The composite can is one of the most widely used packages on grocery store shelves. Used for food and non-food applications, available in numerous sizes with various label and barrier options as well as easy opening features that allow companies to design a unique package to meet specific product needs.
Composite cans are convolute-wound, spiral-wound, linear-draw or single-wrap rigid bodies with one or both end closures permanently affixed. While paper, which is either kraft paperboard or recycled paperboard, is the primary component of the canister body, to give it its strength, the total construction of the package involves several layers of material, often including alu-foil and plastics in various combinations, with one or both end closures permanently affixed.
The convolute method of manufacture involves winding multiple layers of a simple-ply of material around a rotating round or non-round mandrel to form a can body. The body material is coming in at a right angle to the mandrel, with all of the paper going in the same direction. A cutting operation sizes individual cans to consumer specifications.
The spiral wound method involves winding multiple layers around a stationary mandrel in helical pattern. This allows for a high speed continuous production. The ‘endless’ tube is cut to can size specifications. A spiral can has 5 parts, i.e. 1. liner, 2. paperboard body, 3. label, 4. top closure and finally 5. bottom closure.
The label is the outer layer of the composite can and although serving as a billboard for product information with the possibility of attention gripping graphics, it can also provide an additional barrier. One of the design attractions is the possibility of shaping a cardboard can in round, rectangle, triangle or oval bodies.
Although often seen as a simple packaging format for simple products (see my post: “EcoPak and Ecocentric – What’s in a Name?”, there are some examples of brilliant design using the composite can in the upscale market. One of these examples is the Biznaga assortment of Spanish specialties for the Gourmet and Delicatessen sector, which uses the composite cans for its entire assortment. From high to low, from small to large, applied with a variety of barrier coatings depending of the product, Biznaga has adopted the composite can as its presentation to the world.
Biznaga Spanish Delights S.L. is a newly created joint-venture consisting of five share holding companies as well as six associated companies. These eleven companies have come together in order to market exclusive Spanish gourmet products. Biznaga Spanish Delights markets in excess of 50 products manufactured by the eleven partners under the Biznaga Brand, which ensures a range of gourmet products with homogeneous designs.
All products are manufactured in ways honouring the traditional craftsmanship of fine Spanish food, while following modern quality standards and controls. Furthermore all products have been specially picked to provide the best possible gourmet experience for the consumer.
Headquartered in Malaga, the company choose the biznaga (jasmine) for its name as the biznaga is the symbol associated with the city of Malaga, where thanks to the legacy of the Arabs (in Arab it is called “Gift from God”), and the mild climate, jasmine grows in abundance.
The Spanish design agency LeBranders S.L. created based on the composite can a diversity in formats, sizes and Pantone colours for the entire Biznaga assortment, but the material is all the time the same, except for the ham and vinegar.
The products are packed in either spiral wounded or linear draw tubes with a metal bottom and cover and laminated in matt.
The cheese cylinder is 9 cm high, whereby the cheese itself is vacuum packed in a bag which sits inside the carton tube. The cylinders for salt, spices and olive pâtés are 9.5 cm high and for preserves, cherry tomatoes and jams it is 11 cm.
The vinegar and ham in the Biznaga assortment are the only exceptions. The vinegar comes in a 160 ml plastic bottle with a security seal on the lid.
The sliced ham is vacuum packed and sits in a cardboard box, with flap and a window (110 x 70 mm) through which the product is visible.
Nicely designed by LeBranders, S.L. the assortment is a real eye-catcher in the gourmet-shops.
The design of the labelling is quite clever, with the white panel and text in the front, giving the impression that the cans are not round, not oval, but with a flat front and back and rounded silver coloured sides, like a Rhine barge. It is an exceptional printing of the graphics as the packages are indeed round. Even for the wine bottles that impression sticks.
90426
Best In Packaging 
Pingback: Beverage Cans Made From Paperboard « Best In Packaging·