Metals have been the base of packaging industry since a long time. The arrival of other cost effective & competitive packaging materials have cut its share. But the functional contribution of metals can not be undermined. Let's see what type and varieties of metals are used mainly in the packaging products and their advantages.

Types of metals in packaging
In packaging industry the metals used in general are mild steel (MS), galvanized iron (GI), tinplate, tin-free steel (TFS) and aluminum, sheets and foil in different thickness of 6µ, 6.36µ, 7µ, 9µ, 12µ, 15µ and 24µ. The mild steel drums are also lacquered as necessary for product compatibility. Lined drums like MS/GI drums are also in use. 210 l drums are common in all the drums. Other types of drums include fully opened and top lid fixed with single or double bunks. Fully opened ones are used for solids while second ones are used for liquids. Inner flexible liners or lags are used in the open top drums, which provides the essential compatibility and help deduct the metal thickness, enabling overall cost optimization. Rolling hoops in these drums facilitate easy rolling and prevent contact from ground. These drums are used for a range of applications, such as storage, distribution, and carrying of products like lube oils, edible oils, petroleum products, chemicals, solvents, etc.

Aluminum in Packaging: Aluminum is used in a number of products in the packaging industry, such as tubes & foils, aluminum containers, bottles & cans, caps & closures, lidding materials, casseroles, etc. Aluminum cans are light weight, strong, compact and impermeable. The best advantage with aluminum is that it is completely recyclable and it impart no taste, contains flavour & carbonation in and gases & moistures out.

Tinplate & Tin-free Steel: Tin-free steel and tinplate are commonly used in the packaging industry. Tinplate is a black plate coated with tin. It is produced by tin coating, might or might not be equally on both sides. Coating of tin is measured in gram per sq m of tin. Tin-free steel are generally used for screw & lug caps, tops, snap & press on closures and shallow drawn food cans. There has been continuous R&D in terms of improvement in down gauging, material properties, printing & decorating, etc. During last 3 decades the tinplate used for making cans have become thinner, reducing the overall weight of a drink can by 40 percent.

A look at the metal containers industry

• Reclosable and single-serve packaging are two segments offering cost effective solution to customers.
• Busy lifestyles, health consciousness, and convenience have made direct impact on the packaging needs. It is evident from the steep growth in ready meals, sauces and other such products. Almost 30% of these products are packed in metal containers.
• Russia, German, UK, France and Italy account for 60 percent of the metal containers pack consumed. Eastern Europe has shown a high growth potential than western Europe, Russia leading the way with 12 percent.
• 27 billion units cans are used for ready and chilled meals and this figure is supposed to touch 30 million mark by 2012.
• Steel is the most recycled material worldwide and 66 % of steel packaging is recycled every year.