What Certifications Should an Aluminum Can Supplier Have?

1. Food Safety & Hygiene Certifications

Because aluminum cans are primary food-contact packaging, suppliers must maintain strict cleanroom and hygiene environments to prevent chemical or biological contamination. Evaluating an aluminum beverage can manufacturer starts with verifying their food safety credentials.

• FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 (Food Safety System Certification): Benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), this is the global gold standard for food packaging manufacturers. It verifies that the supplier operates rigorous Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) controls, allergen management, and sanitation protocols.
• BRCGS for Packaging Materials: A widely required GFSI-recognized standard—especially across North America and Europe—focusing on operational hygiene, product safety, and risk management in packaging manufacturing.

2. Chemical Compliance & Material Safety

Internal coatings (such as Epoxy-Phenolic or BPA-NI / BPA-Non-Intent) must prevent electrochemical reaction between acidic beverages and raw aluminum without leaching chemicals into the drink.

• FDA Compliance (US Market): For exports entering the United States, internal coatings and raw materials must comply with US FDA regulations under 21 CFR (Food Contact Substances).
• EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004: The framework standard establishing that packaging materials sold in the European Union must be inert and not alter the taste, aroma, or composition of the beverage.
• SGS / Intertek Migration Reports: Independent third-party laboratory reports proving that heavy metals, Bisphenol A (BPA), and Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) fall strictly within permissible chemical migration limits.

3. Quality & Manufacturing System Standards

Consistent dimensional tolerances are critical. Minor micro-deviations in flange width or countersink depth can cause seamer jams or micro-leakage on high-speed filling lines (1,000+ cans/minute) using 202 SOT lids or B64 ends.

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management System): Ensures the factory utilizes standardized quality control processes, traceable raw material batching, and automated optical inspection systems to catch defective cans before shipment.

4. Environmental & Sustainability Compliance

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, making environmental compliance a key metric for beverage brands focused on ESG targets across their Standard Can and Sleek Can supply chains.

• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System): Demonstrates that the factory actively manages resource consumption, waste handling, and carbon emissions during the manufacturing process.
• ASI (Aluminum Stewardship Initiative) Certification: The premier industry standard validating responsible, sustainable sourcing and stewardship of aluminum across the entire value chain—from smelting to finished cans.

5. Quick Reference Summary for Procurement Managers

Frequently Asked Questions