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Why not all cans have pull tabs?
As you wander the aisles of the grocery store, you may have noticed that some canned goods have convenient pull tabs for easy opening, while others require the use of a can opener. Have you ever wondered why not all canned goods have pull-tabs? Let’s explore the reasons behind this interesting phenomenon.
The Cost Factor
It may come as no surprise that the primary factor influencing the presence of pull tabs on canned goods is money. Pull-tab cans are more expensive to produce than their traditional counterparts. This additional cost is due to the use of extra aluminum and additional manufacturing steps required to incorporate pull tabs into the can design.
The invention of pull tabs came much later than the can opener itself. While the can opener was invented in 1858, it took nearly a hundred years for the pull tab to appear. In 1963, Ermal Fraze, a resident of Dayton, Ohio, invented and patented the pull tab after an unfortunate incident at a family picnic. Frustrated by forgetting his can opener, he resorted to opening his beer can on the bumper, causing it to explode. Motivated by this experience, Fraze developed the pull-tab or “pop-top” can end.
Despite the convenience and ease of access that pull tabs offer, not every canner has embraced their use because of the added cost. While branded and higher-end canned goods often feature pull tabs, smaller brands and store brands tend to opt for cost-cutting measures to offer a more affordable product.
A simpler but more expensive can design
One might think that Fraze’s invention would have made can openers obsolete, but manufacturers realized that sealed cans with traditional lids were easier and cheaper to produce. The manufacturing process for pull-tab cans requires additional aluminum and additional manufacturing steps, adding to the overall cost of production. These additional costs are then passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices at the supermarket.
In developing countries, where manufacturing costs are a significant consideration, sealed cans without pull-tabs are more common. These cans are more durable and better suited for transportation in precarious conditions. The cost savings are especially important for smaller brands and companies that want to offer affordable canned goods to their customers.
The impact on the food industry
Although not found on every canned good these days, pull tabs have had a significant impact on the food industry. One place where pull tabs are ubiquitous is on aluminum beer and soda cans. This widespread use is due in part to the recognition by manufacturer Alcoa and breweries of the accessibility and convenience that pull tabs provide.
While pull tabs may not be universally adopted across all canned goods, their invention has undeniably revolutionized the way we access certain food and beverage products. The convenience of quickly and easily opening a can without the need for a can opener has made pull tabs a popular choice for many consumers.
In summary, the presence or absence of pull tabs on canned goods is primarily driven by cost considerations. While pull tabs offer convenience, they come at an additional cost in terms of production and materials. Branded and higher-end canned goods are more likely to feature pull tabs, while smaller brands and store brands often opt for cost-cutting measures. Nevertheless, the impact of pull tabs on the food industry is undeniable, particularly in the aluminum beverage can sector.
FAQS
Why do some cans have pull tabs while others require a can opener?
The presence or absence of pull tabs on canned goods is primarily determined by cost considerations. Cans with pull tabs are more expensive to produce, so not all manufacturers choose to include them in their products.
Are pull tabs a new invention?
No, pull tabs have been around for decades. They were invented in 1963 by Ermal Fraze of Dayton, Ohio. However, pull tabs came almost a hundred years after the invention of the can opener.
Why are pull tabs more often found on branded and higher-end canned goods?
Pull tabs require additional aluminum and manufacturing steps, making them more expensive to produce. As a result, branded and premium canned goods that can afford the additional cost often include pull tabs as a convenience for their customers.
Will pull tabs make can openers obsolete?
While pull tabs offer convenience, they have not eliminated the need for can openers. Traditional sealed cans without pull tabs are still easier and less expensive to produce, making them a viable option for many canners.
Do all countries use pull tabs on canned goods?
No, the use of pull tabs on canned goods varies from country to country. Sealed cans without pull tabs are more common in developing countries where manufacturing costs and transportation conditions are more important.
Why are pull tabs common on aluminum beer and soda cans?
Pull tabs are widely used on aluminum beer and soda cans because the manufacturer, Alcoa, and brewers recognize the accessibility and convenience they provide. This has made pull tabs a popular choice for these types of beverage cans.