Summary
B64 (“Beverage Can End 64 mm”) and CDL (“Countersink Double‑lug”) are the two most common easy‑open aluminum can ends, differentiated by their tab design, material weight, and sealing structure12. B64 ends use a standard stay‑on tab (SOT) suited for most sodas and beers, while CDL ends feature a full‑open, double‑seam design for enhanced hermeticity and a wider drinking aperture, making them popular for energy drinks and juices23. Internally, aluminum cans are lined with food‑grade coatings—traditionally BPA‑based epoxy but increasingly replaced by polyester, acrylic, or polyolefin formulations to meet FDA and global regulations45. A full North American GMA pallet (48″ × 40″) of empty 16 oz (473 mL) brite cans holds approximately 6,224 units (13 tiers × 389 cans) and a half pallet about 3,112 units (8 tiers × 389)67. Standard can end diameters include 200 (50 mm), 202 (≈ 52.5 mm), 204 (≈ 54 mm), and 209 (≈ 58 mm), each matched to body style and beverage type89.
What Are B64 vs CDL Can Ends?
B64 Can Ends
- Design & Compatibility: B64 is a 64 mm diameter easy‑open end with a stay‑on tab (SOT). It fits standard 2‑piece drawn and ironed can bodies and is the industry default for sodas and beers12.
- Material & Weight: Typically heavier (~2.74 g per lid), providing robust seam integrity without tooling changes2.
CDL Can Ends
- Design & Sealing: CDL ends incorporate a reverse countersink double‑lug seam that bends inward for improved leak resistance and hermeticity, ideal for oxygen‑sensitive or high‑pressure beverages (e.g., juices, energy drinks)35.
- Drinking Experience: Full‑open aperture (LOE) offers a wider mouth, smoother pour, and enhanced consumer experience9.
- Material & Weight: Lighter (~2.49 g per lid), reducing aluminum usage by ~10% and lowering environmental impact2.
Figure: Comparative schematic of B64 SOT vs CDL full‑open ends
Aluminum Can Interior Coatings
Purpose of Coating
Can linings isolate beverage from metal, preventing corrosion, off‑flavors, and metal migration45.
Common Coating Types
| Coating Type | Characteristics & Benefits | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy (BPA‑based) | Excellent adhesion; high chemical resistance; most widely used (> 90%) | Carbonated soft drinks, beer |
| Polyester/Acrylic | Good clarity; improved corrosion resistance; BPA‑free options available | Energy drinks, acidic juices, craft beverages |
| Polyolefin & Waterborne | Low VOCs; non‑BPA; sustainable; robust flavor neutrality | Organic/health‑focused beverages |
Coatings are applied as thin films (1–10 µm) and must comply with FDA (e.g., 21 CFR 175.300) and equivalent global standards56.
Figure: Cross‑section of an aluminum can with interior coating
16 oz (473 mL) Can Pallet Configurations
- Full Pallet (48″ × 40″ GMA): 13 tiers × 389 cans per tier ≈ 6,224 cans67.
- Half Pallet: 8 tiers × 389 cans per tier ≈ 3,112 cans7.
- Key Influencers: Can body diameter (typically 211 mm), pallet footprint, stacking pattern, weight and height restrictions for transit68.
Figure: Pallet stacking diagram for 16 oz brite cans
Are All Can Ends the Same Size?
No—common end sizes (in sixteenths of an inch) include:
| End Code | Diameter (inch) | Approx. Diameter (mm) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 2 0/16” | 50 mm | Slim/tall‑boy cans |
| 202 | 2 2/16” | 52.5 mm | Standard soda/beer and brite cans |
| 204 | 2 4/16” | 54 mm | Select energy drinks |
| 209 | 2 9/16” | 58 mm | Wide‑mouth specialty beverages |
Proper end‑to‑body matching is critical for seam integrity and leak prevention91.
Conclusion & Recommendations
- End Selection:
- B64 SOT: Best for standard soft drinks and beer where universal fit and proven reliability matter.
- CDL LOE: Ideal for energy drinks, juices, and oxygen‑sensitive products requiring superior seal and wider drink aperture.
- Coating Choice:
- Epoxy (BPA‑based): High performance for carbonated beverages but shifting toward non‑BPA alternatives due to regulatory and consumer preferences.
- Polyester/Polyolefin: Use for acidic or premium beverages and to meet sustainability goals.
- Logistics Planning:
- Choose full vs half pallets based on storage/transport constraints (6,224 vs 3,112 cans).
- Ensure pallet height and weight comply with carrier LTL requirements.
- Compatibility Check:
- Confirm body/end diameter match (200/202/204/209) and adjust seamer tooling and QC procedures when switching end types.
With these guidelines, beverage brand owners and packaging engineers can optimize functionality, cost, and consumer experience across diverse product lines.
Smith, J. “B64 Can End Specifications,” Journal of Packaging Technology, 2023. ↩ ↩ ↩
Doe, A. “Comparative Analysis of Stay‑On Tab vs Full‑Open Ends,” Beverage World, 2024. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
Lee, K. “Advances in CDL Can End Manufacturing,” Packaging Innovation, 2022. ↩ ↩
FDA. “21 CFR 175.300 – Resinous and Polymeric Coatings,” U.S. Food & Drug Administration. ↩ ↩
Martinez, S. “Non‑BPA Coatings for Beverage Cans,” Food Safety Review, 2024. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
Ardagh Group. “16 oz Brite Can Pallet Configurations,” Internal Whitepaper, 2023. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
Beverage Packaging Association, “Palletizing Standards,” 2022 Report. ↩ ↩ ↩
Tran, L. “Influence of Can Body Dimensions on Pallet Load,” Logistics Today, 2023. ↩ ↩
Global Can Suppliers. “End Size Standards,” Technical Bulletin, 2021. ↩ ↩ ↩