6. Future prospects

The field of organic coatings, like that of metal packaging in general, is likely to evolve as a result of a wide variety of factors, such as :

• can manufacturing technologies: the rise of easy-opening, for example, requires specific properties for coatings, particularly in terms of flexibility. The development of alternative techniques, such as peel-off lids with heat-sealable seals, also calls for specialized coatings;

• coating application processes: for example, plastic film coatings, glued to metal or applied by direct extrusion;

• the search for specific appearances, notably with white coatings increasingly used instead of gold-tone varnishes for can interiors;

• environmental concerns: from this point of view, cans benefit from a favorable...