Is Metal Packaging Right for Your Business?

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by Stephen Gould
December 9, 2021

Stephen Gould’s metal fabrication services can be leveraged for a number of applications, such as industry-specific product components, steel racks as a returnable packaging solution, and wire and aluminum components in retail products and displays.

Stephen Gould is a global leader in retail and industrial packaging. Our team brings decades of experience developing packaging solutions across dozens of industries.

One of the materials we have extensive experience working with is metal. This guide will give you an overview of common use cases for metal packaging and the benefits of different types of metal. Is metal the best choice for your brand’s packaging solutions?

Where is Metal Packaging Used?

Metal containers are used for a wide range of applications including:

  • Beverages

    Aluminum cans are the most widely used type of metal packaging as well as the most recycled category of aluminum products, with almost 50% of all cans recycled every year.

  • Food

    Vegetables, fruits, pet food and meats are often sold in metal cans to prolong their shelf life.

  • Paints

    Tin is still a common material for paint cans, either as an all metal can or a tin/plastic hybrid.

  • Aerosols

    Aerosol products like spray paint and air fresheners are typically packaged in metal cans to ensure they are airtight and leak-proof.

  • Health & Beauty Products

    Toothpaste, lotions and other health products are often packaged in metal tubes, which many consumers prefer for their recyclability.

Types of Materials

Different types of metal containers have different use cases. It is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the most widely available metal materials in comparison to each other.

  • Aluminum

    Food industry manufacturers use aluminum extensively to keep products safe from oxygen, light, moisture, and other contaminants. Metal cans keep products shelf stable and aluminum is particularly valued for its ability to resist rust and corrosion. Aluminum can also be used as a component for retail displays. It is also easily recycled; most cans today contain up to 70% recycled aluminum.

  • Tin

    Most tin packages aren’t actually made entirely of tin. Rather, tin is applied as a thin layer on top of steel. Tin plating makes cans and packages more resistant to corrosion.

  • Steel

    Steel is one of the strongest materials available to manufacturers. It is frequently used to make large drums and barrels that hold beverages, foods or other items to be sold in bulk. Steel bottle caps are another common application. Like aluminum, steel is easily recycled.

Benefits to Metal Packaging

Metal packaging offers a number of significant benefits.

  • Product Integrity

    Many products need to be protected from sunlight. Aluminum can keep sunlight from contaminating the product. Metal packaging can also be airtight, keeping out oxygen that can cause the product to deteriorate.

  • Durability

    Some materials break down over time. For example, paper wears thin and is easily damaged by moisture. Plastics also break down and become sticky over time as well. Metal offers much more durability and can be reused almost infinitely, making it ideal for certain types of retail displays and steel racks for shipping.

  • Sterility

    Aluminum can be heated to temperatures that are hot enough to eliminate germs and bacteria. Since metal is non-porous, germs and bacteria can’t hide in small crevices like paper and plastic packaging.

  • Recyclable

    Most metals are easily recycled. Roughly three-quarters of the aluminum produced in the U.S. continues to be used to this day. Unlike plastics, there is virtually no end to the amount of times metal packages can be recycled.

  • Affordability

    Metal packaging is often relatively inexpensive for manufacturers to use. This is due in part to its recyclability and the amount of metal available for use. Food and beverage cans are more affordable when made from metal compared to plastic cans.

Metal Packaging Solutions with Stephen Gould

Packaging is a crucial component of the customer experience. Your packaging needs to reassure the customer that the product inside is worth their purchase.

Stephen Gould can help you find the perfect metal packaging solution for your product. Contact us today to learn more about our metal packaging options.