Pull-tab cans

I've tried to do some research out of curiosity but could find no answers.... most of the soda and beer cans here are the old pull-tabs vs the newer stay-tabs (that were instituted in the early 80's in most places in the world). We are guessing that beverage companies here purchased old equipment vs this being a customer preference. It is a bit annoying to see the tabs on the beach and places like that.