When it comes to storing and dispensing creams, ointments, lotions or other viscous liquids, cream cans are a popular choice for many reasons. Cream cans are specially designed containers that allow easy dispensing of creams and lotions without the mess of jars or bottles. Choosing the right cream can for your particular product ensures proper preservation and usage. This article will explore the key factors to consider when selecting an optimal cream can for your needs.
What are the Different Types of Cream Cans?
Cream cans come in a variety of styles, sizes, and opening mechanisms to suit different viscous liquid products. Here are some of the main options:
Pump Top Cans
Pump top cans have an attached pump dispenser that allows controlled dispensing with just a push or pull of the pump. This is convenient for lotions, creams, and thicker liquids. The pump mechanism keeps the contents protected from air exposure. Pump tops are available in different styles like lotion pumps, fine mist pumps, and trigger sprayers.
Flip Top Cans
Flip top or snap top cans have a hinged lid that flips open for access to the product. This allows for easy, one-handed dispensing. Flip tops provide less control over the amount dispensed compared to a pump but offer quick access.
Screw Top Cans
Cream cans with a simple screw on lid provide basic functionality. Unscrewing the lid allows access to the contents. Screw tops are better suited for very viscous creams or ointment-like products rather than runny lotions.
Tube Cans
Tube cans have a crimped metal tube attached that dispenses product when squeezed. This format provides excellent control over the amount dispensed. Tube cans work well for ointments, gels, and thick creams.
Self-Standing Cans
Some cream cans have a wider, weighted base allowing them to stand upright on shelves or counters without falling over. The self-standing design provides convenience and saves space.
Airless Cans
Airless cream cans use an internal bag and pump to dispense liquid without letting air back into the package. This helps maintain formula integrity and prevents drying out. Airless technology works well for nutrient-rich creams prone to oxidation.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cream Can
With many cream can options available, focus on these key factors to select the best choice for your liquid product:
Viscosity
Consider the thickness and flow properties of the liquid. Thinner lotions do well with flip tops, pump tops, or sprayers. Thick ointments and creams work better with screw tops or tubes. Make sure to select a dispensing style that allows appropriate flow.
Desired Volume
Cream cans come in volume capacities ranging from less than 1 ounce to over 1 gallon. Consider the total volume needed based on your product’s usage and market demand. Also factor in desired size and portability.
Dispensing Control
Assess the level of control needed over the amount dispensed. Pumps provide excellent control for measured doses. Flip tops allow quick but uncontrolled access. Tubes offer precision dispensing for creams.
Exposure to Air
If the product contains active ingredients that degrade from oxygen exposure, select an airless pump can or tube. Open screw tops provide less protection.
Aesthetic Look
The can finish, shape, artwork, and labeling impact the overall appearance. Select a style aligned with your brand image and packaging goals.
Shelf Life
Some cream can options like airless pumps help extend shelf life. But for very short shelf life liquids like fresh dairy creams, simple open screw tops work fine.
Portability
If end-users will travel with the product, compact flip top or tube cans provide portability. Bulkier cans are better for stationary applications.
Storage Orientation
If the cream or liquid separates, consider a can that works well when stored upside down to promote remixing before use. Or choose a self-standing can.
Cost
Pricing varies based on can materials, size, and dispensing style. Consider budget constraints but also value. More expensive options like airless pumps may be worth the investment.
Environmental Impact
Many cream cans utilize recyclable materials like plastic, aluminum, and tin. Select packaging with sustainability in mind.
Common Materials Used for Cream Cans
Cream cans are manufactured from a variety of materials. The material affects durability, appearance, and pricing.
Aluminum
Aluminum cream cans are lightweight, recyclable, and environmentally friendly. Aluminum provides excellent barrier properties to protect contents. It allows for bold, colorful printing. Drawbacks are higher cost and potential for dents.
Tin
Tin-plated steel cans provide high durability and rigidity. The metal construction offers good barrier against air, light, and moisture. Tin cans are recyclable but heavier than aluminum. Print graphics directly onto the tin or use paper labels.
Plastic (PET, PP, PE)
Plastic cream cans made from PET, polypropylene, or polyethylene are affordably priced and recyclable. Plastics allow for a wide range of color and transparency options. But plastics generally have lower barrier properties compared to metals.
Glass
Glass cream jars have an elegant, upscale look. Glass provides excellent clarity to view contents but is heavy, fragile, and higher cost. Use for low production volumes or luxury brands.
Common Sizes of Cream Cans
Cream cans range from very small sampler sizes to large bulk sizes. Here are some typical cream can capacities:
0.17 oz Mini Jar
Ideal for single-use product samples or trial sizes. Mini jars provide portability.
0.5 oz Jar
Good for small volumes like travel-size products. Allows minimal waste.
1 oz Tin
Provides approximately 30 uses or applications. Good starter size.
2 oz Jar
Appropriate for more frequent usage, about 2 months’ supply. Easy to store and transport.
