Can Carriers

Can carriers are the handles that hold four or six cans together as one unit. We stock two brands. PakTech is molded from 100% recycled HDPE. Fishbone is the only can carrier that is 100% curbside recyclable. Both sell by the case, and the minimum order is one case.

Which carrier fits your cans?

This is where most first orders go wrong. Carrier size is set by the diameter of the can end, not by how much beer is in the can. A 202 end is standard on 12oz and 16oz cans. A 200 end is narrower and sits on slim cans like 250ml. Order 202 carriers for 200 end cans and nothing seats properly.

If you are not sure which end your cans use, call us at 844-4VA-WINE before you order. We would rather answer that question than process a return.

Fishbone runs in 4 pack and 6 pack for standard 202 end cans. Case counts are listed on each product page.

PakTech or Fishbone?

Both do the same job. They differ on what happens after the customer finishes the beer, and on color range.

Honest answer on which to pick: if your taproom crowd cares about curbside recycling and says so, Fishbone wins that conversation outright. If you want the widest color range and the lowest cost per carrier, PakTech does. We stock both because breweries genuinely split on it.

What one carrier actually costs

Most suppliers quote a case price and leave you to do the division. Here it is done.

A PakTech 4 pack case is $136 for 750 carriers, which is $0.18 per carrier. The 6 pack case is $126 for 510, which is $0.25 each. Buying 25 or 60 count boxes elsewhere typically runs $0.40 and up, so a full case is roughly half the unit cost once you can use one.

Bulk, pallet and freight

Minimum order is one case. For pallet quantities, call 844-4VA-WINE or email sales@wineandbeersupply.com and we will quote it directly. We ship UPS anywhere in the United States and every shipment is insured. Pallet orders move by LTL freight and are quoted separately.

Orders placed after 2:00 PM EST process the next business day.

Can carrier terms, defined

Can carrier

A molded handle that clips onto the tops of four or six cans so they can be carried and sold as one unit.

202 end

The standard can end diameter used on 12oz, 16oz and 19.2oz beverage cans in North America.

200 end

A narrower can end used on slim cans such as 250ml and 8.4oz.

Sleek can

A taller, narrower 12oz can body that still uses a 202 end and needs a sleek carrier.

Frequently asked questions

What size can carrier do I need?

Match the can end, not the can volume. 12oz and 16oz cans use a 202 end and take standard carriers. Slim cans such as 250ml use a 200 end and need slim carriers. Sleek cans take sleek carriers. Call 844-4VA-WINE if you are not certain.

How many carriers come in a case?

PakTech 4 pack is 750 per case, 6 pack is 510, slim 4 pack is 783, sleek 4 pack is 904 and sleek 6 pack is 594.

Are PakTech can carriers recyclable?

Yes. PakTech is molded from 100% recycled HDPE and is recyclable anywhere #2 HDPE is accepted. If curbside recycling specifically matters to your customers, Fishbone is the only carrier certified 100% curbside recyclable.

Do I need a machine to apply can carriers?

No. Both brands can be applied by hand for small runs. For volume you can use a handheld applicator or a carrier applicator on your canning line. We stock the Fishbone handheld applicator.

What is the minimum order?

One case.

Do you ship outside the United States?

No. We ship within the United States only.

Stock and pricing checked August 2026.