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One of the most frequent questions we receive from beverage and food brands is: "How long will my product stay fresh in a PET can?"
While PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a revolutionary packaging material that combines the clarity of glass with the durability of plastic, it behaves differently than traditional aluminum or glass. Understanding these differences is key to planning your inventory and distribution.
For most beverages and liquid products, the standard shelf life in a PET can is typically 3 to 6 months.
Why is this shorter than the 12+ months often seen with aluminum cans? It comes down to gas permeability. Unlike metal or glass, which are hermetic (completely airtight), all plastics are microscopic barriers. Over time, CO2 (carbonation) can slowly escape, and Oxygen (O2) can slowly enter.
However, "3 to 6 months" is not a fixed number. Several factors can extend or shorten this window:
For carbonated soft drinks or beer, the primary concern is the loss of fizz. Higher initial carbonation levels can help maintain the drinking experience longer. Once carbonation drops by about 15-20%, the drink may taste "flat," even if it is still safe to consume.
Heat is the enemy of shelf life. Molecular movement increases with temperature, speeding up gas exchange.
1 Keep it Cool: We strongly recommend a "Cold Chain" distribution strategy for premium beverages.
2 Proper Sealing: Ensure your seaming machine is calibrated correctly. A poor seal affects shelf life far more than the plastic material itself.
3 Nitrogen Dosing: For non-carbonated drinks (like juices or coffee), using liquid nitrogen dosing can create positive pressure and push oxygen out, preserving flavor longer.
