As per the 2023 standard of the Metal Packaging Industry Association (MPMA), the conventional 500ml can size of an ordinary 500ml standard can is a diameter of 66 millimeters and a height of 122 millimeters. And slim tank with the optimisation of diameter to height ratio (H/D from 1.85 to 2.41), reduce the diameter to 58 mm (12.1%), the much enlarged to 140 mm (growth 14.8%), the same surface area volume decreased by 7.3%, The consumption of aluminium per can reduced from 13.2 grams to 11.9 grams (saving 9.8%). For instance, after the introduction of thin cans by Coca-Cola Europe, the filling capacity of a production line was increased by 15% in 2022 (from 48,000 cans per hour to 55,200 cans per hour). Logistics transportation loading capacity from 4500 cans per tray to 5100 cans of utilization ratio increased by 13.3% (volume).
According to the mechanical property analysis, since the wall thickness of the thin tank is reduced from 0.110 mm to 0.097 mm, structural reinforcement needs to be added in order to keep the compressive strength intact. The test results show that the axial pressure-bearing capacity of the thin tank is 210 Newtons (240 Newtons for the normal tank), but it surpasses in the radial anti-deformation test – when an internal pressure of 1.5 bar is applied, the expansion rate of diameter is only 0.8% (1.2% for the normal tank). AB InBev did not change in 2021 the slim tanks stacking plan (from 12 to 15 layers), which resulted in 0.07% of the tanks breaking up during transportation and a direct loss of 280,000 US dollars. The sector was compelled to revise the ASTM D4169-22 transportation test standard. It is governed that slim tanks stacking shall not exceed 13 layers.
With regard to production cost, the drawing ratio needs to be re-designed (from 2.1 to 2.6) by the slim can stamping die, and development of the die increases by 25% (approximately 120,000 US dollars per set). However, mass production (100 million cans and above) after single pot costs by 4.6% (from $0.108 – $0.103). Daiwa Can’s 2022 annual report shows that its thin can line has improved the weld strength to 45MPa with laser welding technology (traditional resistance welding 38MPa) and reduced the weld width from 0.8 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters. Filling line speed was increased from 1,200 cans per minute to 1,550 cans per minute, and energy consumption was reduced by 18%.
Consumer behavior research shows that the 500ml can dimensions of slim can 500ml are better suited to the new refrigerator door frame design (compatibility rate increased from 67% to 92%), and the comfort grip score increased by 23% (from 3.4 to 4.2 on a scale of 5). Nielsen’s 2023 market report explains that the slim can preference rate for the 18-35 age group has reached 61%, and this has forced brand owners to alter their packaging. For instance, Heineken has increased its percentage of slim cans in Europe from 12% (2020) to 34% (2023). Despite a 0.15 euros premium per can, it still registered a 19% sales growth annually.
Degree of environmental effect, thin 9.8% by weight loss can, single pot carbon footprints from 113 grams of CO ₂ were cut to 102 grams of CO ₂ (9.7% reduction). Under the 2025 strategy of Carlsberg Group, when the world slim tank, annual consumption of aluminum will be reduced by 11,200 tons or equivalent to reducing 84,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. But in the recycling process, observe that although crushing and smelting slim tanks, due to the change in surface area/volume ratio, the furnace temperature has to be changed from 750℃ to 780℃, increasing energy consumption by 5%. Nevertheless, the overall yield of recycled aluminum is still the same at 95% (as in the case of normal tanks).