4 oz Tin
A popular size for hand and body creams, providing 1-3 months’ usage. Fits nicely in purses or bags.
6 oz Squeeze Tube
Provides 2-4 months’ supply for many products. A convenient dispensing format.
8 oz Pump Bottle
Ideal size for facial creams, shampoos, and conditioners, lasting 1-2 months. Provides controlled dispensing.
12 oz Jar
For high volume or bulk use, like large families or businesses. Minimizes need for refills.
16 oz Jar
An economical bulk size, providing 4-6 months’ usage on average. Good for gifts sets and promotions.
Labeling Requirements for Cream Cans
Cream cans must meet certain labeling regulations for commercial sale, based on the product contents:
Product Identification
The label must include the common or usual name of the contents. Use the INCI name for cosmetics.
Net Quantity
List the net weight or volume in both U.S. standard and metric units. Use ounces for small cans or pounds/kilograms for larger sizes.
Ingredient Listing
List all ingredients in descending order of predominance. Clearly identify any food allergens.
Responsible Party
Provide the name and address of the company responsible for manufacturing and distribution.
Warning Statements
Include any necessary precautionary statements about proper use, storage, and potential hazards.
Expiration Date
For food products, include a “best by” or expiration date. For cosmetics, note the period of time the product is expected to remain usable.
Lot Code
The lot number or batch code enables traceability in case of a recall or quality issue.
Filling Options for Cream Cans
Cream cans can be filled via automated bulk production lines or manual filling:
Automated Rotary Fillers
Rotary filling machines allow high-speed, high-volume filling of cans. Products are pumped into cans on a rotating table. Rotary fillers are efficient but require a large initial investment.
Inline Filling Systems
Inline fillers fill cans synchronously as they move down a conveyor line. An inline system provides moderately fast filling with simpler tooling.
Piston Filling Machines
A piston pump forces product directly into each can underneath a filling nozzle. Piston fillers allow accurate fill levels and minimizes waste.
Overflow Gravity Fillers
A simple gravity filling method where cans overflow then are scraped or wiped to adjust headspace. Low automation but inexpensive.
Manual Hand Filling
Small batches can be hand filled as a low-cost option, though slower. Useful for testing containers and products.
Sealing Options for Cream Cans After Filling
Proper sealing preserves product quality and prevents leaks or contamination. Common sealing methods include:
Snap On Caps
Snap caps provide a tight press fit onto the can rim. No adhesive needed. Easy to open/close.
Induction Sealing
A liner is sealed to the can mouth via electromagnetic induction heating. Creates an airtight, tamper-evident seal.
Heat Sealing
Direct heat and pressure seals on a lid or membrane to the can. Provides a strong bond and barrier.
Crimping
Rolling metal or plastic lid flanges into the can rim makes a tight seal. Used for tubular or squeeze tube cans.
Sonic Sealing
High-frequency ultrasonic vibration welds a lid or membrane to the can. Fast with no heat or adhesive.
Adhesive Sealing
Applying liquid adhesive or tape creates a full can seal. Simple manual method good for small runs.
Quality Control Considerations
Proper quality control ensures each cream can meets specifications:
- Check fill weights to verify accurate quantities
- Inspect seals for integrity and no leakage
- Review label content, positioning, adhesiveness
- Examine overall look for dents, rust, and appearance
- Test samples to confirm product quality and stability
- Confirm cans meet any regulatory requirements
- Validate production processes and equipment function
- Document inspections and retain retaining samples
Following detailed quality protocols minimizes defects and ensures consumer satisfaction.
The Advantages of Using Cream Cans
Cream cans offer many benefits that make them a top choice for viscous liquids and semi-solids:
- Provide controlled, mess-free dispensing
- Extend product shelf life compared to jars
- Offer excellent barrier against oxygen, light, and contaminants
- Allow customers to view product through transparent styles
- Customizable with various artwork, shapes, and styles
- Enable single-handed use with flip tops or pumps
- Dispense precise amounts with pumps or tubes
- Maintain formulation integrity versus tubes or pots
- Facilitate product transport and travel
- Suitable for high-speed filling and sealing
- Variety of sizes meet different volume needs
Cream cans are the ideal packaging for thick liquids that need to be dispensed frequently and conveniently.
Conclusion
The ideal cream can optimizes preservation, dispensing, and branding for viscous personal care and cosmetic products. Key considerations when selecting a cream can include viscosity, desired volume, exposure to air, dispensing control, and aesthetics. Metals like aluminum and tin provide durability and barrier properties while plastic offers affordability. Standard can sizes range from 0.5 ounce sample jars to 16 ounce family size containers. Automated rotary and inline filling allows high volume production while manual filling works for small batches. Induction sealing, crimping, and sonic welding create secure closures. Following best practices for filling, sealing, labeling, and quality control ensures a quality cream can package. With the many can styles and decoration options available today, brands can find the perfect cream can fit. The portability, controlled dispensing, and excellent product protection of cans make them a staple for lotions, creams, ointments, and similar preparations.