Standards Development

Scope

This document describes measuring method for dimensions of technical parts for easy open ends made of electrolytic chromium coated steel (ECCS) or aluminium, and peel off ends made of aluminium.

Purpose

Metal cans are import packaging for food industry, providing long shelf life for food and beverage products. They are used for canning vegetable and meat, as well as beer and carbonated drinks. Pull tab for beverage can was invented in 1959 and from 1960s easy open ends (EOEs) with pull tab started to cover various types of metal cans. It solves the problem of can opening and meets convenience and instant demands form consumers. It also facilitates more dishes, soups together with juices and coffee filled in metal packaging. The advantages of rigidity, airtightness, stackability and simple storage of metal cans make it easier for food and beverage produced in certain season and origin circulate among different countries and regions.

EOEs and POEs are being produced, imported and exported at a large amount yearly and they have formed a new field in can making. At present around 55% food and beverage cans in the world are using EOEs. Canning foods consume nearly 70 billion pieces every year. Beverage cans use 400 billion pieces every year and most are made of aluminum. Along with thinner and lighter demands for metal food packaging, softer aluminum peel off ends (POEs) have been developed in application of some food cans and powder cans. They further advance the convenience and safety while opening the metal cans.

This document will link upstream device, can body and end suppliers with downstream users to reach consensual terms, classifications and specifications for EOEs and POEs. The aim is to simplify parameter setting and equipment adjustment and enhance quality of commonly used ends. Matching and seaming efficiency between ends and bodies will also be improved to ensure quality of final food product. As for specific size of can body, the dimension of EOE and POE is identical. Thus these 2 types of metal ends are discussed together in this proposal.