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About Can Coatings

Packaging Coatings


Cans and can coatings are vital to the world

The metal packages we use every day play an essential role to the world's recycling system, economy and food sustainability. The internal coatings and external coatings applied to these packages protect consumers and preserve the quality and safety of our food, beverage and personal care products.  At PPG, we work every day to develop and deliver coatings that achieve these goals and do our part in protecting and beautifying the world.



Can coatings are inside—and outside—the items we use every day

Aerosol packaging - 8.14 billion aluminum aerosol cans were manufactured around the globe in 2018, an 8 billion increase from the previous year.

Beverage packaging - There has been a steady growth in sodas, energy drinks, sparkling waters and alcoholic beverages such as craft brew beers. The beverage can’s existing circular system recycles 42.7 billion cans each year in the United States. That is the equivalent of 11 12-packs per person and more than 5 million cans each hour.

Food packaging - Demand for food cans continues to boom in the US with a double-digit increase in 2020. The surge in demand for processed foods like canned soups and vegetables during the pandemic has rippled through the food industry’s supply chain. According to Packaging Strategies, makers of metal containers have had to speed up production to keep pace.

Why the world depends on can & packaging coatings

  • Prevents corrosion and spoilage
  • Upholds regulations such as BPA-free requirements
  • Helps maintain quality, flavor and freshness of contents
  • External coatings offer branding and marketing solutions

Sustainability

Metal cans are the most sustainable packaging.

  • Nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today — 2X more than plastic bottles.
  • Recycled beverage cans are back on store shelves in as little as 60 days.
  • Making a can from recycled aluminum reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions more than 90% compared to using new aluminum.
  • 95% of recycled cans are turned into new cans.

Sources: Packaging Strategies and Canmaker, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and Packaging Euro

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