National Tin Can Day (January 19)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

Tin cans are a staple in modern kitchens, but did you know they have a long history that changed the way we store food?

National Tin Can Day, celebrated on January 19, honors the invention of this simple yet revolutionary item.

From military rations to home pantries, tin cans have played a crucial role in food preservation for over 200 years.

Whether you’re upcycling cans into creative crafts or learning about their history, this is a fun way to celebrate one of the many silly holidays in January!

When is It Celebrated?

National Tin Can Day is observed annually on January 19th. This day recognizes the impact of the tin can on food storage and preservation throughout history.

Who Invented It?

The concept of preserving food in airtight containers was first developed by French chef Nicolas Appert in the early 1800s.

However, the tin can itself was patented by British inventor Peter Durand in 1810.

His method involved using tin-plated iron, which led to the first commercial canning factory in 1812.

The History Behind the Celebration

The tin can was invented as a response to a challenge by the French government, which sought a way to preserve food for Napoleon’s army.

Nicolas Appert’s initial solution used glass jars, but Peter Durand later patented a method using tin-coated iron cans.

By 1812, canning had become a viable industry, with factories producing preserved food for both military and civilian use.

In 1858, Ezra Warner developed the first can opener, making canned food more accessible. Over time, manufacturing improved, and the can became an everyday household item.

Today, tin cans are widely used and remain one of the most recycled materials in the world.

recycled tin cans with cress growing out of them

Top Fun Facts About Tin Cans

  1. The first tin cans were opened using hammers and chisels because can openers didn’t exist yet.
  2. Early tin cans were sealed with lead, which later caused widespread lead poisoning.
  3. The first can opener was invented nearly 50 years after tin cans were introduced.
  4. Tin cans are not actually made of tin—they are usually made of steel or aluminum with a thin layer of tin coating.
  5. Tin cans are one of the most recycled packaging materials worldwide, especially in Europe.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Make a tin can telephone – A classic DIY project for kids. All you need is two tin cans and a long string. Punch a hole in the bottom of each can, thread the string through, and tie knots to keep it secure. Then, stretch the string tight and start talking!
  • Upcycle old tin cans – Turn them into planters, organizers, or lanterns. Paint and decorate cans to make colorful storage containers or punch holes in the sides to create stunning luminaries for outdoor lighting.
  • Create tin can musical instruments – Fill empty cans with different materials like rice, beans, or small stones to make DIY maracas and drums for a fun homemade band.
  • Learn about food preservation – Explore the history of canning and its impact on society. You can even try canning your own food at home using modern techniques.
  • Cook a meal using canned ingredients – Challenge yourself to create a delicious dish using only canned foods, such as a hearty soup, chili, or fruit cobbler.
  • Recycle – Make sure to properly dispose of and recycle used cans. Research how tin cans are recycled and the role they play in sustainability.

Links to Resources

Related Holidays

  • National Kid Inventors’ Day on January 17th honors great child inventors, including those who revolutionized food preservation with the tin can.
  • National Bean Day on January 6th celebrates beans, one of the most common foods found in tin cans, and their nutritional benefits.
  • National Eat Your Beans Day on July 3 encourages people to enjoy beans as a healthy and versatile food, often preserved in tin cans for convenience.

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National Tin Can Day on Janaury 19th