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Tinplate

Tinplate

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Roab Metals | Stock

What is tinplate?

Tinplate is thin sheet steel that is coated with an extremely thin layer of tin during the manufacturing process.

This metallic coating provides effective protection against corrosion and ensures that the material retains its quality, even with intensive use. Thanks to this combination of protection and reliability, tinplate is widely used in sectors where safety, shelf life and appearance are of essential importance.

At Roba Metals, we supply tinplate in various grades for a wide range of packaging applications. The material is used, among other things, for aerosol cans, beverage cans, crown caps, bottle caps, paint tins and food wrappers. Thanks to its high formability, food safety and 100% recyclability, tinplate perfectly meets the requirements of the packaging industry, the food sector and other applications where sustainability and efficient use of materials are key.

Tinplate at Roba Metals

Roba Metals began trading in tinplate in 2013. Since then, we have become a trusted partner and specialist in the field of tinplate for many of our clients. Our many years of experience in the steel industry help us in this regard. We have been active in steel imports since the 1950s. This carefully built-up global network, supported by our experience in the aluminium, stainless steel and recycling sectors, makes us your Trusted Partner in the field of tinplate too.

Our international trading spirit drives us. We strive to be active all over the world, in both purchasing and sales. For instance, our Purchase Office in Asia can provide the right support in sourcing and logistics. At the same time, our warehouses in various locations across Europe ensure customer-focused logistics handling. Thanks to our excellent contacts with various global steel mills, we can also offer second-grade tinplate. Here too, we benefit from our international steel network and our expertise in metal recycling.

Tinplate market update 2026

The tinplate market is constantly evolving. Producers and buyers in the packaging industry are paying closer attention to availability, price developments, material quality and origin. This is especially relevant for companies that depend on reliable supply for food packaging, aerosols, paint cans, closures and other metal packaging applications.

In 2026, the tinplate market is being influenced by several factors at the same time: stable demand from the packaging industry, higher raw material and production costs, changing import flows and new European legislation around packaging and circularity. Market sources are reporting price movements in Europe driven by production costs, trade measures and continued demand from food packaging and can manufacturing.

For buyers, this means that supply reliability, technical specification knowledge and flexibility are becoming increasingly important. At Roba Metals, we combine international sourcing with strategically located warehouses across Europe, enabling us to support customers quickly and effectively with their demand for tinplate, ETP, TFS and other packaging metals.

Our strength lies in supplying the right material according to the right specifications, supported by personal service and short communication lines.

Tinplate and EU anti-dumping: what does this mean for buyers?

The European tinplate market has received increased attention in recent years due to trade measures relating to imports from China. In May 2025, the European Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on tinplate from China, ranging from 13% to 62%. These measures followed an investigation which found that Chinese imports were being dumped on the European market and were causing injury to EU producers.

For buyers, this may affect total landed cost, supplier selection, lead times and sourcing strategies. It can also increase the importance of reliable documentation, traceability and alternative sourcing channels. In April 2026, the EU regulation relating to these anti-dumping measures was further amended for flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel plated or coated with tin, originating in China.

Roba Metals closely follows these market developments. Thanks to our international network, our own purchasing office in Asia and our European warehouse structure, we can advise customers on availability, specifications and suitable supply solutions.

This allows us to help customers safeguard continuity in their production process, also when market conditions are changing.

ETP vs TFS: what is the difference?

Within packaging metals, ETP and TFS are often mentioned together. However, the materials have different properties and applications. The right choice depends on the production process, the required coating, the application and the way the packaging is formed, lacquered, printed, welded or bonded.

ETP, electrolytic tinplate
ETP is cold-rolled steel coated on both sides with a thin layer of tin. This creates a bright metallic finish, good corrosion resistance, strong barrier properties, excellent printability and good soldering and welding performance. ETP is widely used for food and beverage cans, aerosol cans, paint cans and crown corks.

TFS, tin free steel
TFS is steel coated with chromium and chromium oxide. It has a matt, blue-grey appearance and is known for excellent lacquer adhesion, high resistance to sulphide staining and strong performance at higher temperatures. Because TFS is not electrically weldable, it is mainly used in applications where bonding or lacquering is preferred, such as can ends, lids, shallow-drawn cans and screw caps.

