Canpack collaborates with Royal Swinkels for tattoo-inspired cans
Image: Canpack
The 8.6 brand of Royal Swinkels, a brewer based in the Netherlands, has once again partnered with Canpack to launch the 2025 8.6 Tattoo Limited Edition can design, utilising Canpack’s Quadromix technology. This annual campaign brings tattoo-inspired art to life on the 8.6 Original 50cl beer can.
The partnership allows the brand’s story to be told with intensity, authenticity and precision. The collaboration demonstrates how the right combination of technical innovation and creative vision can deliver a product that is both visually striking and commercially scalable.
Since 2016, the 8.6 Tattoo Limited Edition has transformed the 8.6 Original 50cl can into a canvas for bold creative expression. Each year, the campaign leverages the artistic direction of Royal Swinkels’ 8.6 brand and Canpack’s expertise in metal packaging, using Quadromix technology to print four distinct designs in a single production run.
For the 2025 edition, renowned tattoo artist Dodie created four illustrations that capture the intensity and expressive character of 8.6 Original. Canpack’s premium Matt finish enhances the artwork’s visual depth, ensuring that every detail resonates on-shelf, reinforcing the brand’s distinctive character and bold identity.
“The execution is truly a reflection of the collaboration between Royal Swinkels and Canpack, with passion, creativity and precision technology bringing the whole thing to life in a vibrant and distinctive package,” said Afel Amberber, global brand manager at Royal Swinkels.
Canpack’s contribution goes beyond production. From concept to execution, the team ensures every aspect of the artwork is faithfully transferred to the can. Quadromix allows for design diversity at scale, while advanced finishing options, including the premium Matt effect, create an impactful and authentic consumer experience.
The 8.6 Tattoo Limited Edition has earned industry recognition, including Metal Pack of the Year: High Volume Food & Beverage at the UK Packaging Awards 2025 and recognition at The World Beverage Innovation Awards in 2021, a testament to the partnership between Royal Swinkels and Canpack.
“Our long-standing relationship with Royal Swinkels is built on mutual trust and ambition. While the designs are Swinkels’ creation, our role is to make them shine, using innovative technologies like Quadromix to turn bold ideas into award-winning packaging” said Paweł Kawa, graphics innovation manager, Canpack.
