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Gokhan Aktas

Aluminum vs Tin: Understanding the Differences in Cans

We serve various industries in many countries as a custom tin can manufacturer. We have many businesses contacting us with different inquiries. Aluminum cans is an inquiry we get quite often. I speak both English and Turkish and I know the word “can” in both languages means aluminum cans and tin cans at the same time. Even though these two materials are both metal and infinitely recyclable, they are very different in terms of material composition and manufacturing process. Usually, they are used for different applications as well. In this post, I would like to clarify these differences and help you make an informed decision.


A kid drinking Coke out of a can in the kitchen and getting a cookie from a tin.

Material Composition


Aluminum:

-          Made from bauxite ore

-          Lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion (corrosion and rust aren’t the same thing)

-          Has a sleek, modern look


Tinplate:

-          Made from steel coated with a thin layer of tin

-          Durable and sturdy

-          Provides a luxurious and vintage look


Manufacturing Process


Aluminum cans:

-          Manufactured mainly through extrusion

-          Allows for intricate shapes and designs

-          High initial investment


Tin cans:

-          Created mainly by stamping and seaming

-          Easily customizable with printing and embossing

-          Cost-effective for large production runs


Applications and Uses


Aluminum:

-          Commonly used in products like cosmetics, and beverage

-          Ideal for products requiring a modern and sleek aesthetic

-          Especially popular in the beverage industry due to its non-corrosive nature


Tin:

-          Versatile, used in food storage, promotional items, and decorative packaging

-          Perfect for products where a nostalgic or decorative touch is desired

-          Excellent for packaging chocolates, cookies, and other specialty foods, offering a charming and durable container that enhances product presentation


Kids painting a recycle sign on a wall

Environmental Impact


Aluminum:

-          Highly recyclable, reducing environmental footprint

-          Energy-intensive to produce, but recycling requires less energy


Tin:

-          Highly recyclable, reducing environmental footprint

-          Can be reused multiple times due to its durability


Customization Options


Aluminum:

-          Can be anodized for different colors

-          Custom designs can be printed after the can is formed

-          Provides a premium look for luxury brands


Tin:

-          Easily printed before the can is formed with high-quality graphics

-          Can be embossed or debossed for a tactile experience

-          Offers a wide range of design and functionality possibilities such as hinge and different finishes enhancing brand appeal


Understanding the distinctions between aluminum and tin cans is very important to finding the right product and the right supplier. While aluminum excels in its corrosion resistance which is ideal for beverages, tin offers versatility and aesthetic looks which are ideal for custom tin cans for products like confectionery, tea and promotional items. At Teksan Tin House, we help you explore your custom tin can solutions so contact us right away.

If you like this post, please don’t forget to like and share. Also, if you have any topics that you want us to write about, please let us know at info@teksanteneke.com.

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