Which metals are commonly used to make single-serve cold brew cans?
Single-serve cold brew cans are growing in popularity, appealing to consumers who demand convenient ready-to-drink (RTD) cold coffee options. Choosing the right packaging material is essential to preserve the unique flavours and freshness of the cold brew. Among the various metals used, aluminium has become a standout choice, valued for its lightweight, protective, and sustainable qualities.
Research shows that the value of the global aluminium can market is projected to grow to almost US $64 billion by 2029 – a clear indication of its leading position in the packaging market. But there are other options that roasters and coffee businesses can consider for their cold brew cans, including steel and tin-plated steel.
Read on to learn more about which metals are best for single-serve cold brew cans.
Why aluminium is ideal for cold brew coffee cans
Among the numerous types of single-serve packaging options for cold brew coffee, cans are the most popular.
In an article for Cold Brew Pak, Deirdre Schroeder, the co-founder and CEO of GoodBrew, said: “Canned cold brew is gaining popularity for a number of reasons, including convenience and taste experience.
“Consumers are more and more aware of the drawbacks of plastic and so they tend to prefer cans,” she continues in the article. “They are the perfect packaging to protect and preserve our product while being convenient and sustainable for the consumer. All the feedback suggests our customers love them too.”
Aluminium has become the industry standard for single-serve cold brew cans. A lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal, it offers exceptional protection against light and oxygen, both of which can compromise the quality and freshness of cold brew. This allows brands to maintain the unique flavours and aromas of their coffee. Moreover, aluminium doesn’t impart any metallic taste, allowing the coffee’s innate characteristics to shine through.
Additionally, aluminium allows roasters to create eye-catching, custom designs directly on the can’s surface. The flexibility in branding is a key advantage in the competitive single-serve cold brew market, helping companies stand out on shelves and build brand loyalty.
The use of aluminium in single-serve cold brew cans continues to evolve, with new technologies enhancing functionality and consumer appeal. Resealable aluminium cans, for example, allow customers to enjoy their cold brew over time without compromising freshness. Additionally, advancements in barrier technology provide even greater protection, preserving cold brew quality for longer.
How aluminium offers superior sustainability
Another major benefit of aluminium for cold brew cans is sustainability. It’s fully recyclable and can be recycled repeatedly without degrading in quality, supporting a circular economy by reducing waste and conserving resources.
In an article for MTPak Coffee, Brandon Martin, head brewer at Big Watt Beverage Co., stated: “The equipment needed to package cold brew becomes more versatile if you opt for cans as opposed to plastic or glass bottles. Another silver lining is that cans made from aluminium are infinitely recyclable.”
As eco-conscious consumers look for sustainable packaging options, aluminium is an obvious choice for brands looking to minimise their environmental impact. Producing aluminium from recycled material requires significantly less energy than manufacturing new aluminium.
The environmental advantages of using this material for single-serve cold brew cans are considerable. Producing a new can from recycled aluminium reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 80% compared to using new material. What’s more, nearly 75% of all aluminium ever produced globally remains in use today, thanks to its ability to be recycled without losing its integrity.
Considering alternative metals for single-serve cold brew cans
Although aluminium is the preferred choice for single-serve cold brew cans, other metals like steel and tin-plated steel are also common – but both have their advantages and downsides.
Steel is strong and durable, making it ideal for specific applications. However, it is heavier and more costly to transport than aluminium, which reduces its practicality for single-serve cans.
Additionally, steel is more challenging to customise and may introduce a slight metallic taste if not properly coated, which can impede cold brew flavour and quality.
Another alternative, tin-plated steel, provides corrosion resistance but doesn’t match aluminium’s lightweight or customisation flexibility. Its heavier weight and potential flavour alteration are other key reasons why aluminium is preferred for single-serve cold brew cans.
Key considerations for choosing metals for your cold brew cans
Single-serve cold brew cans are increasingly popular, and aluminium is the metal of choice for good reason. Its ability to preserve freshness, offer easy customisation, and support sustainable practices makes it the ideal material for RTD cold brew products.
Although alternative metals like steel and tin-plated steel are used for other canned beverages, they lack the comprehensive benefits that aluminium provides for cold brew, especially when it comes to maintaining flavour, reducing weight, and supporting recycling efforts.
As brands and consumers continue to prioritise quality and sustainability, aluminium will
likely remain the ideal packaging material for single-serve cold brew cans. This metal not only protects the product’s flavour and aroma but also meets the demand for eco-friendly, visually appealing packaging, ensuring a premium experience for consumers.
Cold Brew Pak provides a range of bespoke aluminium cans tailored for cold brew coffee. These cans are fully recyclable, meeting the rising demand for eco-conscious packaging options in the beverage sector. Engineered to protect coffee from light and oxygen, they maintain freshness and quality in the long term and are available in various sizes.
Contact our team to learn more about how Cold Brew Pak can help your coffee business tap into the growing RTD cold brew market.
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Single-serve cold brew cans
