Tinplate is a thin steel sheet coated by tin. It has an extremely beautiful metallic luster as well as excellent properties in corrosion resistance, solderability, and weldability. Tinplate is used for making all types of containers such as food cans, beverage cans, 18-liter cans, and artistic cans. Its applications are not limited to containers; recently, tinplate has also been used for making electrical machinery parts and many other products.

By far the largest application of tinplate is in packaging and it is ideally suited for this purpose, by virtue of it being non-toxic, light in weight, strong, corrosion resistant and easily formed, soldered and welded; it also provides an excellent printing surface. The tin coating has a low melting point, possesses lubricant qualities and imparts a good appearance. Cans made from tinplate are easy to handle, dispose and store. Tinplate is primarily used for packaging foodstuffs and beverages, but it is also used in containers for oils, grease, paints, powdered, polishes, waxes, chemicals and many other products. Aerosol containers and caps and closures are also made from tinplate.