Dr Pepper was the first soft drink brand sold in an aluminum can in 1967.
Soft drink brand became the first to be sold in an aluminum can
Dr Pepper holds the distinction as the first soft drink brand to be sold in an aluminum can, marking a pivotal moment in beverage packaging history.
Prior to 1967, soft drinks were primarily packaged in glass bottles or steel cans, which were heavier and more prone to breakage. The introduction of aluminum cans revolutionized the industry by offering a lighter, more durable, and infinitely recyclable alternative. Dr Pepper partnered with Reynolds Metals Company to test the first commercial aluminum cans, which held 10 ounces of the beverage and featured a pull-tab opening—a novel feature at the time. This innovation not only improved portability but also reduced shipping costs and environmental impact due to aluminum’s recyclability.
The shift to aluminum cans gained momentum in the early 1970s when the Coors Brewing Company and major soda brands like Coca-Cola began adopting the packaging for their products. By the late 1970s, aluminum cans became the dominant form of soft drink packaging in the United States, a trend that continues today. The move to aluminum also aligned with growing consumer demand for convenience and sustainability.
For collectors and history enthusiasts, original Dr Pepper aluminum cans from 1967 are rare and highly sought after. While the cans closely resemble the steel versions of the era, they can be identified by their lightweight feel and the distinctive "REYNOLDS" embossing on the rim, a nod to the aluminum manufacturer. Today, aluminum remains the material of choice for beverage cans globally, with over 200 billion produced annually in the U.S. alone.
When did aluminum cans replace steel cans for soft drinks?
Aluminum cans began replacing steel cans for soft drinks in the early 1970s.
The transition from steel to aluminum cans accelerated after Dr Pepper’s 1967 pilot program proved the feasibility of aluminum packaging. By 1970, companies like Pepsi and Coca-Cola started testing aluminum cans on a broader scale, driven by consumer preference for lighter, easier-to-recycle containers. The oil crisis of the 1970s further incentivized the shift, as aluminum production required less energy than steel.
By 1978, aluminum cans accounted for over 90% of the U.S. soft drink market, a dominance that persists into 2026. The steel industry, which had dominated beverage packaging since the 1930s, gradually phased out steel cans for soft drinks, though steel remains in use for some beer and specialty beverages. The Environmental Protection Agency EPA notes that aluminum cans are recycled at a rate of 50% in the U.S., compared to just 3% for steel cans, underscoring the environmental benefits of the shift.
What are the benefits of aluminum cans over glass bottles or steel cans?
Aluminum cans are lighter, more durable, infinitely recyclable, and cost-effective to produce and transport compared to glass bottles or steel cans.
Aluminum weighs about one-third as much as steel and a fraction of glass, significantly reducing shipping costs and carbon emissions. A standard 12-ounce aluminum can weighs approximately 12.5 grams, while a glass bottle of the same volume can weigh over 200 grams. This weight difference translates to lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions during distribution.
Durability is another key advantage. Aluminum cans are resistant to breakage from drops or impacts, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption. Unlike glass, they don’t shatter, reducing litter and injury risks. Additionally, aluminum is 100% recyclable without losing quality, and recycling it uses 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from raw materials. The EPA reports that recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for three hours.
From a consumer perspective, aluminum cans chill faster and are easier to stack, while modern pull-tabs eliminate the need for a separate opener. For brands, aluminum’s malleability allows for sleek, custom-shaped cans that enhance branding and shelf appeal. The material’s conductivity also helps maintain beverage temperature longer than glass.
Which other beverage brands followed Dr Pepper’s lead in aluminum cans?
Coca-Cola and Pepsi were among the first major brands to adopt aluminum cans in the early 1970s, followed by virtually all soft drink companies by the late 1970s.
Coors Brewing Company was an early adopter in the beer industry, introducing aluminum cans in 1959, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that soft drink giants fully embraced the material. Coca-Cola began testing aluminum cans in 1970 in select markets, including a pilot program in Virginia, before rolling out the packaging nationally by 1972. Pepsi followed closely, launching its aluminum cans in 1971 to compete with Coca-Cola’s innovation.
By 1975, both brands had transitioned most of their U.S. production to aluminum cans. Other notable brands, such as 7Up and Dr Pepper’s competitor Royal Crown Cola, also adopted aluminum cans during this period. The shift was so rapid that by 1978, aluminum cans accounted for 80% of the U.S. carbonated soft drink market. Internationally, brands like Fanta (Coca-Cola) and Sprite (Coca-Cola) also adopted aluminum cans, particularly in markets with strong recycling infrastructure.
Today, aluminum cans are the standard for nearly all carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and many non-carbonated drinks like juices and teas. The only exceptions are some craft beverages or specialty products that use glass for branding purposes or to enhance flavor perception.
How have aluminum cans evolved since their introduction in 1967?
Aluminum cans have evolved through lighter weights, improved opening mechanisms, and enhanced recycling processes since their 1967 introduction.
In 1967, the first Dr Pepper aluminum cans weighed about 19 grams—a stark contrast to today’s average of 12-14 grams for a 12-ounce can. The reduction in weight, achieved through advanced metallurgy and thinner gauges, has cut material costs and further lowered shipping emissions. The pull-tab opening, also introduced in 1967, replaced the older flat-top cans that required a separate opener, adding to consumer convenience.
Recycling technology has also advanced significantly. In the 1970s, recycling rates for aluminum cans were below 20%, but by 2026, the U.S. recycling rate has climbed to over 50%, thanks to improved collection systems and public awareness campaigns. The modern recycling process can turn an old can into a new one in as little as 60 days, closing the loop on material use. Additionally, innovations like stay-on tabs (introduced in the 1970s) and enhanced printing techniques have improved both functionality and aesthetics.
Sustainability has become a major focus in recent years, with brands experimenting with plant-based coatings, 100% recycled aluminum, and even biodegradable can components. Some companies are also exploring "infinitely recyclable" aluminum alloys that maintain structural integrity across multiple recycling cycles. As of 2026, aluminum cans remain the most recycled beverage container in the world, with a global recycling rate of approximately 75%.
