Metal packaging, the sustainable solution for the canning industry
The canning industry seeks sustainable solutions that maintain quality and safety. Metal packaging stands out as the most eco-friendly choice, offering infinite recyclability, reduced environmental impact, greater efficiency, and stronger brand image. Keep reading to discover why it’s key to sustainability and brand value.
Why choose metal packaging in the canning industry?
Metal packaging is the ideal solution for the canning industry due to its durability, versatility, and efficiency in protecting food. Thanks to unique advantages that make it the top choice for packaging, metal stands out from other materials, such as plastic or glass.
Infinite recyclability
Metals such as aluminium and steel can be recycled indefinitely without losing their properties, contributing to a sustainable circular economy.
Superior protection
This type of metals create strong barriers against light, oxygen, and moisture, keeping food fresh and high-quality for a longer time.
Durability and strength
They are highly resistant to impact and breakage, reducing losses during transport and storage.
Lightweight
Metal packaging is lighter than glass, reducing transport costs and associated carbon emissions.
Versatility in design
Cans made with these components can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, adapting to the specific needs of different canned products.
Food safety
Metals provide an impermeable barrier which does not interact with food, ensuring safety and extending shelf life.
Reduced environmental impact
The high recycling rate and lower energy consumption in the production of metal packaging contribute significantly to waste reduction and the conservation of natural resources.
Efficiency in production lines
Metal packaging production lines are faster and more efficient than those for glass or plastic. Higher operating speeds boost productivity, optimize workflows, and cut production times and operating costs. Their durability and ease of handling reduce downtime and maintenance, enabling continuous, profitable operations for canning companies.
Metal recycles forever: designing for circularity
According to data from Metal Recycles Forever, the recycling rate for metal packaging in Europe exceeds 80%, consolidating its position as the most recycled material on the continent. This impressive achievement is due to several reasons:
- Energy savings: recycling metal saves up to 95% of the energy needed to produce it from raw materials.
- Emissions reduction: recycling metal packaging significantly reduces CO2 emissions, contributing to global sustainability goals.
- Infinite life cycle: once recycled, metal can be transformed into new products without compromising its quality, making it ideal for circular design.
The mission of Metal Recycles Forever is clear: to champion the circularity of metal as a sustainable, efficient solution for a wide range of industries, including canning.
Endless recycling: the ecological advantage of metal
The infinite recycling of metal is not only a technical advantage but also a key environmental benefit for industries. Talking about steel for packaging, some of the main advantages are:
Recyclable
Steel can be recycled infinitely without losing quality, making it the most recycled packaging material in the world. Recycling steel significantly reduces the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste.
Biodegradable
This material decomposes in less than 10 years without contaminating the soil, a major advantage over plastic, which takes up to 150 years, or glass, which can take up to 4,000 years.
Airtight
Metal cans are completely airtight, preventing water and oxygen from entering. This guarantees food preservation for extended periods.
Protection from light
As they are opaque, metal cans protect food from light, preserving its freshness, flavour, and nutrients for longer than any other container.
Stackable
Their design enables efficient storage and transportation. This reduces logistics costs and improves efficiency in supply chains.
Lightweight
Despite their strength, tinplate and aluminium cans are lightweight, making them easy to handle and transport without the need for refrigeration.
Reusable
Once they have fulfilled their primary function, cans can be reused in several ways, promoting the circular economy and reducing waste.
Economic savings
Thanks to their properties, cans offer significant savings in production and commercial processes compared to other types of packaging.
Magnetic
Their magnetic properties allow them to be easily separated from waste, optimising their recovery in recycling plants.
Eco-friendly
Steel has a minimal environmental impact, as it is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and generates less waste than other materials.
Unbreakable
Cans are resistant to impact and deformation, ensuring that their contents are protected and kept in optimal condition, even during transport.
These benefits not only have a positive impact on the environment but also improve the image of brands that adopt this material.
Comparison between metal, plastic and glass packaging
When comparing metal packaging with plastic and glass, metal stands out for several reasons:
- Recyclability:
- Metal: indefinitely recyclable without losing quality.
- Plastic: can be recycled only a few times before its quality degrades.
- Glass: recyclable, but requires more energy than metal.
- Environmental impact:
- Metal: lower carbon footprint and resource conservation.
- Plastic: high pollution and degradation problems.
- Glass: heavier, higher transportation costs, and risk of breakage.
- Durability and safety:
- Metal: strong and safe, lower risk of breakage.
- Plastic: less durable, can degrade over time.
- Glass: highly fragile, risk of breakage.
How sustainability increases your brand value
Adopting sustainable packaging, such as metal, not only benefits the environment but also enhances brand value:
- Positive reputation: consumers appreciate brands that take tangible action to reduce their environmental impact.
- Greater loyalty: consumers favor products that reflect their principles, including sustainability and care for the planet.
- Regulatory compliance: transitioning to sustainable materials helps companies align themselves with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
Integrating sustainability into brand strategy is not just a trend, but a necessity in a competitive and conscious market.
The future of metal packaging in the canning industry
The future of the canning industry is closely linked to the adoption of sustainable packaging. Current trends indicate growing demand for recyclable materials and increased adoption of circular economy practices. Among the competitive advantages of metal packaging are:
Innovation in design
Lighter and more efficient packaging that optimises transport and storage. Furthermore, includes advanced technologies that elevate functionality and appearance, strengthening its market position and improving the overall consumer experience.
Strategic partnerships
Collaborations between manufacturers and recyclers to improve product life cycle efficiency.
Adaptation to regulations
Compliance with international regulations on emissions reduction and waste management is essential for the canning industry. New European standards seek to reduce, reuse, and recycle packaging, imposing stricter restrictions on plastic packaging. According to the European Parliament, these regulations require packaging to be more sustainable, increasing recycling rates and limiting the use of single-use plastics.
Fortunately, metal packaging is well-positioned to meet these environmental standards, with its infinite recyclability and lower carbon footprint fully aligning with established requirements. In addition, metal facilitates adaptation to these regulations, allowing canning companies to remain compliant and lead the way in sustainability within the European market.
Ezquerra, committed to a sustainable future
Ezquerra Group unites its commitment to sustainability with more than five decades of experience in producing can seamers. We specialise in offering solutions that adapt to the needs of each customer, ensuring maximum quality and efficiency.
We offer a broad selection of new can seamers designed for both cylindrical and uniquely shaped cans. Designed with the latest technology, our machines guarantee precision and durability in the seaming process. In addition, we offer rebuilt seamers that enable the reuse of existing equipment, reflecting our commitment to sustainability by reducing environmental impact and extending the lifespan of valuable resources.
Moreover, we design high-performance machinery that meets market demands and drives the circular economy toward a sustainable future.
If you are looking to transform your business model towards a more sustainable and efficient option, trust Ezquerra. Together, we can build a greener future for the canning industry. Visit our website now or write to us for more information about our products and services.
