# SOT vs RPT vs 360 Full-Aperture vs Peel-Off: Choosing a Can End

> How stay-on-tab, RPT, 360 full-aperture and peel-off can ends differ, which beverages and foods each suits, and what to check before ordering.

Canonical: https://www.aluminumcanfactory.com/blog/sot-vs-rpt-vs-full-aperture-can-ends/

Published 2026-10-14 · Updated 2026-11-05 · Guides

**Quick answer:** SOT (stay-on-tab) ends are the standard opening for beer and soft drinks; RPT ends are a ring-pull style used mainly on slim cans; 360 full-aperture ends remove the whole panel so the can becomes a cup; peel-off ends use a foil membrane for powders and dry food.

## Why the end matters as much as the can

The end is the most engineered part of a beverage can. It has to hold internal pressure, seal hermetically on the seamer, open with a reasonable force and leave a safe opening. It is also the part of the package the consumer touches first — a coloured tab or full-aperture opening is a strong brand signal.

## SOT — stay-on-tab ends

Stay-on-tab ends are what most people picture: the tab levers a scored panel into the can and stays attached. They are the default for beer, carbonated soft drinks, juice and water.

- **Sizes:** 200, 202, 206, 209 (202 is most common)
- **Profiles:** B64 and CDL — CDL uses less aluminum but needs matching seamer chucks
- **Branding:** coloured tabs, laser marking, embossed tabs

See [202 SOT beverage ends](https://www.aluminumcanfactory.com/products/sot-202-beverage-can-ends/).

## RPT ends

RPT ends are widely used on 200 neck slim cans in Asia for energy drinks and teas. They open in a similar way to SOT ends and are often specified with a coloured tab. Confirm with your seamer supplier that your chuck and rolls suit the end profile.

## 360 full-aperture ends

A full-aperture end removes the whole centre panel, leaving a smooth rim so the can can be used like a cup. It gives drinkers the aroma and pour of a glass, which is why it is popular for craft beer, cocktails and stadium service. See [360 full-aperture ends](https://www.aluminumcanfactory.com/products/360-full-aperture-can-ends/).

## Peel-off ends

Peel-off ends (POE) use a foil membrane heat-sealed to a metal ring. They are used for milk powder, coffee, nuts, snacks and pet food in aluminum, tinplate, composite and PET cans — any product that does not need to hold carbonation pressure. See [peel-off ends](https://www.aluminumcanfactory.com/products/peel-off-can-ends/).

## Comparison table

| End type | Best for | Holds carbonation | Opening |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SOT | Beer, CSD, juice, water | Yes | Drinking hole |
| RPT | Slim-can energy drinks, tea | Yes | Drinking hole |
| 360 full aperture | Craft beer, cocktails, venues | Yes | Entire top |
| Peel-off | Powders, nuts, dry food | No | Entire top |

## What to send your supplier

1. Can diameter and neck (for example 211 body / 202 neck)
2. Seamer make and model, and chuck profile (B64 or CDL)
3. Product type and carbonation level (CO₂ volumes)
4. Any pasteurisation or retort conditions
5. Tab and end colour preferences

With this information we can supply a dimensionally matched end and seaming specifications. [Ask for samples](https://www.aluminumcanfactory.com/contact/).

## FAQ
### Which can end is best for beer?
Most beer is packed with 202 SOT ends. Craft brewers who want a glass-like drinking experience use 360 full-aperture ends.

### Can peel-off ends be used for carbonated drinks?
No. Peel-off ends are designed for dry and non-carbonated products; carbonated beverages need SOT, RPT or full-aperture beverage ends.

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Aluminum Can Factory · inquiry@aluminumcanfactory.com · WhatsApp +86 176 2154 1688 · https://www.aluminumcanfactory.com/contact/