We’ve been seeing more full aperture (FA) can ends in beverage packaging lately. "Full-open" isn’t an entirely new idea, if you think about opening canned fruit or tuna, for instance. Though those are tinplate cans and mostly used for food.

What’s different now is that the same concept is being adapted for aluminum beverage cans. And the swap isn’t as simple as it sounds. E.g. carbonated drinks build internal pressure; people drink directly from the can so sharp edges become a real safety issue; a wide range of beverages with different pH value that needs to be addressed, and so on.

What are the differences?

These type of full open can lids (specifically for aluminum beverage cans) showed up around 10 years ago, we sold them from time to time, but it stayed pretty niche. And it probably still is, that said, we’re seeing more of it now. The newer versions are better designed, smoother edges, wider pull tabs, and grooves that help creating a smoother pour and a finer foam. They’re safer to drink from directly, and the risk of cutting your hand on the tab (which definitely used to happen) is a lot lower.

Side-by-side comparison of our full aperture can ends. The newer version (right) features a wider pull tab for easier opening and a smooth edge around the opening.

Side-by-side comparison of our full aperture can ends. The newer version (right) includes a special groove design for a smoother pour and finer foam.

Example: The newer version of the full aperture can end being used to replicate a “draft beer” experience at home.

More than instagrammable

It might come across as being unique just for the sake of it, or something made for cocktail videos on social media. But in some cases, it actually opens up real possibilities for a more diverse range of drinks to be packaged in a can. Whole fruit slices, boba, garnishes... things that wouldn’t work with a regular stay-on tab. And having one more option to choose from is usually a good thing.

It’s still a niche format, and we think it is not for every product, you probably wouldn’t pick it for high-volume everyday drinks, or anything where the lid has nowhere to go after opening. But it makes a lot of sense for the right kind of drink and situation, and it’s a good option to have on hand when the product calls for it.