How to choose between ETP and TFS

  • Choose ETP when weldability, corrosion resistance and printability are important.
  • Choose TFS when lacquer adhesion, bonding and performance at higher temperatures are key requirements.

Not sure whether ETP or TFS is the right choice? We will be happy to review your application, production line and specifications with you.

Product range

ETP SR
Thickness

0.14 - 0.50

Width

600 - 980

Length

600 - 1050

Hardness

T1 - T5

Annealing treatment

CA + BA

Coating

E1.1/1.1 - 11.2/11.2

ETP SR
Thickness

0.14 - 0.50

Width

600 - 980

Length

600 - 1050

Hardness

T1 - T5

Annealing treatment

CA + BA

Coating

D2.8/8.4 - 8.4/11.2

ETP DR
Thickness

0.14 - 0.50

Width

600 - 980

Length

600 - 1050

Hardness

T1 - T5

Annealing treatment

CA + BA

Coating

D2.8/8.4 - 8.4/11.2

TFS SR
Thickness

0.14 - 0.50

Width

600 - 980

Length

600 - 1050

Hardness

DR7 - DR9

Annealing treatment

CA + BA

Coating

D2.8/8.4 - 8.4/11.2

TFS SR
Thickness

0.14 - 0.50

Width

600 - 980

Length

600 - 1050

Hardness

DR7 - DR9

Annealing treatment

CA + BA

Coating

E 50/50 - 150/150

TFS DR
Thickness

0.14 - 0.50

Width

600 - 980

Length

600 - 1050

Hardness

DR7 - DR9

Annealing treatment

CA + BA

Coating

E 50/50 - 150/150

TFS DR
Thickness

0.14 - 0.50

Width

600 - 980

Length

600 - 1050

Hardness

DR7 - DR9

Annealing treatment

CA + BA

Coating

D 50/150 - 150/150

Delivery & Certification

We can dispatch your order of ready-to-ship materials from stock within 24 hours throughout the Netherlands and the rest of the Benelux, if required. In addition to standard sheet sizes, we can also supply specific dimensions and delivery formats for sheets, slit strips and coils. We believe that flexibility fosters long-term partnerships. Our account managers always work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Please contact us to enquire about the possibilities.

Roba Metals Tinplate is ISO 9001 certified. In addition, Roba Metals is a member of the following tinplate trade associations:

Brochure Packaging Metals

Interested in finding out more about our range of Packaging Metals? Take a look at our brochure.

View the brochure

Tinplate applications by industry

Tinplate is used in industries where protection, formability, food safety, appearance and recyclability are important. Thanks to its combination of strength, corrosion resistance and good processability, tinplate is a reliable material for a wide range of packaging solutions.

Roba Metals supplies packaging metals for applications including food and beverage packaging, aerosols, industrial paints and chemicals, closures, caps and promotional tins.

Food cans
For food packaging, material reliability is essential. Tinplate helps protect products from external influences and is suitable for packaging solutions where shelf life, safety and processability are key.

Aerosols
Aerosol cans require a material that is strong, formable and reliable in production. Tinplate is widely used for aerosols in household products, personal care and industrial applications.

Paint cans and chemical packaging
Paints, coatings and chemicals require strong barrier properties, dimensional stability and compatibility with coatings. Depending on the application and production process, tinplate and TFS can offer a suitable solution.

Crown corks and caps
Closures and caps require precise specifications, good formability and consistent quality. Both ETP and TFS can play a role, depending on the required processing method and finish.

Promotional and decorative tins
For decorative packaging, appearance is just as important as functionality. Tinplate offers a highly printable surface and is therefore often used for promotional tins and consumer packaging with a premium look and feel.

Frequently asked questions about tinplate

We manage the entire supply chain

You can come to us for steel, aluminium, stainless steel, cradle-to-cradle recycling and non-ferrous metals. Processed, from stock or to order. We manage the entire supply chain: from procurement and processing to refining and remelting in our own smelters. We offer short lead times, personalised and independent advice, and flexible contract terms. We are also happy to work with you on procurement strategies and risk management. Reliable and personalised, just as it should be.

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