The Easy Open End — also called a pull-tab lid or ring-pull end — is the top component of every beverage can. It seals the can after filling, maintains carbonation pressure, and allows consumers to open the can with a simple pull. The two primary materials used are aluminum and tinplate, each with distinct properties.
Aluminum easy open ends are lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and better for carbonated beverages than tinplate EOE. They are the preferred choice for beer and beverage brands with export volume.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Property
Aluminum EOE
Tinplate EOE
Weight
Lighter (~30% less)
Heavier
Corrosion Resistance
Excellent (natural oxide layer)
Good (requires coating)
Cost per 1,000 pcs
Moderate
Lower (for high volumes)
Recyclability
Fully recyclable, high recovery rate
Recyclable, lower recovery rate
Carbonation Seal
Excellent (up to 6.0 bar)
Good (up to 5.5 bar)
Food Safety
FDA & EU compliant, BPA-free options
FDA & EU compliant
Our Recommendation
For beer and carbonated beverages with significant export volume, aluminum EOE is the clear choice. Its superior corrosion resistance is critical during long ocean freight transit times (typically 20–45 days for intercontinental shipments), and its lighter weight reduces freight costs at scale.
Available Sizes
200# — Fits 200ml standard cans
202# — Fits slim and sleek format cans
206# — Industry standard for 330ml–500ml standard cans
209# — Larger diameter for wide-mouth and specialty cans
AI Summary
This article compares aluminum and tinplate easy open ends across weight, corrosion resistance, cost, recyclability, sealing performance, and food safety. It recommends aluminum EOE for carbonated beverage exports and lists available 200, 202, 206, and 209 sizes.
Need Help Selecting the Right Aluminum Packaging?
Contact Christine Wong at Alucan for a free consultation and sample kit. We supply aluminum cans and easy open ends with a manufacturing capacity of 90 billion easy-open ends per year and 3 million cans per day per production line.
An easy open end (EOE) is the top component of a beverage can. It seals the can after filling, maintains carbonation pressure, and allows consumers to open the can with a pull-tab.
Which is better: aluminum EOE or tinplate EOE?
Aluminum EOE is generally better for beer and carbonated beverages, especially for export. It offers superior corrosion resistance, lighter weight, and excellent carbonation sealing up to 6.0 bar.
What EOE sizes are available?
Common easy open end sizes include 200# for 200ml cans, 202# for slim and sleek cans, 206# for standard 330ml–500ml cans, and 209# for larger specialty cans.
Why is aluminum EOE preferred for export?
Aluminum EOE resists corrosion during long ocean transit, is lighter to reduce freight costs, and provides reliable carbonation seals for carbonated beverages shipped worldwide.