and the 60 ml keychain version keeps it attached to keys. A belt-carried unit is normally the 100 ml or 110 ml push-button can. The 200 ml, 330 ml and 470 ml cans use a trigger handle and are carried in a bag, vehicle or on a patrol belt.
Can the can be supplied with a bag-on-valve?
Yes — the 1-inch (25.4 mm) opening is standard across the range and can be supplied as continuous, metered or bag-on-valve. BOV is used where the formulation must stay completely separate from the propellant.
Do you supply the formulation or the filled product?
No. We supply packaging — the aluminium can, the valve, the actuator and the cap. What goes inside the can, and whether that product may lawfully be sold in a given country or on a given marketplace, is the brand's responsibility. We are explicit about this because self-defence spray is regulated in many markets and restricted on some platforms.
Next step
Tell us the size you need, how the unit will be carried, and the formulation's viscosity and solvent content. We will suggest the valve and actuator combination rather than leave you to guess from a catalogue. The full range is on the product pages, and you can ask about self-defence spray cans directly.