Custom tins are becoming an increasingly popular branding tool among sustainable and environmentally friendly companies. Custom tin packaging allows you to differentiate your product from the competition in a unique and eye-catching way. With their colorful and vivid designs, custom tin cans offer a perfect way to set your product apart and to take your branding to the next level.
In today’s market, branding is playing an increasingly important role. Not only is it used to grab your customer’s attention and, hopefully, score some sales, it is also used to share your company’s values. Branded packaging materials have been around for centuries; however, in the past, these were usually made of glass or plastic. Although glass and plastic containers do offer certain possibilities when it comes to customization, these possibilities are limited when we compare them to those of custom tins. Traditional glass and plastic containers are usually labelled or shrink-wrapped and, in rare cases, embossed. Direct print, however, is rarely the case. This is completely different when it comes to custom tin packaging.
The branding possibilities with custom tins are truly endless. Whether you’re looking for an aluminum container with a simple logo or embossed design, or for a detailed and vivid full-color artwork, nothing is impossible. Custom tin packaging allows you to create a unique and eye-catching container at an affordable price. Not only is it possible to add a colorful print onto an existing tin, but you can also choose to create a custom tin can on demand from scratch in a unique shape and size. This further adds to your product’s appearance, giving it that unique look that you’ve been searching for.
Throughout this article, we will have a closer look at custom tin packaging and how you, as a company, can get started with designing and creating your very own custom tins.
How To Get Started With Your Custom Tins?
If you’re looking for custom tins, then there are two ways in which you can start. The first, and easiest way, is you find a producer of tins and pick an in-stock tin container on which you will apply your artwork. This is a simple and affordable way to get started with custom tin packaging, as the manufacturer already has the containers in-stock and only has to add your artwork in order to create your custom tins.
It is, however, also possible to take it a step further. If you are looking for truly unique and custom tin packaging, then you can also choose to create a bespoke container from scratch. You will be able to design your very own custom tins in terms of size, shape, and design. This allows you to decorate the store shelves with unique custom tin cans that will perfectly represent your product and brand. It goes without saying, of course, that the MOQs for producing a bespoke tin from scratch are high. This is why, for small and medium-sized companies, we recommend using an in-stock container and adding your artwork onto those to create eye catching custom tin cans.
Now that you have selected the right size for your custom tin, it’s time to consider the most important part – the artwork. Are you looking to add a simple company logo, a slogan, or a complex full-color printed design? Custom tin manufacturers usually offer a number of different customization methods, each of which has its own unique features. Because it can be quite overwhelming to understand all these different customization methods, we simply recommend you to contact a manufacturer and send them your artwork. In this way, the manufacturer can have a look at the details of your design and inform you on what the best printing options are for your custom tins.
Custom Tin Shapes and Sizes
If you are a small or medium-sized company that is looking for unique custom tins on a limited budget, then we recommend picking an in-stock container size. By adding your own artwork, you will be able to turn this into a beautiful and eye-catching custom tin container. Choosing an existing tin size does not only result in lower costs, but it will also significantly reduce the production time. Most custom tin cans manufacturers have a large assortment of in-stock tin sizes for you to choose from. All you need to do is send them your artwork, and they can have their in-stock tins printed in a matter of days.
For those of you who are looking for more unique custom tins, there is the possibility to create a custom shape and custom size tin on-demand. Because aluminum is a soft metal, it is easy to shape. This allows you to create custom tins in almost any shape and size of your liking. Whether you’re looking for a printed cosmetic container, a colorful cookie jar, or flashy coffee tin – nothing is impossible! No matter how crazy you think your idea may be, it is always possible to turn your custom tin ideas into a physical container.
What Cap Styles Can I Choose For My Custom Tins?
Once you have decided on the right shape and volume for your custom tins, it’s time to consider what closure fits your tins best. When it comes to custom tin containers, there are 6 different types of closures to choose from. Most of these cap types come equipped with an EPE liner and additional PS liners are also available on request for those of you who need an air-tight packaging. Below, we will briefly cover the 6 types of tin lids available for your custom tins.
Screw Top Tins
When it comes to custom tins and tin containers in general, the preferred closing mechanism is the traditional screw top. As the name suggests, screw top tins come with a thread which allow the cap to screw onto the tin. These types of custom tins can be easily opened with the twist of your wrist. The benefit of custom tins with screw cap is that they can be closed tightly and securely. Screw tops are only available on round tin containers and come equipped with an EPE liner to keep out external air and moist.
Slipcover Tins
Another popular closing mechanism for custom tins are slipcovers. Slipcovers are a standard closing mechanism that are available on tins of any size and shape. These types of tins come without thread and you can easily slide the slipcover over your custom tin cans to close it. Just like screw top tins, slipcovers also come equipped with an EPE liner. That being said, slipcovers offer a less secure closure that is not as air tight compared to screw tops. This is why slipcover tins are usually used for products that do not need to remain fresh. Think for instance about soap tins and candle tins.
Hinged Tins
Custom tins with hinged lid are popular especially in the food industry where they are used for storing snacks, candy, and tea. That does, of course, not mean that you cannot use this convenient closing mechanism in other industries! Hinged tins are most commonly square or rectangular in shape and have a small to medium volume.
