The tin can is so commonplace today that it’s easy to forget its revolutionary impact.
Found in kitchens, storerooms and supermarkets around the world, the can has played a quiet yet vital role in modern food preservation, safety and global trade.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Its development is a story of innovation driven by necessity, spanning wartime urgency, industrial breakthroughs, and evolving consumer needs.
Origins in war and invention
The can’s story begins in the early 19th century, during a time when armies marched on more than just courage—they required durable, portable food.
Napoleon Bonaparte, seeking a method to feed his troops during extended military campaigns, offered a substantial reward in 1795 for anyone who could devise a reliable food preservation method.
It was Nicolas Appert, a French confectioner and brewer, who responded to the challenge.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataAppert’s approach involved sealing food in glass jars and heating them to kill bacteria, a technique that predated Louis Pasteur’s germ theory by decades. His method, though groundbreaking, was limited by the fragility of glass. However, it set the stage for further innovation.
In 1810, British merchant Peter Durand received a patent from King George III for a new method of food preservation using tin-plated iron containers.
This marked the official birth of the tin can. Durand’s can was stronger and more suitable for long journeys, especially at sea. By 1813, Bryan Donkin and John Hall had opened the first commercial canning factory in London, supplying canned meat to the British navy.
Early cans were thick and required hammer and chisel to open, but their utility was undeniable.
Industrial evolution and mass production
The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed rapid advancement in canning technology. As industrialisation took hold, manufacturing processes became more efficient, and the design of cans improved considerably.
One major breakthrough came in 1846 with the invention of a machine to cut tinplate, which significantly reduced production time. The advent of the rotary can-making machine in the 1890s allowed for faster and more uniform production, making canned goods more affordable and widely available.
The next big leap came with the invention of the can opener. While early cans required brute strength to access, the first dedicated can opener was patented in 1858 by Ezra Warner in the United States.
Later designs improved usability and safety, making canned food more appealing to households rather than just military or maritime use.
By the early 20th century, canned food had found its way into civilian homes across Europe and North America.
Cans offered an unmatched convenience: food that was shelf-stable, transportable, and available year-round. During both World Wars, the can played a pivotal role in supplying troops with nutritious meals under harsh conditions.
Modern cans and sustainability
Today’s food can is the result of more than two centuries of refinement. Modern cans are typically made from aluminium or steel, with an ultra-thin lining to protect food from direct contact with metal.
Advances in canning have made the process faster and more sustainable, with many cans now being 100% recyclable.
The widespread adoption of the easy-open “pop-top” lid in the mid-20th century added yet another layer of convenience. These innovations have kept the can relevant in a market increasingly focused on sustainability, efficiency, and shelf life.
Environmental concerns have sparked renewed interest in the can as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Steel and aluminium cans boast some of the highest recycling rates among packaging materials.
Unlike plastic, which degrades in quality during recycling, metal can be reused indefinitely without loss of integrity. This has made cans increasingly attractive to environmentally conscious consumers and companies alike.
Beyond food, cans are now used to store everything from beverages to paint, showcasing their versatility. Canned drinks, in particular, have surged in popularity, thanks in part to the craft beer movement and the rising demand for portable, recyclable containers.
Enduring appeal in a changing world
Despite the rise of alternative packaging and fresh food logistics, the tin can remains a staple of global food systems. Its enduring popularity lies in its core strengths: long shelf life, robustness, and simplicity.
Cans are ideal for crisis situations, emergency kits, and remote locations where refrigeration isn’t feasible.
Canned food has also evolved in quality and perception. No longer viewed solely as a budget-friendly option, premium canned goods now offer gourmet flavours, organic ingredients, and artisanal recipes.
From sustainably sourced tuna to heritage tomato varieties, the can has found new life among discerning consumers.
Moreover, the global reach of canned products has helped stabilise food supply chains, reduce food waste, and offer affordable nutrition to millions. Especially in developing regions, canned foods provide accessible, safe and nutritious options.
In essence, the history of the can is a testament to human ingenuity. What began as a solution for feeding soldiers has become a global standard for preserving food, promoting sustainability and delivering convenience.
As technology and consumer habits continue to evolve, the humble can remains a symbol of practical innovation that has stood the test of time.
