Printed aluminum cans are expensive because they are in short supply and are subject to ridiculous lead times. In addition, the domestic beverage packaging industry is at capacity, so manufacturers are placing their biggest priorities on Budweiser, Coors, and other A-list global brands. As a result, minimum order quantities have skyrocketed, from just a few hundred to five or more trucks’ worth of cans.
Compared to other forms of packaging, printed cans can be costly for a variety of reasons. The minimum order is typically higher, and lead times can stretch to 16 weeks. Additionally, there are additional costs associated with setup and split shipment. Additionally, you may not always get the quality of product you’re looking for with printed cans. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of production schedules and keep an extra month’s worth of inventory on hand.
They are difficult to recycle
Recycling cans can be a challenge if they have shrink-wrapped labels. This plastic film can burn at recycling facilities. But this may not be a major issue since most plants accept shrink-wrapped labels. Nevertheless, the issue has raised several questions. What do recyclers look for? And can printed aluminum cans be recycled? Read on to find out. We’ve put together a list of the main challenges and solutions.
The process of recycling custom aluminum cans consists of converting the material into a new one. The process begins with the extraction of an ore called bauxite from the Earth. Then, it is chemically processed into alumina. From there, it is melted and rolled into thin sheets of metal. The sheets can then be shaped into new products. The recycled aluminum is called aluminum alloy, and is infinitely recyclable. However, it costs more than virgin metal.
They are contaminated with COVID-19
A global lockdown has been implemented, stopping the supply of all kinds of beverage cans. Craft breweries are putting off new product launches while major bottled water companies have begun switching over to aluminum. The ensuing shortage is expected to have a significant impact on the commercial and environmental impacts of the contaminated cans. However, can manufacturers are trying to meet the demand, despite the ongoing global lockdown.
Printed aluminum cans contain a bacterial infection known as COVID-19. The virus originated in Hubei Province in China and quickly infected people around the world. The virus spread through droplets of fluid expelled from infected people or from surfaces they come into contact with. However, no human illnesses have been reported to date from this outbreak. However, precautionary measures are needed to prevent this virus from spreading to people and pets.
They don’t impart texture
Printed aluminum cans are a good option for many reasons, but there’s one thing you should keep in mind. Unlike paper labels, which impart texture through embossing, printed aluminum cans don’t impart any. The printing process simply does not create that texture, which makes them less attractive. Printed cans are also better for the environment, but they lack the tactile feel of embossed or paper labels.
Printed aluminum cans have some disadvantages as well. While aluminum cans don’t have much texture, they are nonporous, so the ink won’t absorb into them. For this reason, UV curable inks are used. Solvent and water-based inks take too long to dry. Also, they can be difficult to apply properly, so you should consider using a stay-away line. This will prevent any overlapping of colors or poor image quality. Printed aluminum cans are typically processed like most flexographic printing operations, involving plates and cylinders.
They are expensive
Unless you’re a huge company with an enormous budget, printed aluminum cans are expensive. But there are ways to cut costs. You can buy cans directly from the manufacturer, which is the least expensive per can but requires a larger upfront cost. But be prepared for a lengthy changeover time as they can-making machine needs to stop and start again between each design. Also, a changeover time is not included in the cost of the cans.
In traditional methods, you must ship the cans to a printing company and wait for the order to be filled. This process involves huge minimum orders and expensive printers. You may also need to deal with a large inventory, which can add up. In addition, you must maintain open lines of communication with the supplier to ensure that your order will arrive in time. You’ll need to keep them informed of changes in your demand so you can be sure to get your cans quickly and efficiently.
