MBAA TQ https://doi.org/10.1094/TQ-58-4-0211-01 | 
VIEW ARTICLE
Hannah Krieg (1) and Harshil Gadhia (2). 1. The Lab, St. Paul, MN, USA. 2. Sensory Analytics, Greensboro, NC, USA
Abstract
For beverage producers of all sizes, focusing on can quality is a critical aspect of product quality. Can quality has a considerable impact on the product's stability and ensures its safety and integrity throughout the supply chain—from the time it's produced, warehoused, filled, and shipped to the time it is finally in the hands of consumers. As the demand for cans continues to rise and supply remains scarce, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ensure quality standards are being met by suppliers, including international vendors. New regulations regarding can coating chemistry and a wave of novel products also are creating hurdles to guaranteeing liner quality and corrosion prevention. Historically, cans have been lined with BPA (bisphenol A)-based epoxy coatings, but due to recent health regulations regarding the safety of BPA, manufacturers are trying to move away from these types of container coatings. The ability to precisely measure container coatings is a key factor in achieving overall can quality and performance, as proper application and monitoring of coating thickness have a direct impact on can quality. Advanced measurement technologies for monitoring can liner thickness are available to ensure all coatings meet required specifications and have uniform distribution and consistency around the can. In this article, we review and summarize the history of cans and liner materials, can and liner options in the market, and new testing and measurement techniques used to help ensure can quality.
