Everything you need to set up your can artwork correctly - dieline templates, file specs, and a checklist to keep things on track. Download the template for your can format, follow the guidelines below, and you'll save yourself (and us) a round of revisions.
Printed Cans
Printed cans are produced using dry offset printing, where your artwork is applied directly onto the aluminum surface. This method supports up to 7 spot colours (PMS/Pantone) and delivers sharp, consistent results across large runs.
A few things to know before you start:
- Minimum order quantity is around 300K.The press setup and plate production only make sense at volume.
- All colours must be specified as PMS (Pantone) spot colours. If your artwork was originally designed in CMYK, the colours will need to be converted to their closest PMS equivalents.
- Lead time will be approx. 3 months and less common formats will have less frequent production runs.
Sleeved Cans
Shrink sleeves are printed separately and then heat-applied around the can body. This opens up a few options that direct printing doesn't offer.
A few things to know before you start:
- Minimum order quantity is around 2 pallets.
- You can use full CMYK process colour, spot colours, or a combination of both.
- Plastic sleeves are now banned in Quebec due to environmental concern.
Artwork Setup Guidelines
File format
Adobe Illustrator (.ai), PDF/X-4 compatible. All fonts outlined. No live text.
Colour mode
Printed: PMS spot only. Sleeved: CMYK or spot. No RGB anywhere.
Resolution
Vector preferred. Raster images minimum 300 dpi at print size.
Barcodes
Vertical orientation only. Horizontal barcodes distort on curved surfaces.
