Can-guarding abalone

The value and properties of abalone have meant that NCI Packaging has had to use different alternatives to normal or standard food cans. Abalone is a gastropod mollusc belonging to the Phylum Mollusca group, which includes clams, scallops, sea slugs, octopuses and squid. Because of the nature of abalone, the lacquer inside the can has to be different to other food products traditionally packaged in cans, so that the abalone stays as fresh as possible.

The value of abalone has meant a huge amount of illegal fishing and exporting has taken place. So why does the 'fish' attract so much attention from the criminal fringes? Value. The beach price for the green-lip abalone (Haliotis laevigata smooth) is typically US$30/kg. Once de-shelled, de-lipped, packed and processed in a 400 mL can, the price goes up to US$164/kg retail based on a retail price of US$35/can.

It was found that labels of the lesser-grade abalone were being ripped off abalone cans and being replaced with new labels claiming that the abalone was a superior grade and therefore more money was charged per can.

NCI Packaging came up with a solution: a plan to emboss the cans without compromising the lacquer's performance. Elaborate litho-print solutions for the can's body and top (in short runs) are also offered to abalone customers in a bid to enhance the protection of the highly valued product, taking away the risk of illegitimate relabelling.