19 January is National Tin Can Day, a day recognising and celebrating one of the greatest inventions in history – the humble tin can.
This tin-coated steel or aluminum invention revolutionised the storage of perishable foods. Tin cans are part of virtually everyone’s lives, and have forever changed the way we store food, by allowing for safe, long-term storage of a variety of different foods.
The tin can was invented in the early 1800s and several people have claimed to be the inventor and/ or holder of the first patent. The first tin cans were produced in England but Philippe Henri de Girard of France was credited with being the first creator.
French inventor, Nicholas Appertin came up with the canning concept in 1809 and in 1810 Peter Durand of England patented the design. On 19 January 1825, Ezra Daggett and Thomas Kensett received the US tin can patent, and the celebration of National Tin Can Day is in recognition thereof.
For many decades, tin cans were used and then discarded, with precious few of them being used a second time – and then only for target practice. Today, the tin can has received the respect it is due, and has become a valuable commodity that is now recycled – keeping it out of the waste stream.
Although the tin can was invented in the early 1800s, it wasn’t until 1858 – nearly 50 years later – that Ezra Warner invented the can opener. Prior to that invention, tin cans were chopped, hacked and chiseled open.
Celebrate today by enjoying meals that come from a tin can.
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