Tinplate: The Versatile Expert in the Packaging Industry

CONSMOS GROUP

Tinplate, scientifically known as electroplated tin-coated steel sheet (abbreviated as SPTE), is made by coating both sides of a cold-rolled low-carbon thin steel sheet or steel strip with a layer of commercially pure tin. Simply put, it is like putting a "protective coat" of tin on iron.

Photographed at the Consmos factory

1. Origin Story

Regarding the origin of its Chinese name "Makou Tie" , there are two main theories: one suggests that the tin-coated steel sheets used for can-making at that time were imported from Macao ; the other holds that it was once used to make kerosene lamp caps shaped like a horse’s mouth. However, at China’s Tin-Coated Steel Sheet Conference in 1973, the material was officially named "tin-coated steel sheet." Despite this, the name "Makou Tie" (tinplate) is still widely used by people.

Photographed at the Consmos factory

2. Characteristics

① Corrosion ResistanceThe tin layer acts like a loyal guardian, blocking the attack of oxygen and moisture, which greatly slows down the rusting process of iron. For example, tinplate cans by the sea can resist the corrosion of humid sea breezes for a long time.

② Non-Toxic and Safe

Whether used for food or pharmaceutical packaging, tinplate does not release harmful substances, safeguarding our health. That is why many brands choose tinplate cans for packaging infant milk powder.

③ High Strength

Although tinplate is thin, it has excellent strength. It can withstand a certain amount of pressure and impact without easily deforming. During transportation, for instance, tinplate boxes filled with goods can endure jolting.

④ Good Ductility

This property allows tinplate to be processed into various complex shapes, meeting the packaging needs of different products. From round cans to special-shaped gift boxes, all rely on its good ductility.

3. Wide Application Fields

①Food Packaging

Food packaging is the "main battlefield" of tinplate. It can effectively isolate oxygen, moisture, and light, extend the shelf life of food, and preserve the food’s flavor and nutrition. For example:

Canned fruits and canned meats packaged in tinplate allow us to enjoy delicious foods in different seasons;

Tinplate biscuit tins have excellent moisture-proof effects, keeping biscuits crispy at all times;

Tinplate tea caddies can well retain the aroma of tea.

②Pharmaceutical Packaging

In the field of pharmaceutical packaging, the sealability and stability of tinplate play a crucial role. It can prevent medicines from getting damp, oxidizing, and deteriorating, ensuring the quality and efficacy of the medicines. Some pill boxes and ointment jars are often made of tinplate.

③ Daily Necessities Packaging

Cosmetic cans made of tinplate not only protect products from external contamination but also enhance the product grade due to their metallic texture.

Spray cans utilize the high temperature and high pressure resistance of tinplate, providing us with a convenient user experience.

④Tinplate Boxes for Instrument and Meter Packaging

For precision instruments and meters, tinplate provides reliable protection. Its good compression resistance and shielding performance can prevent instruments and meters from vibration, impact, and electromagnetic interference during transportation and storage.

⑤Industrial Product Packaging

Chemical products are often corrosive. With its corrosion resistance, tinplate becomes an ideal choice for packaging such as chemical drums, ensuring the safety of products during storage and transportation.

Photographed at the Consmos factory

4. Environmental Advantages

In an era of growing environmental awareness, the environmental advantages of tinplate have become increasingly prominent.

① Recyclable

Tinplate is 100% recyclable and reusable. During the recycling process, its performance is not significantly affected, allowing it to be recycled repeatedly. This greatly saves resources.

②Environmentally Friendly

Discarded tinplate will gradually oxidize and decompose in the natural environment and return to nature. Unlike materials such as plastics, it does not cause long-term environmental pollution.

5. Development Trends of Tinplate

With the continuous advancement of technology, tinplate is undergoing continuous innovation and development.

On one hand, it is developing towards a thinner and lighter direction. On the premise of ensuring performance, it uses less material, reduces costs, and also lightens the burden of transportation and other links.On the other hand, the surface treatment technology and printing technology of tinplate are constantly improved, making its appearance more exquisite and better meeting consumers’ demand for the aesthetics of product packaging.

Coming from the long river of history, tinplate has become an indispensable member of the packaging industry with its excellent performance and wide range of applications. In the future, it will continue to move forward through innovation, bringing more convenience and surprises to our lives.

Photographed at the Consmos factory