What Metal Is Used for Canned Food?

Canned food is convenient and often shelf-stable for long periods of time, making it a popular choice for pantry staples. But what metal is used for canned food? The answer is typically aluminum or steel (and sometimes a combination of the two).

Aluminum has been used in cans since the early 20th century and is lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant. It’s also relatively inexpensive to produce and can be recycled, making it an attractive option to manufacturers.

Steel is also often used in cans, especially in applications that involve higher temperatures (such as retort processing). Steel cans are strong enough to withstand high temperatures without melting or warping.

The type of metal used in a can depends on the product inside as well as the type of manufacturing process. For instance, certain acidic foods like tomatoes or pineapple require a protective coating inside the can to prevent corrosion. Aluminum offers superior protection against acid corrosion than steel does and is therefore preferred for these products.

In terms of sustainability, aluminum cans are more easily recycled than steel cans because they weigh less and have a higher recycling rate. Additionally, aluminum cans have recently been developed with thinner walls that reduce material usage while still keeping them strong enough to meet safety standards.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, both aluminum and steel are common metals used in canned food production due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. The type of metal used depends on factors such as the product being canned and the manufacturing process.

Aluminum tends to be preferred when dealing with acidic foods because it offers superior protection against acid corrosion than steel does. Additionally, aluminum cans are more easily recycled than steel cans due to their lighter weight.