Food-grade varnish
Direct food contact safe options for tins used with tea, cookies, coffee, candy, and dry food.
Material science
The foundation of
premium packaging.
From standard SPTE tinplate to rust-proof Aluminum 1070, and tactile finishes from spot UV to 3D embossing, we help match the substrate and surface to your product, shelf goal, and budget.
01 / Base substrates
Choosing the right metal core.
The base metal affects strength, weight, corrosion resistance, forming behavior, and how inks sit on the surface. We source and specify materials around the product category and target market.
Most popular Standard tinplate (SPTE)
Low-carbon steel sheet coated with tin on both sides. It offers excellent ductility, non-toxicity, printability, and cost control for high-volume packaging.
- Best for food, tea, coffee, cookies, candy, and standard gift tins.
- Common thickness range from 0.20 mm to 0.35 mm.
- Reliable forming performance for classic multi-piece tin structures.
Frosted / sandblasted iron
Tinplate processed with a granular matte surface in fine, medium, or coarse textures. It gives the metal a premium tactile feel before printing or coating.
- Best for luxury cosmetics, premium tobacco, candles, and minimalist designs.
- Strong scratch-resistant appearance for exposed metal looks.
- Works well with transparent varnish or restrained print coverage.
100% rust-proof Aluminum 1070
Lighter than steel and immune to rust. Aluminum is highly malleable, which makes it suitable for seamless two-piece and deep-drawn container programs.
- Best for water-based cosmetics, balms, creams, candles, and light tins.
- Lower weight can help reduce freight pressure on selected programs.
- Can support anodized looks or litho-printed brand graphics.
02 / Coatings & varnishes
Tactile expression through chemistry.
After CMYK or Pantone inks are printed on flat sheets, varnishes determine how light interacts with the packaging and how the tin feels in a customer's hand.
Gloss varnish
A shiny, reflective finish that makes colors appear vibrant and gives retail tins a clean traditional surface.
Reflective & vibrant
Matte varnish
A non-reflective smooth finish that reduces glare for a quieter, more modern packaging feel.
Smooth & elegant
Soft touch
An ultra-matte coating with a velvety hand feel, often selected for premium cosmetics and electronics.
Velvet tactile feel
Spot UV coating
High-gloss UV applied only to selected artwork areas, such as a logo, over a matte background for contrast.
LOGO
03 / Structural enhancements
Beyond print: shaping the metal.
Because tooling and forming decisions are connected early, the tin can carry functional and aesthetic details that paper packaging cannot achieve.
3D embossing & debossing
Designs, logos, or text are pressed into the metal surface to create a sculpted detail that catches light and touch.
Window patching
A die-cut opening can be added to the lid, then fitted with clear PET or PVC film for retail display.
Complex hinges & closures
Slip lids, plug lids, snap locks, wire hinges, and concealed closures can be engineered around use case and shelf-life needs.
Material consultation
Not sure which material fits your product?
Share product weight, filling method, acidity or moisture concerns, target market, and budget range. Our packaging engineers can suggest a practical substrate and finish route.
Free feasibility check Material sample kits Substrate and finish recommendations Request a custom quote