In canned seafood packaging, the 311# club can has become a widely used format for sardine products. While different sizes are available in the market, this specific format is frequently selected due to practical and technical considerations rather than tradition alone.
Below are several reasons why 311# club cans are commonly used for sardines.
Shape fits the natural form of sardines
The elongated “club” shape is suitable for arranging whole sardines in parallel alignment.
This helps maintain product appearance and reduces breakage during filling and sterilization.
A well-matched can shape contributes to more stable presentation after processing.
Balanced product-to-sauce ratio
Sardines are often packed in oil, tomato sauce, or brine.
The dimensions of the 311# club can allow for an appropriate balance between solid content and filling medium, helping maintain consistent net weight and visual proportion.
Suitable for retort sterilization
Canned sardines typically undergo high-temperature sterilization.
The relatively shallow height of the club can supports efficient heat penetration during retort processing, contributing to product safety and quality stability.
Efficient for storage and transportation
The compact rectangular profile allows for efficient carton packing and pallet stacking.
For export-oriented seafood products, this helps optimize container loading and warehouse utilization.
Market familiarity
In many regions, consumers are accustomed to sardines being sold in club-shaped cans.
Maintaining familiar packaging formats can support product positioning in retail environments.
These observations are based on practical experience in seafood packaging applications involving 311# club tin cans.
At SIKUN IMPORT AND EXPORT (ZHANGZHOU) CO., LTD., we are involved in supplying metal packaging solutions for canned fish and other food products. In many cases, selecting the appropriate can format at the beginning helps reduce adjustment during production and supports stable packing results.
Post time: Feb-27-2026