Abstract: An in-line process for reusing printed cans is disclosed. The process includes positioning a printed can in front of a laser, the printed can having existing-print on an outer surface of the printed can. And, irradiating the outer surface of the printed can with laser radiation to remove 10% to 90% of the existing-print from the printed can and thereby form a lightened-printed can. And further, coating the outer surface of the lightened-printed can with a masking agent to form a blank-reprintable can. Finally, optionally, printing a new print-pattern on the outer surface of the blank-reprintable can to form a newly-printed can.

Abstract: An in-line process for reusing printed cans is disclosed. The process includes positioning a printed can in front of a laser, the printed can having existing-print on an outer surface of the printed can. And, irradiating the outer surface of the printed can with laser radiation to remove 10% to 90% of the existing-print from the printed can and thereby form a lightened-printed can. And further, coating the outer surface of the lightened-printed can with a masking agent to form a blank-reprintable can. Finally, optionally, printing a new print-pattern on the outer surface of the blank-reprintable can to form a newly-printed can.