Sonoco has unveiled re-sealable metal cans and its microwaveable metal bowls, a ‘highly recyclable’ alternative to plastic trays, at interpack 2026.
The company says its new solutions are in response to tighter regulation, evolving consumer expectations and growing demand for materials already recycled at scale. CapOnCan is Sonoco’s resealable metal can, aiming to meet growing demand for resealable formats. The mono-material design combines a metal body with a hermetically sealed metal cap, seeking to reduce costs, EPR fees and improve supply efficiency while utilizing the durability and recyclability of metal.
Sonoco states the steel can offers a lighter alternative to traditional glass jar and metal closure combinations while improving consumer convenience through easy re-sealing and fridge storage after opening, particularly for applications such as pet food.
The company also introduced its AFNOR-certified microwaveable metal bowls, said to be a highly recyclable alternative to conventional plastic trays aligned with emerging regulatory requirements.
Sonoco highlighted ‘growing momentum’ behind its GreenCan for dry food applications, made with up to 98% paper content using 100% recycled paperboard. The GreenCan was showcased at interpack by customer Your Coffee Taste, which served its custom coffee blends to visitors at Sonoco’s booth.
Another customer Cristal Union joined Sonoco on stage to discuss how packaging decisions are being reshaped by regulation and changing consumer expectations, with its new paper-based packaging for icing sugar under the Daddy brand. Sonoco also displayed its multi-purpose paper membrane at the event, designed to replace traditional plastic sprinklers with a paper-based alternative.
The company states that there is increasing demand for its Orbit metal end technology as retailers encourage brands and fillers to adopt it. Designed to be easy to open, Orbit is said to reduce the force needed to open glass gars by 50%, aiming to improve accessibility for consumers. Sonoco showcased newly converted products featuring the technology such as Olispania’s olive jars.
Last month The Noirmoutier Sea Salt Cooperative adopted Sonoco’s paper-based GreenCan for its Agri-Éthique labelled sea salt range, intending to embrace paperization and reduce its plastic consumption while protecting its product against humidity. The can combines renewable and recycled fibres and is said to offer functional barrier protection and preserve freshness.
In other news, Henkel has worked with Pirlo and Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein to use tinplate cans made with CO2-reduced steel for contact adhesive products – a move set to reduce emissions by 62% compared to conventional tin cans. The cans are made from Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein’s Bluemint steel, manufactured using specially processed steel scrap in a blast furnace in a partial substitution of CO2-intensive raw materials.
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