Tin
Why tin?
In the 19th century, the Zaanstreek was home to one of the largest tin industries in the Netherlands. Today, only one tin factory is still in operation: Zaanlandia. A family business that began in 1907 with Franciscus Wilhelmus Kriek. Discover the fascinating family history of this remarkable company! It doesn’t get more Zaans than this!
Zaans Tin
Tin is therefore very Zaans. Tins were needed to package the cocoa powders of the cocoa industry, the cookies, chocolate, and the rusks of Verkade.
In the 19th century, there were about 23 tin factories in the Zaanstreek. All tin factories have been closed or have moved abroad because labor in the Netherlands has become too expensive.
At this moment, there is only one tin factory left, and that is tin factory Zaanlandia. They mainly make luxury tins. For many generations, it has been the family business of the Kriek family and, with more than 100 years of history, it has the designation “Hofleverancier”! Nice, right?
Who invented tin?
The history of tin already begins around 300 BC. At that time, tin was exported from Cornwall to Syria. We know that tin-coated vessels existed around 23 AD. In the centuries that followed, this tinning was further improved, but it was the French general Napoleon who gave it a major boost in 1795.
In 1795, Napoleon offered a cash prize of 12,000 francs to anyone who could invent something to keep food preserved for longer. He had a military goal in mind, because his soldiers also needed to be well fed during long campaigns and under difficult conditions. The prize was not awarded until 1809, to the French cook Nicholas François Appert. He had invented a method to package cooked vegetables airtight and bacteria-free in glass jars. That was cleverly thought out, but the invention had a drawback – or should we say a breaking point? The glass jars were not very practical for soldiers on campaign.
Nevertheless, the invention was labeled a military secret by the French. However, it quickly leaked to the British. In 1810, the Englishman Peter Durance – what’s in a name – applied for a patent for a method to package sterilized vegetables in tin cans. Partly because of this, the English won the famous Battle of Waterloo five years later. Their soldiers were fed with rations from tin cans.
By 1860, canned food was in general use. By applying special types of lacquer, corrosion phenomena (rust) could be prevented.
History
By 1860, canned food was in general use. At that time, a hammer was used to beat the tin to the desired thickness. Because this was very time-consuming, rolling machines were invented that could take over this process. They worked faster and more accurately. With mechanical rollers, tin could be produced more cheaply and, because of this low cost price, be applied in many ways.
By applying special types of lacquer, corrosion phenomena (rusting) could be prevented.
How is tin made?
In everyday language, the term “tin” is used to refer to thin packaging material (tin cans) or the exterior of a car. Tin is very thinly rolled sheet steel (less than 1 millimeter). In the past, a hammer was used to beat the tin to the desired thickness. Because this was very time-consuming, rolling machines were invented to take over this process. They work faster and more accurately.
For more information, see the Zaanlandia website.
Strong or formable
You can divide tin packaging into two groups: tin that is produced for strength or for formability. Very strong tin packaging is suitable for food products, while the softer steels are more suitable for formed tins such as the tops and bottoms of spray cans and beverage cans.