Four Reasons to Consider Metal Packaging

Metal packaging stands out among the substrates for its versatility, durability, and attractiveness for many products, especially those requiring high protection, long shelf life, and easy recycling. Image courtesy of Trivium Packaging.

Why Metal Packaging Stands Out Among the Substrates

By Chas Aylsworth, Director of Strategy and Business Development, Trivium Packaging

When choosing packaging, companies have many options, including paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the product, the target audience, and the environmental impact. However, metal packaging stands out among the substrates for its versatility, durability, and attractiveness for many products, especially those requiring high protection, long shelf life, and easy recycling. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in business for years, metal packaging can make a big difference in your business’s commercial strategy and sustainability goals.

Metal can prevent oxygen, moisture, and light from reaching sensitive products like food, edible oils, and wine. Image courtesy of Trivium Packaging.

Superior Product Protection

One of the main functions of packaging is to preserve the quality and safety of the products inside. Metal packaging excels at this function, providing a solid barrier against physical, chemical, and biological factors that can damage or contaminate products. For example, metal cans can withstand high temperatures and pressures during sterilization, killing harmful bacteria and extending food and beverages’ shelf life. Metal can also prevent oxygen, moisture, and light from reaching sensitive products like food, edible oils, and wine, thus maintaining their freshness and efficacy. In addition, aerosols packaged in metal can deliver precise amounts of products such as paint, perfume, and shaving foam without exposing them to air or external contaminants.

Metal packaging also protects products from tampering, theft, and counterfeiting. It is harder to replicate than other materials and has many tamper-evident options that indicate if the package has been opened or altered before reaching the consumer. Metal packaging can also incorporate holograms, barcodes, or QR codes, enabling product traceability and authentication.

Designed to be easy and safe to open, use, and recycle, metal packaging reduces the risk of injuries or accidents. Metal packaging can be equipped with features such as easy-open lids, tear strips, or peel-off closures, allowing the consumer to access the product without using tools or force and without creating any sharp edges or splinters. Metal packaging can also be resealable, re-closable, or reusable, preventing the product’s spillage, leakage, or wastage and keeping it fresh and safe for longer. Its durability minimizes the risk associated with breakage.

Enhance Your Brand Identity and Appeal

An essential function of packaging is to communicate a brand’s identity and value to consumers. Metal can help uniquely achieve this goal. It offers a wide range of design possibilities, including shapes and sizes, that suit various products across multiple industries. For example, metal packaging can be printed with high-quality graphics, colors, and finishes to convey your brand’s personality, message, and story. Metal packaging can also be embossed, debossed, or perforated to create tactile and visual effects that attract attention and enhance differentiation. It can also be shaped into unique and innovative forms that fit various product categories, such as food, beverage, personal care, or household products. Metal addresses the consumer’s desire for portability, convenience, and sustainability. It can be reclosable or reusable, increasing consumer satisfaction and loyalty.

Metal packaging can adapt and respond to the changing needs and expectations of the consumers, the market, and society. It can leverage its strengths and advantages, such as versatility, durability, attractiveness, sustainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, to meet the current and emerging challenges and opportunities in the packaging industry, such as meeting the growing demand for convenience, preference for personalization and customization, and the rising awareness and concern for the environment and social issues.

Metal packaging is one of the most recycled materials worldwide, and it can be recycled infinitely without losing its quality or properties, contributing to circularity. Image courtesy of Trivium Packaging.

It’s More Sustainable Than You May Think

Metal packaging is one of the most recycled materials worldwide, and it can be recycled infinitely without losing its quality or properties, contributing to circularity.  It can help save energy and resources, as it can be easily separated from other waste streams by magnets or eddy currents and has an established infrastructure. According to the European Metal Packaging Association, the average recycling rate of metal packaging in Europe is 82.5%, which means that more than eight out of ten metal packages were recycled and turned into new products. Worldwide, 75% of all metal produced is still available.

It also reduces food waste, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Metal packaging preserves the quality and safety of food products and prevents them from spoiling or being thrown away before consumption. According to a study by the World Steel Association, every ton of steel packaging saves 1.5 tons of food waste, equivalent to 2.5 tons of CO2 emissions.

Metal packaging is ideal for the circular economy because of its infinite recyclability and durable properties. This system aims to minimize waste and maximize value by keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible. Metal packaging can also be reused or repurposed for other functions, such as storage, decoration, or art. It can also be designed to be easily recyclable, reusable, or refillable, which can extend its lifespan and reduce its environmental footprint. The ability to recycle metal locally due to highly established infrastructures can lessen the need for long-distance transportation and disposal.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Metal Packaging

Metal packaging can be manufactured quickly, efficiently, and reliably using advanced technologies and processes. It can also be produced in large volumes and at high speeds, increasing productivity and reducing waste. Its ability to be customized and adapted to different products, markets, and occasions can increase flexibility and innovation. Metal packaging can also be easily stored and stacked, optimizing space and inventory management.

Metal packaging can also help reduce transportation costs. It is lightweight, compact, and durable, which can lower fuel consumption and emissions. It can also be designed to fit the product’s shape and size, reducing the amount of packaging material and air space required. Metal can withstand harsh conditions and handling, reducing the risk of damage or loss during transit.

Choosing metal for packaging can increase sales and profits, enhance the product’s attractiveness, quality, and value, and boost consumer demand and satisfaction. Metal has a premium look and feel that helps create a positive impression and can influence consumer choice and preference. Its natural ability to preserve the quality and safety of the product can increase consumer trust and loyalty. Additional benefits and features, such as convenience, functionality, or sustainability, can increase consumer satisfaction and retention.

Metal packaging is both a reliable and proven material and dynamic and innovative. It can evolve and improve with time and anticipate and satisfy the future needs and wants of consumers, the market and society.

About the Author

Chas Aylsworth is the Director of Strategy and Business Development at Trivium Packaging. Learn more at https://www.triviumpackaging.com.