Metal containers?

[DaveB]

We are trying to move away from using plastic containers and have been experimenting with different options. One option I'm considering is using metal containers. I used them many years ago but moved away from them. One of the reasons was that they were said to leave a metallic taste. I never really noticed that but I know most folks moved away from using metal containers but in the past 10 years or so I've seen several sizes available again in metal containers. Do any producers pack in metal containers? What's your experience and what containers are you using?

[wiam]

My experience metal will rust if stored very long on outside of container. Does not look good. And the metal seals were a pain to take out without spilling. And most could not pour out of when full without running down the side.

[Stanbridge]

Here in Quebec nobody uses plastic jugs. Most retail syrup is sold in 540ml cans, like tomato cans. The maple logo is printed on. It will keep forever with no taste whatsoever. We crimp the lids on with a hand-crank 200$ canning machine, never had a leak.

I would worry about pouring boiling syrup in plastic, and then storing it for a long time. Plastic is petroleum, but metal is inert.

[DaveB]

My experience metal will rust if stored very long on outside of container. Does not look good. And the metal seals were a pain to take out without spilling. And most could not pour out of when full without running down the side.

I do remember that. I thought that the newer ones didn't rust like that? It looks like there are two companies - one from Vermont and another from Canada producing metal containers.

Dominion & Grimm - https://www.bascommaple.com/item/cdgq/tins/

New England Container - https://www.bascommaple.com/item/ceqas/tins/

I seem to recall that the D&G ones did not rust or at least that's what I was told. Do the New England Container ones still do that?

Here in Quebec nobody uses plastic jugs. Most retail syrup is sold in 540ml cans, like tomato cans. The maple logo is printed on. It will keep forever with no taste whatsoever. We crimp the lids on with a hand-crank 200$ canning machine, never had a leak.

I would worry about pouring boiling syrup in plastic, and then storing it for a long time. Plastic is petroleum, but metal is inert.

Yeah, I'm familiar with those cans. I'd prefer a recyclable container other than plastic that's for sure.

[Sunday Rock Maple]

We sell a lot of the D&G metal in quart, pint and half pint sizes. They're more attractive than the plastic and give the customer another choice besides glass. Never had an issue that I'm aware of with quality. All of our half gallons and gallons are plastic still.

[maple flats]

I used New England metal containers just 1 year, and only on 2 smaller sizes in a sugar house design. That was back about 2005 or 06. I never tried again. It is very possible the issue was fixed.

[MapleMark753]

We tried the NuCan containers some last year, they worked good, people liked that a different style than jugs was available. Their English site states a lot of their advantages, which we also liked. Rather than me saying what they say, just google nucan maple syrup containers.
I didn't like so much: If not handled relatively gently when empty, an inexperienced filler person can dent them before they're filled.
They get hot fast when filling, I used gloves eventually.
The cap really does only require a quarter turn when sealing, more can make a seal difficult.
The label has ML listed first then OZ below, which might be a problem for NY state bottling unless the ML is covered up.

These are the only metal containers we tried so far in recent times. Bascom has them and ships them.

[fisheatingbagel]

I stopped using metal containers when my customers complained about how messy they are. Syrup always runs down the side of the container after pouring. They look nice otherwise ;-)

[Bruce L]

I see New England Container Company is manufacturing cans again,just wish someone here in Canada would carry them. It would be nice to have the option of cans for shipping,worry about glass every time we package to send syrup off. We don’t pack anything in plastic,all glass except for 1 litre and down is also metal containers.

[DaveB]

I've ordered an assortment of metal containers to give them a try and I'll report back on my experience. I haven't used them in about 20 years but I really like the idea of something that is recyclable and won't contribute to microplastics. I think every solution has it's pluses and minuses so we'll see.