Packaging and transporting flammable and hazardous chemicals continues to be a concern in the paint and coatings industry. This is commonly known as transportation of dangerous goods (TDG). When it comes to packaging flammable and hazardous chemicals, metal packing has gained a proven record over other packaging materials by attaining the highest UN (United Nations) ratings compared to cost. This makes metal packaging the preferred packaging product for the industry.
While paint and coatings manufacturers continue to compete to formulate products with the lowest volatile organic compound (VOC) content possible, metal packaging manufacturers are vying for the highest UN-rated steel pails within the metal packaging industry. This is possible thanks to newer manufacturing technologies that allow manufacturers to make steel pails with triple-seam bottoms (seven overlap layers) and double-curled tops, along with better side seam welds. Traditional methods involved double-seam (five overlap layers) bottoms and single-curled tops of the conical steel pails.