Tinplate or "Tin" a word used commercially, is steel sheet coated with metallic tin. Metallic Tin comes primarily from Malaysia; the only country to have significant resources of the metal. This metal HAS TO BE IMPORTED. Tin having low melting charecteristics; the process essentially involves dipping sheet steel in molten tin and maintaining a minimum 'coat' thickness.

Thus Tinplate as such is pretty old packaging material and was probably produced from Jamshedji Tata's time. It has been one of the most enduring packaging materials but considered too expensive by todays packaging materials. To recall all our packaging was done in 'tins' from Dalda, kerosene, edible oil,chocolates,biscuits, pickles and even cigarettes. Oldies will recall those rectangular tins with hinged lids or sealed ones - very standard even today. I also recall the "Kalaywala" who used to come home to 'Tin' all non-ferrous vessels when we were small - very fascinating.

But I do not see this business growing in anyway. The cost ensures that newer materials slowly take over. It will always have a niche corner but no significant growth.

Edited by stocktin - 08/Apr/2008 at 10:16pm