Plastic Can Rings: The Packaging Detail Most Breweries Underthink

Ask a brewer why his packaging is effective, and he will mention can design and labeling, perhaps even the box. He rarely mentions the ring that binds the six-pack together. He would be making a grave error in not doing so, for it is one of the few components of his packaging that actually touches the customer.

A plastic ring for beer cans may seem like a simple device. It is anything but. The correct ring will last an entire delivery process without breaking down, will fit the size of the can it is designed for, and will not cause problems in the canning operation that cost money in downtime and in returned product.

Why plastic still wins on the production floor

That’s why plastic ring carriers have been the standard six-pack package for decades now: it is effective. It is inexpensive, quick to apply on the bottling line without reducing the capacity of the process, and durable enough that other materials might lack. 

When it comes to breweries that actually operate at volumes – not small runs of a seasonal product but full cases sent weekly – consistency becomes even more crucial. A package that fails on occasion becomes a problem for customer satisfaction and even brand reputation down the road.

What actually separates a good ring from a mediocre one

The reality is that while these can rings may seem alike when they are lined up on a shelf, a few factors come into play about their effectiveness:

Fit. Each ring carrier is designed specifically for a particular size of can. A ring that is made for a 12-ounce can will not fit snugly on a 16-ounce tallboy, and whether or not there is a good fit is very easy to notice, either through a loose ring that slips off the can or an inappropriately sized ring that jams your applicator machine.

Tensile strength. Tensile strength refers to the difference between a ring that makes it through the delivery process and one that breaks down in the coolers. Unlike the first criterion, tensile strength is not something you can assess by looking. Therefore, it is advisable to ask for specifications from the supplier.

Consistency of manufacture. When the ring carriers in one shipment fit just right but those in another do not, this speaks to inconsistencies in manufacturing and is definitely something that needs to be addressed.

Regulations. All the can rings sold in the United States have to be photodegradable according to

Matching the ring to your actual production setup

The most efficient ring on paper doesn’t necessarily make the most efficient ring for your line. It boils down to several questions:

• How large of a size are you producing — 12 oz, 16 oz, or other?
• What application equipment do you have currently, and will you need new machinery for this ring?
• How large of an order quantity is yours, and does the ring manufacturer fit your release schedule lead times?
• Will you need the same vendor supplying the rings and the machinery to put them onto the cans, or will you manage two vendors?

There is a big difference between a seasonal craft brewery releasing a product only once per year and a production brewery running cans daily through its line. Both approaches are fine; they just require different suppliers.

Where sourcing actually pays off

This is the piece that is never mentioned, but it is in this area that the true differentiation between suppliers comes out, in anything except for the rings.

Mumm Products developed their entire inventory around plastic can rings, drink carriers, and the application machines, instead of simply having rings as an add-on product within the larger distributor’s inventory. As a result, the supplier’s specialization usually means more accurate sizing tolerances of can rings, paperwork that does not need chasing, and orders that keep coming through even during a rush canning season.

For the brewery, it means less equipment downtime due to line jams, no problems with returned products due to damaged rings, and fewer things to think about at a time when you have a certain release date in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can plastic can rings remain the most common choice for six-pack packaging? 

Indeed. They continue to dominate due to their cost-effectiveness, rapid installation on existing canning machinery, and reliable performance during transportation and retail operations.

How do I determine that a ring fits my cans? 

Ring carriers have different diameters corresponding to certain can sizes – whether you plan to package 12 oz or 16 oz tallboy cans, etc. It is always best to consult a supplier on sizing beforehand.

What questions should I ask a potential supplier when switching ring brands? 

Always make sure they comply with required standards, confirm sizing for your cans, provide you with the exact load strength parameters, and give you a realistic delivery time based on your order quantity.

Can plastic can rings operate with all types of canning machinery?

 In the majority of cases, yes, because they are the industry standard, and most application equipment is designed specifically for them. Any other carrier type – from plant-based to adhesive – has a greater probability of additional tooling investments.

What is the major mistake made by breweries when ordering can rings? The ordering of the lowest-cost item without verifying its size tolerances and loading capacity will prove to be a costly experience.

Bottom line

A can ring from plastic may be just a minor and rather cheap component of the overall package design, but it is one of the rare components handled by the consumer himself/herself. Proper specification of this product is essential for ensuring safe operation of the production line, while proper sourcing will ensure a good profit margin. A partner who treats can rings as a speciality tends to be less troublesome later.