Austin, Texas-based American Canning is manufacturing aTULC beverage cans within the US. Unlike traditional sprayed-on BPANI and epoxy applications, aTULC uses pre-coated aluminium sheet with a more robust liner to protect against can corrosivity, while being produced in a completely waterless plant.  

Developed by Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), aTULC (aluminium Toyo Ultimate Can) manufacturing aims to broaden the spectrum of beverage compatibility within can packaging while simultaneously advancing sustainability measures on an already, infinitely recyclable product.

Satoshi Nishino, executive officer and head of customer solutions at Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, remarked: “The feature of aTULC is that it is possible to install a can manufacturing line in one-third the footprint of conventional facilities without water or the need for infrastructure to support wastewater treatment.

“As a result, smaller lots of local product for local consumption can be supplied – two cornerstones of craft.”

By using pre-coated aluminium sheet, aTULC manufacturing eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and lubricants which are normally required to form raw aluminium into the shape of a can body. It also guarantees 100% consistency in liner application and a thicker layer of protection against can corrosivity, ultimately extending product shelf-life and reducing flavour absorption.  

David Racino, co-founder and CEO of American Canning, attributes the need for aTULC to innovations within the craft beverage industry.

“US craft is experiencing strong growth in many categories that have traditionally struggled with compatibility in aluminium cans. Think wine, cider, and ready-to-drink cocktails,” Racino said.

“Our business has always been centred on enabling brands to make their way into cans. The introduction of aTULC as a third liner option will allow craft producers to completely re-imagine the types of products that can be packaged in cans.”  

“Having won beverage ‘Can of the Year’ in 2019, aTULC’s technology is proven to more than double product shelf-life in hard-to-hold categories,” said Racino.

“We’re excited to bring this technology to the states with a plant solely dedicated to craft.”

American Canning is currently producing 12-ounce standard aluminium beverage cans at their aTULC facility, with 16- ounce standard cans to be added in the spring.

Cans are available to order custom (printed), with shrink-sleeve labels, or as stock inventory (silver, black matte, and glossy white). Orders are currently being accepted nationwide in all beverage categories.

Minimum order quantities vary from one half-pallet to one truckload depending on decoration type.