A can’s finish defines its shelf presence and in many cases, its durability during production. Beyond standard aesthetics, different varnishes/coatings  change how a consumer interacts with the package and how the can performs in a pasteurizer.

At ALNA, we help you select the right coating to match your brand’s design and your facility's technical requirements.

At a glance - Can you make it pop?

There's no one-size-fits-all formula for making your cans "pop". You can mix and match matte and gloss finishes to create a one-of-a-kind brand experience. It's all about finding what suits your unique style and can design. Just like your brand, your cans should stand out in their own special way.

What's retort?

*This is a simplified diagram of the typical layers in a standard beverage can. All layers are designed for typical beverage (e.g. beer, carbonated soft drinks, etc.) storage and handling conditions.

*For our retort cans, the overvarnish (blank & printed) and printed ink (printed only) are formulated for retort conditions. The internal liner and base coat are always retort-ready by default.

Retort is applied to the cans that are destined to undergo high-heat processing, such as in the case of canned foods that are sterilized through retort processing.

Retort processing involves cooking food in the can at high temperatures (usually above 116°C or 240°F) to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms, ensuring the safety and extending the shelf life of the canned product. The primary purpose of retort varnishes is functional rather than aesthetic. They are specially formulated to:

Protect the Food
They act as a barrier to prevent direct contact between the food and the metal, thus avoiding potential chemical reactions or contamination.

Endure High Temperatures
These varnishes are formulated to withstand the extreme temperatures of retort processing, which is essential for sterilizing the canned food.
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Ensure Seam Integrity
‍They are designed to be flexible enough to withstand the metal’s expansion and contraction during the heating and cooling process without cracking. (Standard varnishes often fail under these conditions, leading to discolouration or peeling.)

And what's retort ink?

Retort ink is a specialized type of ink used for printing on packaging materials, including labels and cans, which will undergo the retort process.

This ink is specially formulated to endure the high temperatures and steam pressure of the retort process without smearing, fading, or transferring to the product. The durability of retort ink is essential for maintaining legibility and visual appeal of the packaging after the retort process. It's used for printing labels, logos, nutritional information, and other graphics or text.

What are the most common beverage that will need retort cans?

The most common beverages that require retort cans are those that need to be sterilized for safety and shelf stability. This typically includes:

Low-Acid Beverages
Beverages with low acidity, such as certain vegetable juices, are more susceptible to bacterial growth and thus often undergo retort processing to ensure safety and extend shelf life.

Dairy-Based Drinks
Some dairy-based beverages, like certain milk-based coffee drinks or protein shakes, may undergo retort processing to maintain freshness without refrigeration.

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Teas and Coffees
These products, particularly those that contain milk or are low in acidity, often require sterilization to ensure safety and prolong shelf life.

Specialty Drinks
This includes certain energy drinks, nutritional shakes, or health drinks that might not have preservatives and thus need retort processing to stay shelf-stable.

Some Alcoholic Beverages
Certain craft beers or mixed alcoholic drinks that are canned might also undergo retort processing, particularly if they contain ingredients that are less acidic or more prone to spoilage.
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