ALUCAN Releases Sourcing Checklist for Aluminum Beverage Cans

ALUCAN, a beverage packaging brand based in Yantai, Shandong, China, has released a sourcing checklist to assist beverage brands and contract fillers in comparing can dimensions, specifying easy-open ends, and preparing for filling-line trials. The checklist is designed to ensure that all parties involved in the production process are working from the same specifications, thereby reducing potential issues during the manufacturing and filling stages.

According to ALUCAN, two cans with the same nominal capacity can have different dimensions. For instance, the company's 355 mL (12 US fl oz) Standard can has a reference body diameter of 66.04 mm and a finished height of 122.22 mm. In contrast, the 355 mL Sleek can has a reference body diameter of 57.40 mm and a finished height of 155.73 mm. These differences can significantly impact conveyor settings, line change parts, and print artwork.

The checklist covers five key points to ensure smooth operations:

1. Identify the Can Format: Record the nominal capacity, can profile, body diameter, and finished height to ensure that purchasing, production, and design teams are working from the same specification. 2. Confirm the Exact End Profile: Both 355 mL formats in the example have a nominal 202 end size. Before ordering, the filling team should check the specific end profile and seamer tooling against the can and end drawings. 3. Specify the Beverage and Filling Process: Share the beverage type, carbonation level, and any pasteurization requirements so the packaging supplier can assess the proposed can, end, and internal coating. 4. Plan Any Required Line and Seam Trials: Agree with the filling team on the samples needed to check can handling and seam quality before committing to a production run. 5. Check Artwork and Pallet Configuration: Use the print template for the selected can format, confirm the order quantity for each design, and check how many cans fit in a 40HQ container to ensure the pallet configuration suits the receiving facility.

ALUCAN's Aluminum Can Sizes and Dimensions Guide, which accompanies the checklist, lists 18 size and format combinations across five can families: Standard, Sleek, Slim, Super Sleek, and 1 L Sharing. The guide provides reference dimensions and nominal end sizes for initial comparison. Final equipment, seaming, and artwork decisions should be based on the supplier's drawings for the selected can and end.

This checklist and guide are intended to streamline the sourcing process and ensure that beverage brands and contract fillers can work efficiently and effectively. By adhering to these guidelines, companies can minimize potential issues and ensure that their products meet the required specifications.