Views: 3565 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-04-08 Origin: Site
The London-based startup Delta H Innovations has introduced "Cool Can," a self-cooling aluminum can technology. By pressing a button on the base, an internal water-salt reaction cools the beverage to 6-7°C within 10 minutes and maintains this temperature for up to 45 minutes. The can features a double-layered aluminum wall design: the lower layer stores water, while the middle layer contains proprietary salts. When activated, the reaction absorbs heat to chill the drink, with a snowflake indicator turning blue to signal cooling completion.
Journalist tests confirmed the can’s surface felt cold and condensed, validating its cooling effect. Though capacity is 70% of a standard 500ml can, founder James Vyse emphasizes advantages like eliminating refrigeration costs and full recyclability. The company is now in talks with brands like Coca-Cola and Red Bull for pilot launches.
· Double-Layered Aluminum Wall Integration
Self-cooling cans require precision in sealing and layering technology, pushing traditional single-layer can production lines to evolve. This innovation demands higher structural stability and material compatibility.
· Balancing Lightweighting and Functionality
While standard cans have reduced aluminum use (e.g., 330ml cans now weigh 13g vs. 80g historically), self-cooling cans’ double-layer design may increase material needs. Innovations like Toyo Seikan’s CBR technology (13% weight reduction) could optimize this trade-off.
· Recyclability Verification
Aluminum’s high recycling rate (over 80% in North America) remains a strength, but self-cooling layers (water/salts) must align with existing recycling processes to avoid contaminating recycled aluminum.
· Low-Carbon Material Innovations
Combining aluminum foil encapsulation for cooling stability with lightweight designs (saving 200,000 tons of aluminum annually per 1g reduction per can) could further cut carbon footprints.
· Differentiation Strategy
Self-cooling functionality positions aluminum cans as "smart containers," enabling premium branding (e.g., Red Bull and Coca-Cola collaborations) and differentiation from standard cans.
· Non-Refrigeration Scenarios
Ideal for outdoor, sports, or emergency use, self-cooling cans leverage aluminum’s portability (dominant in 80% of North American RTD beverages) to compete with PET bottles in non-cold-chain markets.
· Cost vs. Scalability
Double-layer structures may raise per-can costs by 20-30%, requiring scaled production (e.g., Toyo Seikan’s 190ml lightweight can output) to balance functionality and affordability.
· Safety and Standardization
Unified safety standards are needed for cooling agents (e.g., antimony catalyst risks) to prevent chemical migration. Lessons from PET bottle reuse hazards can guide risk mitigation.
Self-cooling technology is transforming aluminum cans from passive containers to active functional carriers. However, large-scale adoption hinges on cross-industry collaboration to resolve structural innovation, recycling compatibility, and cost control. This breakthrough could drive the metal packaging industry’s next growth phase.
For all Aluminum Can Manufacturers: Staying ahead requires continuous innovation aligned with evolving consumer demands. Embracing advancements like self-cooling technology ensures long-term relevance in the dynamic metal packaging sector.