Hermetically-Sealed Tins
Hermetically sealed tins are especially popular in the food industry. These tins come with a regular screw cap which, underneath, features an extra aluminum hermetic peel-off seal. This closure forms a secure and tamper-evident barrier that creates a vacuum seal which keeps out external air and moist. Hermetically-sealed tins are a popular storage container for companies that wish to increase the shelf life of their fresh goods. They are commonly used to store products such as coffee, tea, spices, and supplement powders.
Child Resistant Tins
Child resistant packaging comes in all sorts and sizes. When it comes to custom tins, full metal child resistant tins are rare but they do exist! Child resistant tin packaging is available in a round, square, and rectangular shape. These tins are most commonly used for storing pharmaceuticals and medical CBD or marijuana.
Window Tins
Last but certainly not least, there are clear-top window tins. The reason why we mention this lid type last is because it’s not necessarily a lid type on itself. Window tins can have a screw cap, slipcover, hinged cap, or even a child resistant mechanism. What sets window tins apart from regular tins, however, is the fact that it comes with a small transparent window in the lid. This window allows clients to see inside and gives companies an opportunity to beautifully display their goods. Window tins are often used for storing colorful products such as candles and spices. They are perfect for companies that are looking for a unique way to display their goods in an eye-catching custom tin can.
What Are The Available Printing Techniques For Custom Tin Packaging?
Perhaps the most important and also exciting part of creating your custom tins is the artwork. Adding a colorful print onto a tin is what really sets it apart from the rest. It allows you to differentiate yourself in the market. When it comes to adding artwork to your custom tin cans, there a number of different printing and customization methods that you can choose from.
Sticker Labels
Perhaps the simplest and basic way to customize any type of container is by adding a sticker label. Besides being easy, this customization method is also very affordable. By adding a sticker label onto your custom tin, you’ll be able to add a colorful design for just a couple of cents. Most manufacturers offer both printing and sticking services, meaning that your custom tins will arrive with the stickers attached. When it comes to sticker labels, you’ll be able to use as many colors and gradients as you like. Most sticker labels are waterproof and oil resistant so they can be used in every industry. The labels on your custom tins can have a gloss, matte, or metallic finish.
Silk Screen Print
If you have a simple logo or design which has 3 colors or less, then silk screen print is a perfect customization method for you. Silk screen print is a manual printing method by which each color is printed directly onto the tin one by one. Because of the manual process, it is only possible to use up to 3 colors. This makes this printing technique perfect for companies who are looking to add only a logo or simple design onto their custom tins. It is important to keep in mind that, with silk screen print, it is only possible to print solid colors and no gradients or shades.
Hot Press Print
Hot press print is similar as silk screen print, the only difference being is that hot press print focusses on shiny colors. With hot press print, a thin layer of shiny foil is printed onto your custom tins. This printing method is usually used to add a silver or gold touch to your design due to its shiny nature. Hot press print is commonly used on custom tins to give it a unique and high-end appearance. Think for instance about high-end cosmetics and perfumes.
Laser Engraving
Another unique and cool customization method for your custom tins is laser engraving. This customization method allows you to edge out a personalized message, logo, or artwork from your custom tins. Laser engraving is a cheap customization method that is available at a low MOQ. Please do keep in mind that this customization method is colorless, meaning that the engraved artwork will always look gray. Laser engraving can be used on silver tins, but the customization method will stand out more when used on dark colored tins.
Embossing & Debossing
A truly unique customization method which nicely brings forth the features of metal packaging is embossing and debossing. If you’re looking to add a true 3D touch to your custom tins, then these customization methods are perfect for you. With an embossed or debossed design, you’ll be able to turn a plain silver tin into a true piece of art. These customization methods are very popular on metal packaging and are often used to add a high-end touch to custom tins. Embossed and debossed tins are guaranteed to make your product stand out from the crowd. Although the artwork itself is colorless with this customization method, it is possible to combine it with full-color print.
Full-Color Print & Heat Transfer
If you want to go all the way with your custom tins, then full-color print is the way to go. Full-color print is the most advanced and high-end printing technique available on custom tins. With this printing method, you’ll be able to add a full multi-color 360-degree design onto your tins. You can use an unlimited amount of colors and gradients to create a custom tin which truly is a piece of art. This customization method offers the highest quality and most detailed print for your custom tin packaging. Full color printed custom tins can be finished off with either a gloss or matte finish.
Get Started Today And Create Your Very Own Custom Tins
After reading through this article, you should know all the basics about custom tins. With a custom tin container at your side, you’ll be able to differentiate yourself in a unique and eye-catching way. Not only does it add a unique and personal touch to your product design and branding, the use of custom tins is furthermore sustainable and environmentally friendly. Just one more reason to consider using custom tin packaging for your brand.
If you are interested in designing and creating a custom tin container, then we highly recommend contacting a professional tin manufacturer such as uCan-Packaging. uCan has been around in the aluminum packaging industry for decades and has grown out to be one of the world’s largest and most professional custom aluminum packaging producers. With a team of in-house professionals and privately owned manufacturing lines, they are well equipped to turn your custom tin idea into a physical branded container.
