The design of a can affects its usefulness in several significant ways:

  1. Hermeticity: The ability of a container to be absolutely airtight is crucial, as it protects the contents from external agents and ensures its integrity, maintaining the properties of the preserved food.
  2. Resistance to corrosion and mechanical damage: Cans should resist corrosion and possible mechanical damage to maintain product safety conditions during storage and distribution.
  3. Ease of opening: The efficiency of the opening system is vital. If a can is difficult to open, it may be classified as inferior and affect consumer perception.
  4. Physical appearance: In flat, rectangular or oval cans, the physical appearance of the contents is more relevant and may justify a higher price due to the extra effort in the arrangement of the product, such as sardines.
  5. Adaptability to mechanical filling: Cylindrical cans are more suitable for mechanical filling and may be preferable for products where appearance is not as critical.
  6. Label design and presentation: Graphic design and packaging presentation are critical for point-of-sale appeal and for conveying essential product information.
  7. Chemical integrity: The aim is to minimize the interaction between the package and the food in order to preserve characteristics such as color, aroma and flavor.
  8. Versatility: The ability to create different shapes and sizes of cans allows adapting the package to different needs and types of food.
  9. Prevention of corrosion during storage: External corrosion, which can be accelerated by unsuitable conditions such as humidity and sudden temperature changes, should be avoided.
  10. Protection against light: The opacity of metal containers prevents light from affecting the qualities of the product, especially vitamins.

These factors are essential to ensure quality, food safety and consumer satisfaction.