Every day, we see different cans packed with drinks, but have you ever wondered what these cans are? These beverage cans are the metal containers revolutionizing the beverage packaging industry. With their sleek design, portability, and environmental advantages, these cans have become an indispensable part of our daily lives.
So, let's dive in to understand how these cans are preserving the taste we like.
What are Beverage Cans?
Beverage cans, also known as drink cans, are metal containers designed to store a fixed amount of liquid, such as carbonated soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, tea, and more. They are commonly used in the beverage industry for packaging and distributing various types of drinks.
The drink cans became popular rapidly due to their convenience and portability. They are lightweight, stackable, and easily transportable, making them suitable for on-the-go consumption. Additionally, drink cans provide effective preservation and quality maintenance by protecting the contents from light, air, and moisture, ensuring the freshness and taste of the beverages. As per the recent analytical reports published by Extrapolate, the global beverage cans market is slated to accrue around $44.82 billion by 2030, progressing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.20% over 2023-2030.
How is Beverage Can Made?
Initially, drink cans were made from steel. However, their heavy weight and challenges with disposal caused a decline in their popularity, eventually leading to their discontinuation in production. The transition from steel to aluminum for beverage cans occurred because aluminum is lightweight. Aluminum is much lighter than steel, making it easier for people to carry and transport drink cans.
Now, you may have several questions swirling in your mind, such as: Are aluminum cans recyclable, or are aluminum cans bad for the environment?
The answer is that aluminum is highly recyclable, meaning it can be reused multiple times without losing its quality. Recycling aluminum beverage cans saves energy and resources compared to producing new cans from scratch, resulting in less greenhouse gas emissions. This shift to aluminum cans in the beverage industry was driven by their lightweight nature, recyclability, and ability to protect the beverages from light, air, and moisture. In the beverage industry, aluminum is used to make various cans, such as beer cans, cool beverage cans (soft drink cans), coffee cans, and soda cans, providing a convenient option for on-the-go consumption.
Aluminum Cans vs. Plastic Bottles
Here is a difference between aluminum cans and plastic bottles.
Aluminum Cans
- Aluminum cans are lightweight so it is easy to transport and carry them.
- Aluminum is highly recyclable, and recycling requires less energy than producing new cans.
- Aluminum cans are widely used for packaging various types of drinks including beer, coffee, etc.
Plastic Bottles
- Plastic bottles have been popular for their convenience and durability.
- However, plastic bottles eventually contribute to environmental impact, particularly in terms of waste and recycling challenges; they are used less in the packaging industry.
- PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle consumption is increasing globally, due to its strength and healthy living choices
How are Beverage Cans Recycled?
Once the cans are used, recycling beverage cans is an essential step in the circular economy, where materials are reused rather than disposed of in landfills. Here's a brief overview of what happens to drink cans after they are used:
- Used cans are collected through various channels, such as curbside recycling programs or certified centers.
- They undergo sorting using advanced technologies, such as optical scanners and magnets.
- These sorted cans are then shredded into small pieces, cleaned, and melted down to form molten aluminum.
- The molten aluminum is further processed through remelting and refining to remove impurities.
- Refined aluminum is then transformed into new aluminum sheets, used to create drink cans.
- These newly manufactured cans are then distributed to beverage companies for sale, ensuring they meet quality standards for new products.
Top 3 Manufacturers of Beverage Cans
Below are the leading beverage can suppliers in the packaging industry.
1. Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, including drink cans. It is well-known for its aluminum cans, which are lightweight, recyclable, and protect beverages.
The company focuses on innovation and sustainability in its packaging solutions by recycling used beverage cans. Ball Corporation has a strong presence in the beverage packaging market and is recognized as one of the key players in the industry.
2. Crown Holdings Inc.
Crown Holdings Inc. is a leading supplier of packaging products. It offers a wide range of packaging solutions, including aluminum and custom beverage cans for the beverage sector. Crown Holdings is known for its expertise in metal packaging and has a global presence. It prioritizes sustainability and innovation in its packaging solutions.
3. Orora Packaging Australia Pty. Ltd.
Orora Packaging Australia Pty. Ltd. is a global packaging company that provides various packaging solutions, including beverage packaging.
It offers tailored packaging solutions for various industries, including glass bottles, aluminum cans, and wine closures.
Orora is committed to sustainability and reducing its impact on society and the environment. It has a strong presence in the Australian market and is recognized as one of the leading beverage packaging suppliers in the country.
Conclusion
Beverage cans are a sustainable and innovative packaging solution that has become a staple in the beverage industry. Renowned companies like Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings Inc., and Orora Packaging Australia Pty. Ltd. have revolutionized the packaging landscape by creating lightweight, recyclable, and visually appealing cans. Aluminum has emerged as a revolutionary material in the can manufacturing industry. Cans made with it are highly recyclable and reduce energy consumption and waste.
Drink cans preserve the quality and freshness of beverages, providing a longer shelf life. Their popularity is driven by their functionality and aesthetic appeal, with customizable designs and branding elements. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, beverage cans continue to be a preferred choice for modern packaging.
