In the food industry, packaging is not just a container, but also an important means to ensure food quality, enhance consumer experience, and meet logistics and transportation needs. Among many packaging materials, "tinplate cans" have occupied an irreplaceable position in the field of food packaging with its excellent comprehensive performance. Whether it is canned food, candy snacks, or condiments, milk powder, tea and other categories, tinplate cans have been widely used. So, why are tinplate cans increasingly used in food packaging? This article will systematically explore this issue from multiple professional dimensions.
What is tinplate cans?
"Tinplate" refers to a composite material formed by coating a thin layer of tin on the surface of a low-carbon steel plate. The tin coating not only gives the steel plate good corrosion resistance, but also has excellent physical and mechanical properties. The "tinplate packaging can" is a sealed container made of this tinplate material. Its structure is usually composed of a can body, a can bottom and a can lid. It is made by welding, flanging, rolling, sealing and other processes. It has the characteristics of high strength, good sealing and excellent barrier properties.
Physical and chemical properties of tinplate packaging cans
1. Excellent mechanical strength and pressure resistance
Tinplate packaging cans have extremely strong pressure resistance and impact resistance. This structural strength can effectively prevent deformation and cracking during food transportation, stacking and handling, thereby protecting the internal food from external damage. Compared with glass bottles and plastic containers, tinplate packaging cans are more durable and can withstand vibration and extrusion during long-distance transportation. They are especially suitable for foods that require pressurized sterilization.
2. Excellent sealing and barrier properties
Tinplate packaging cans have extremely strong sealing properties, which can effectively block the invasion of air, moisture, light and harmful gases into food, thereby extending the shelf life of food. This performance is particularly important in canned foods. After the food is sealed and sterilized at high temperature and high pressure, the tinplate packaging can maintain a stable internal vacuum state, prevent microbial invasion, and greatly inhibit oxidation reactions and bacterial reproduction.
3. Corrosion resistance and chemical stability
Although iron itself is prone to rust, its corrosion resistance is greatly improved by forming a protective layer after tinning the steel plate surface. Modern technology can also add organic coatings (such as epoxy phenolic coatings) to the inner wall of tinplate to further enhance its chemical compatibility with food and prevent rust or metal ions from penetrating into food. This dual protection mechanism allows tinplate packaging cans to maintain stability when loading complex ingredients such as acidic and greasy foods.
Tinplate packaging cans in food safety and hygiene protection
Food safety has always been the focus of public attention. Tinplate packaging cans can effectively protect food hygiene and consumer health with the following characteristics.
1. Food-grade raw material guarantee
The materials used to manufacture tinplate packaging cans must comply with national food contact material standards, such as the GB4806 series standards. Tinplate itself does not contain toxic and harmful substances, and the coatings, inks and other auxiliary materials used on its surface must also pass strict testing to ensure that no harmful substances are released in high temperature, acid-base environment, and to ensure the safety of food.
2. Strong high-temperature sterilization ability, suitable for long-term storage
Tinplate packaging cans can withstand steam sterilization at 121°C or even higher temperatures, meeting the production process requirements of most canned foods. This high-temperature sterilization method can effectively kill microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and mold, and will not damage the packaging itself, further extending the shelf life of the food.
3. Outstanding anti-pollution ability
Due to its strong surface and not easy to perforate or tear, tinplate packaging cans can effectively block the invasion of external pollutants. In transportation, warehousing, sales and other links, even if exposed to dust, moisture, insects and other environments, tinplate packaging cans can firmly protect the internal food from secondary contamination.
Printability and brand communication advantages of tinplate packaging cans
In modern consumer society, packaging not only carries the function of protecting food, but also undertakes the important tasks of brand communication and product marketing. Tinplate packaging cans have unique advantages in this regard:
1. High-quality printing on the surface
Tinplate material has excellent printing adaptability, and complex patterns, bright colors, high-precision text, and LOGO can be perfectly presented on the packaging surface through color printing technology. This provides great creative space for brand owners and is conducive to improving the visual appeal and recognition of products.
2. Printed patterns are durable and do not fade
Compared with plastic packaging, the printed patterns of tinplate packaging cans are not easily affected by sunlight, moisture, and grease, and they can remain bright and new even in long-term storage or transportation. This stable appearance helps companies create a unified brand impression for a long time.
3. Suitable for high-end market positioning
Due to the strong metallic luster and grade of tinplate packaging cans in texture and appearance, they are widely used in high-end food, gift food and other product lines to enhance product added value and consumer favorability.
Environmental protection and recyclability of tinplate packaging cans
Today, when the concept of green packaging is becoming more and more popular, the environmental protection advantages of tinplate packaging cans have become an important plus point that cannot be ignored.
1. 100% recyclable and reusable
Tinplate packaging cans belong to the category of metal packaging. Their materials can be 100% recycled and re-smelted and reused, and will not cause long-term environmental pollution. Compared with plastic packaging, which has problems such as difficult degradation and microplastic pollution, tinplate packaging cans have stronger sustainability in terms of environmental protection.
2. High recycling value and promotion of circular economy
Tinplate has a high recycling value. Waste tinplate packaging cans have a wide demand in the recycling market and are easy to form a complete recycling industry chain. This not only reduces the environmental cost of corporate production, but also conforms to the direction of industrial development under the background of the country's "dual carbon" policy.
3. Reduce the use of disposable plastics
In the context of gradually restricting disposable plastic products worldwide, tinplate packaging cans, as a substitute for plastics, have obvious policy and market advantages. Its durability and sustainability make it an important choice for food companies in environmental protection transformation.
Tinplate packaging cans are suitable for various food categories
Tinplate packaging cans have good versatility and can be widely used in various types of food, including but not limited to the following:
· Canned food: such as canned meat, canned fruits and vegetables, canned aquatic products, etc., use the sealing and high temperature resistance of tinplate packaging cans to achieve a long shelf life.
· Dry goods and powdered foods: such as milk powder, coffee powder, tea, etc., use the moisture-proof and light-shielding properties of tinplate packaging cans to avoid oxidation and deterioration.
· Candy and biscuit foods: With the high-end feel and printability of tinplate packaging cans, the product packaging grade and market appeal are improved.
· Condiment foods: such as chili sauce, tomato sauce, canned peanut butter, etc., use the oil and fat corrosion resistance of tinplate packaging cans to stabilize the flavor.
It can be seen that tinplate packaging cans have very strong product adaptability, almost covering the main areas of food packaging.
Advantages of tinplate packaging cans from the perspective of manufacturing and processing
In the packaging production process, the machinability of the material is directly related to cost control, product consistency and production efficiency. Tinplate packaging cans also show many manufacturing advantages:
·Good formability: Tinplate material has good ductility and rigidity, which is convenient for maintaining dimensional accuracy in processes such as stamping, cutting and welding.
·Mature sealing process: With the mature application of roll sealing technology, tinplate packaging cans can achieve high-quality airtight packaging.
·High level of automation: The processing technology of tinplate packaging cans is highly standardized, suitable for mass production in high-speed automated production lines, improving efficiency and reducing unit costs.
Explore Affordable Metal Packaging Options from Dekai
At Foshan Dekai Metal Packaging Co., Ltd., we offer high-quality metal packaging products at competitive prices. Our comprehensive range includes aerosol cans, tinplates, and custom-printed solutions, all made using advanced automated production lines. Whether you are looking for low prices, bulk purchases, or customized packaging, we provide flexible solutions to meet your business needs. Contact us to learn more about our products, request a quote, or take advantage of our promotions.