Aluminium can weight has changed enormously over the past decades with advancements in technology, shifting consumer requirements, and attempts to lower the cost of production. During the 1960s, a standard 12 oz (355ml) aluminium can weighed about 16-18 grams. Industry leaders have, in the course of time, worked to reduce weight in cans using new materials and production methods aimed at reducing weight and costs to make processes simple. By the 1990s, weights of aluminium cans had dropped to approximately 13 grams for an equivalent-sized can.
This drop in weight is attributed to lighter aluminium sheets as well as superior canning practices. Employment of thinner metal not only reduced the material cost but also the ability of manufacturers to transport more cans lighter, which improved shipment. In fact, the use of thinner cans has provided the opportunity for drink makers to reduce millions of dollars annually in terms of reducing aluminium can weight. Coca-Cola, for example, estimated saving around $60 million annually in terms of aluminium can weight lightening from 2000 to 2010.
Despite the requirement to lose weight, demands by consumers on product quality and strength resulted in some deviations from can design. Cans holding carbonated products, for instance, must support a minimum level of pressure, and this requires higher aluminium. Thus, sodas and energy drinks, more prone to withstand higher internal pressure, have larger can thicknesses, especially through the 2000s. These cans are now, on average, 2-5 grams heavier than regular soda cans. Craft beer and premium drink cans are also heavier, in some cases more than 20 grams per 500ml can.
Environmental considerations have also affected aluminium can weight over the years. With growing awareness of sustainability, many companies have tried to minimize the carbon footprint of manufacturing. There has been a pattern of using recycled aluminium, which requires less energy to manufacture, over the last decade. This practice has facilitated increased use of lighter aluminium while maintaining the same functionality and durability. In fact, the aluminium can recycling rate globally was 69% in 2020, which contributed to the greener and lighter design of today’s cans.
Overall, aluminium can weight has reduced over time owing to developments in technology, reduction in cost, and consumer behavior changes. However, there have been areas, such as the lifespan of products and the pressure to resist carbonation, which have negated this pattern. Developments in more efficient production processes and moving towards recycling aluminium continue to drive can weight development.
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