Aluminium can weight varies widely among different brands due to numerous factors under considerations for manufacturing options, material quality, and type of beverage. The aluminium can typically weighs between 10 and 20 grams, with the smaller ones like the 330ml soft drink cans typically weighing about 13.5 grams and the bigger ones like a 500ml energy drink can weighing up to 19 grams. This disparity is mainly caused by variations in the thickness of aluminium used among different manufacturers. For instance, a company like Coca-Cola might use thinner aluminium for its cans to reduce expenses, while luxury drink brands are able to utilize thicker aluminium so that they get the premium touch while maintaining the product in a safe condition while in transit.
Among the primary reasons for such varying weights is the cost-effectiveness over durability requirement of the producer. The Global Packaging Report 2022 estimated that a lighter can is less expensive in terms of material costs, which is an important aspect in the extremely competitive beverage sector. However, some brands would like to have heavier cans in order to avoid shipping damage, especially for carbonated drinks requiring additional pressure-resistance packaging. In fact, 25% of beverage businesses reported increased packaging cost using stronger cans, yet the benefit is improved quality product and fewer losses due to rotten goods.
Weight of aluminium can also relies on design and purpose. Some brands, particularly in the craft brewing industry, use heavier cans in order to offer a more upscale experience to the consumer. Craft beer can packaging tends to be more substantial, ornamental, and the extra weight gives the beer a higher-end feel. Premium beers have an average of 15% heavier can weights than mass market beers, with some craft beers weighing up to 22 grams per 500ml can, as per research.
Finally, the contents of the can play a role. For example, energy drinks or soft drinks with added sugar or carbonation can require stronger, thicker aluminium to withstand pressure in the can. Energy drinks particularly have been found to have a 5-10% heavier can on average than normal soft drinks, primarily due to greater pressure and chemical content in the can.
In short, the variance in aluminium thickness among brands is attributable to cost considerations, protecting the product, design, and nature of the contents. It goes without saying that different brands will rank their priorities differently when selecting the optimum aluminium thickness to use in their cans.
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