Non-Tin Cans

To replace the 1.6% of a tin can which is really war-precious tin, two new substitutes have recently been developed. Both are nonmetallic, both are practical, but neither is yet in commercial production. When they are, these organic materials (and others like them) may well replace the thin tin film on cans even after the wartime need for substitutes has passed.

> From milk. Chemist Paul D. Watson of the Department of Agriculture has developed a lacquer excellently suited to cans of evaporated and condensed milk (largest canned food) and for large milk-shipping cans. It is made of lactic acid (from fermented whey) plus small amounts of vegetable oil.

> From petroleum gases, Shell Chemical Co. has synthesized an organic material (diallyl-phthalate) which forms a transparent protective film on metal, can also be prepared as a thicker enamel. It resists heat up to 500DEG F., hence meets the canner's long-felt need for an organic coating that will survive cooking temperatures.

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