Metal cans with lids have been used for food packaging throughout the years. Since the early years of food preservation, metal cans have been the leading material for food preservation. They serve the purpose of containing the food for transport as well as keeping it fresh for long periods of time.
Metal Cans and How Do They Differ from Other Materials
Metal packaging, such as metal cans with lids, is a generalised term. The material used in tin cans for food packaging cannot be purely made of metal since metal is prone to corrosion and can potentially contaminate the food inside. However, metal is durable and sturdy enough to be able to hold a canned form.
With that in mind, the metal used for making cans is coated with alloys to help prevent corrosion and contamination of the food. Depending on the manufacturer, the coating can be both internal and external or just internal. The metal is coated due to a few reasons:
The metal is coated internally to prevent chemicals used in food preservation from interacting with uncoated metal and wearing down the metal, allowing it to corrode into the food.
Internal coating is also to protect both the metal from the food chemicals and components as well as the food from the metal.
The metal is coated externally to prevent the uncoated metal from exposure to environmental substances and atmospheric corrosion.
External coating is important in the canning process to help with the filling process as well as provide a transparent layer for labelling.
When it comes to the canning process, many variations and alloys of metal have been used instead of the traditional coated metal. These materials include steel (coated), tinplate, and aluminium. Compared to other food preservation materials such as glass or plastic, metal cans aren’t fragile, cannot be broken easily, and are not too flimsy or thin like plastics.
5 Reasons Why Metal Cans Are Better
Metal has been known to be heat-resistant and has properties that help in food preservation. Also, metal has quite a history when it comes to food packaging. With metal as the base component in tin cans, aluminium cans and steel cans, it makes for a durable material that can safely hold and keep food safe. Metal cans are also environmentally sustainable due to their recycling properties. Let’s look at some of the reasons why metal cans with lids are sustainable and the better material for food preservation and packaging:
Recyclability: Metal cans are made from aluminium or steel, which are highly recyclable materials. Aluminium cans are 100% recyclable and can be melted down and reused to create new products. This contrasts with plastic containers, which are often made from various materials and may be more difficult to recycle and do not naturally decompose.
Durability: Metal cans are more durable than other packaging materials, such as glass or plastic. They are less likely to break or shatter, making them ideal for packaging food and beverages requiring a solid and sturdy container.
Lightweight: Metal cans are lightweight compared to glass containers, which makes them easier and more efficient to transport. This can reduce transportation costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Shelf life: Metal cans provide longer shelf life for food and beverages than other materials. They are less permeable to air and moisture than other materials, which can cause food to spoil. This means that products can be transported over long distances without spoiling, which helps to reduce food waste.
Safety: Metal cans with lids are tamper-evident, which helps to ensure that the contents are safe for consumption. This is important for food and beverage packaging, as it helps to prevent contamination and spoilage. Additionally, coated metal cans are designed not to release harmful chemicals into the food or beverage they contain, making them a safer choice for packaging.
MC Packaging, the Leading Tin Can Manufacturer
A variety of metal cans with lids, like tin cans, are durable and sustainable materials for food packaging. MC Packaging prides itself on manufacturing tin cans from the best metal alloys to ensure the quality and safety of the food.
MC Packaging has been producing high-quality tin cans for a global clientele for over 50 years. Throughout these years, MC Packaging has provided premium quality tin cans to well-known brands in the food packaging industry. MC Packaging manufactures food-safe and premium tin cans for food packaging companies using cutting-edge technology.
MC Packaging strives to meet the needs of our customers by providing high-quality products that are dependable in terms of both manufacturing standards and delivery time. This is accomplished through continuously improving our operational capabilities and product development through innovation.
If you need a supplier for your food packaging business, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll deliver quality service and products!
