Roastar tin cans with retro modern designs - designed and collaborated with Studio MPLS
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June 11, 2024

Retro Revival: Roastar & Studio MPLS Blend Nostalgia and Modern

Roastar and Studio MPLS blend vintage charm with modern design to bring a fresh take on the classic tin can.

Partnership Showcases Design Potential of Tin Cans

When we first encountered Studio MPLS's work online, we were extremely inspired. We immediately thought that their fresh takes on mid-century modern design were perfectly suited for our tin coffee cans. The stars aligned, and a partnership was destined.

Our goal was to revive the classic tin can and offer them for a limited time as functional works of art—catch-all containers for snacks, loose change, or coffee. With the Studio MPLS's track record of distinctive designs, we were excited to see their creative spin on our coffee cans.

From Antique Shops to Your Countertop

Inspired by 1950s-60s coffee branding (think the Folgers cans that graced our grandparents’ kitchens), Studio MPLS created playful, heritage-rich designs that are worthy of display on countertops and shelves.

“We really leaned into thinking about how this tin might show up in people’s homes, or somewhere they may want to show off the design," said Lindsay McGlynn, Studio Manager at Studio MPLS.

Brent Schoepf, Designer at Studio MPLS, told us: “We really did lean on ephemera, things you’d find in antique shops … We tried to keep it classy, but have a lot of fun and leave room for play."

Studio MPLS Tin Cans - Stock packaging

An Innovative Print Method

By pairing Studio MPLS’s flair for nostalgic design with our innovative packaging solutions, together we crafted a tin can that appeals to coffee roasters and art enthusiasts alike.

The designs were printed directly onto Roastar's tin cans with no label applied, creating an integrated look. Beaded 5.5" tin cans perform especially well visually using using this innovative print method, while the gloss finish adds vibrancy to the designs. As a added benefit, the edges of the design align with the can seam, making it less noticeable. There's also potential to create metallic effects by exposing the natural tin surface.

For an in-depth overview of direct-print tin cans compared with labeled tin cans, see our FAQs.

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Retro Revival in 360 Degrees

Flair meets nostalgia with these vintage inspired tin cans.