In our daily lives, we often come across a multitude of tinplate cans. Some may question why opt for the seemingly expensive metal when there are cheaper alternatives like plastic bags or glass for packaging. Let's delve into the eco-friendly aspects of food packaging to broaden our understanding.
Firstly, let's explore the historical development of tinplate.
Tinplate, commonly known as tin-coated iron or tinplate, has its origins in Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic and Slovakia), dating back to the 14th century when tinplate production commenced. For an extended period, this area remained a primary global hub for tinplate production, mainly utilized for crafting utensils and drinkware.
In the 17th century, England, France, and Sweden aimed to establish their tinplate industries, but due to substantial financial investments required, progress was slow. It wasn't until 1811 when Bryan Donkin and John Hall founded the tin canning industry that the mass production of tinplate truly took off. Currently, the world produces approximately 250,000 tons of tin annually, with over one-third dedicated to tinplate production, the majority of which serves the canned food industry.
The historical timeline is as follows:
1810: The world's first tin can was invented by the British, simultaneously securing a patent. At that time, a canning expert could produce 60 empty cans in a day.
1847: The United States introduced canning machines, replacing manual labor.
1900: The invention of electric welding machines.
1990: Advancements in canning technology, achieving a production rate of over 1,000 cans per minute.
We should acknowledge that plastic bags easily contribute to white pollution. Some individuals have the habit of casually discarding garbage bags, which, even after thousands of years buried in the soil, do not decompose. Additionally, they emit toxic gases, polluting the air and posing risks to human physical and mental health. Plastic packaging is also prone to deformation during transportation, rendering it incapable of securely protecting the contents. Hence, many businesses opt against using plastic bags.
Furthermore, glass packaging products are prone to breakage and pose risks of injury due to small glass particles or sharp shards. Transportation exacerbates these challenges, making businesses reluctant to choose glass to minimize unnecessary losses.
Speaking of paper packaging products, thoughts often turn to trees. Paper is derived from wood, and extensive use of paper products leads to widespread deforestation, disrupting forests and inviting nature's retribution. If used for food packaging, a layer of wax is often applied to the paper, similar to the wax in instant noodle cups. There have been reports of health issues resulting from prolonged consumption of food packaged in wax-coated containers. Additionally, paper's poor sealing properties make it susceptible to moisture absorption and render it non-recyclable, diminishing its prospects for future development.
Now, let's focus on the star of the show—the tinplate can. The reason tinplate cans are highly popular in the packaging industry is not without merit. Its only drawback is potential rusting after a few years, but this is entirely avoidable. Although tinplate cans may be slightly more expensive than other packaging materials, they offer excellent value for money. Tinplate cans exhibit strong sealing properties, are opaque, effectively isolating the contents from external factors such as air, moisture, and light, ensuring the preservation of packaged items. Most importantly, tinplate cans are recyclable, aligning with international environmental standards and future product trends. Additionally, tinplate cans display durability and resistance to wear and tear during transportation, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary losses.
After this overview, do you now have a more comprehensive understanding of tinplate cans?
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