Options to Customize Your Canned Beverage Package

The canned beverage industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with expectations to exceed $59.6 billion by 2030. This sets the stage for a dynamic and highly competitive market — and with consumers seeking unique and personalized experiences, the days of one-size-fits-all are over.

The key here is customization, as it not only supports shelf appeal, brand recognition and customer engagement but can also lead to efficiencies and cost savings for both emerging and established canned beverage companies. Let’s dive into the customization possibilities for creating a custom 4- or 6-pack.

The Power of Branding and Custom Design

The most obvious way to customize your beverage is through branding. Your brand is more than just a name and a logo; it's the embodiment of your product's identity. It speaks volumes about your company's values and what you stand for. An effective brand instills trust, conveys quality and creates lasting connections with your audience.

For beverage companies vying for customers’ attention, the importance of eye-catching branding and label design cannot be overstated. It not only distinguishes your product on the shelf but also plays a pivotal role in consumer perception.

When consumers perceive your brand positively, it's more likely to result in loyal customers who will advocate for your product. We’ve devoted a whole blog to this topic. Click through to check it out.

The Aesthetic of Label Substrate Options

The options available for labeling your canned beverages are extensive and allow you to create unique and compelling labels. But you must keep other considerations in mind — from inventory space and costs to application.

Printing Directly on Your Cans

Direct-to-can printing is one option for can branding, especially for high-volume production. This process involves advanced technologies like UV printing, digital printing, or specialty inks designed specifically for metal surfaces.

One of the primary benefits of this approach is the seamless integration of the label with the can, which creates a sleek, modern aesthetic. The direct printing method eliminates the need for separate labels or sleeves and their application. The absence of labels also means there's no risk of peeling or wear and tear during handling.

However, direct-to-can printing is not an option for small and midsized operations as it requires very large minimum order quantities (generally 200,000), longer lead times (often 10+ weeks) and less agility in reacting to consumer demands. Plus, because of the color of the cans, the prints are generally muted and offer less shelf appeal than alternative label substrates.

Shrink Sleeves

Shrink sleeves are another avenue for creating stunning, customized beverage packaging, especially when short runs are needed to tap into seasonal flavors. Essentially, they’re labels that fit snugly around a container, creating a 360-degree canvas for your design.

Their resistance to wear and tear is a major advantage of shrink sleeves, making them excellent options for products exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures. Additionally, craft brewers can find shrink systems designed for production lines that require speeds up to 150 cans per minute.

Shrink sleeves can generally be ordered at a minimum quantity of a few thousand with a 4- to 8-week lead time. With unlimited color options, matte or gloss finishes, plus metallic and neon inks, shrink sleeves can truly make an impression on store shelves.

Labels

Labeling is a popular choice for beverage packaging that offers versatile and visually appealing options. Usually made from paper or film, they’re designed to stick to the can surface.

The primary benefit of labeling is the endless possibilities for substrate/texture, glosses, foils, and finishes that make your label design pop.

This flexibility also extends to the label application process, which can be performed by hand or by various types of automated labeling machines. While these machines present an initial investment, they can significantly expedite application, allowing you to label and stock your shelves with more cans — faster.

Automated can labeling is truly an efficient and a popular choice for enhancing the visual appeal and marketability of your beverages.

Customizing Your Canned Beverage Carrier

When it comes to customizing your canned beverage packaging, the carrier completes the package. It's not just about functionality; It's also a prime opportunity to convey your brand's identity and values. Let's explore material options for a custom 6-pack carrier or 4-pack carrier.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastic Rings

Typically available for 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-packs of standard 211 cans, its versatility is notable: Flexible LDPE rings are a great option for start-ups, budget-conscious brands and even for mass production. That said, these rings don’t offer much in the way of customization. They’re typically clear or a milky white color, creating a uniform look.

This type of carrier is also reliable, but since the plastic is flexible, it’s generally not reusable. However, when sustainability is a concern, Roberts PolyPro’s LDPE Grip-Pak® carriers are 100% biodegradable*!

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic

HDPE carriers are made of strong, sturdy plastic and are generally available for 4- and 6-packs of standard, slim and sleek can sizes. This type of plastic is also more easy to customize, with various color options and the ability to include text or icons on the design.

For example, Roberts PolyPro HDPE Craft-Pak® and Craft-Pak® Versa carriers come in industry standard colors with color matching available. For sustainability-focused brands, both Craft-Pak and Craft-Pak Versa carriers are 100% biodegradable* and use up to 30 and 50% less plastic, respectively, than competitors.

Paper/Paperboard

Both paper can rings and paper holders (boxes) are highly customizable, as they possess a larger canvas for printed designs and text.

Still, this type of carrier tends to be less durable than plastic handles and is susceptible to moisture damage, which puts cans at risk of falling out of their packaging. Additionally, paper-based carriers are usually manufactured with a plastic coating for added strength and moisture protection — but this makes them difficult to recycle.

Plant-Based

Plant-based 4-pack and 6-pack carriers are made from compostable and/or biodegradable plant matter, making them an environmentally friendly option. That said, plant fiber carriers and applicators generally cost more than plastic alternatives, and they’re not as durable or water-resistant.

Depending on the specific materials they’re made from, as well as their design, plant-based can carriers may allow for customization options including color, iconography and more.

Customize Your Packaging Line with Roberts PolyPro Applicators

Customization extends beyond labels and carriers. It encompasses your entire packaging line, including the level of automation. Understanding the different automation options — manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic — is essential for optimizing your packaging process.

Manual

Manual packaging is the most hands-on option and often the starting point for smaller beverage producers. Each step is executed by hand, which may be ideal for limited production runs of 4-pack and 6-pack beverages. Manual packaging also allows for quick adjustments and changes.

Semi-Automatic

Semi-automatic packaging strikes a balance between hands-on and automated processes. It involves machinery that assists with some aspects of the packaging process, such as labeling. This option is perfect for businesses that are growing, where increased efficiency is essential but full automation may not be necessary.

Fully-Automatic

Fully automatic packaging is highly efficient, with machinery handling most or all of the packaging tasks. Typically chosen by customers for large-scale production, full automation offers high-speed, consistent and precise packaging. This level of automation is best suited for beverage manufacturers with high production volumes who seek maximum efficiency and quality control.

Sip, Savor and Stand Out

Customization isn't just a trend; it's a strategic tool that empowers brands to connect with their audience, enhance their products and achieve a competitive edge.

As we've explored the various elements of customized packaging, from labels and carriers to automation options, one thing becomes abundantly clear: Customization can empower your brand to align products with your values — and your customers' desires.

If you need help choosing the right custom 4- or 6-pack carrier for your canned beverage business, reach out to Roberts PolyPro.