Metal Packaging Market - Forecasts from 2022 to 2027

The global metal packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.18%, from US$115.829 billion in 2020 to US$150.510 billion in 2027. Metal packaging is predominantly employed in the food industry for packaging and preservation. Due to their excellent recycling ability, aluminium and steel are extensively used in packaging. Metal packaging's market growth has been fueled by its extended shell life and preservation of nutrients within the food. . Furthermore,  aluminium packaging possesses easy sterilizing properties for packaging purposes. The high barrier protection, durability, and ability to retain their properties even after multiple recycling procedures offered by metals make them the best choice for packaging materials. Apart from the food industry, heavy-bodied metals such as drums and bulk containers are being used to transport chemicals, bulk liquids, and oil. The metal packages also serve as a barrier that is resistant to water, air, light, and also pests like insects and rodents. With advancements in technology and machinery and new and attractive designs, metal packaging has found its way into the cosmetic industry. The rise in packaged food and beverages consumption, especially canned vegetables and fruits, and the on-the-go trends of millennials might be driving factors for the growth of the metal packaging market globally. At the same time, the growth of the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries in the market also impacts the metal packaging industry growth in the market.



Growing populations, improving lifestyles, evolving brands’ strategies to meet changing consumer requirements, and increasing health consciousness are propelling the use of metal packaging in the Asian and South Asian regions.

The advent of metal print packaging served as the key driver of the global metal packaging market. It greatly helped promote and expand the brand exposure and attracted customers with its appealing designs, sizes, and shapes. Metal packaging also has the highest recycling rate; aluminium is said to be an infinitely recyclable material, and recycling it requires up to 90% less energy than producing primary aluminium, according to statistics provided by the Aluminium Association.  The availability of seasonal fruits and vegetables all year around in the form of canned foods to satisfy consumers’ cravings is yet another factor driving the increase in the metal packaging market share globally. The huge demand for metal packaging for beverages such as cookies, tea, coffee, and others has also led to a rise in the consumption of metal packaging.

For instance, reportedly, U.S. consumers aged 21 and older consumed 26.1 gallons of beer and cider per person during 2020, based on beer shipment data and U.S. The increasing popularity of sports tournaments has also enhanced the intake of canned drinks worldwide. Furthermore, semi-processed ready-to-eat canned foods have also seen an increase in demand in the market due to their convenience and economic benefits for several global consumers worldwide. Besides, an increase in demand for products specific to millennials and teenagers has enhanced the applications of two-piece and three-piece aluminium cans. The surge in industrialization in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific has led to an increase in the demand for bulk metal containers such as drums and barrels. However, at the same time, it was observed that an increase in the shift of customers’ preferences towards HDPE (high-density polyethene) and PET (polyethene terephthalate) bottles had hindered the metal packaging market’s growth. 

By region, the demand for aluminium cans in North America is seen to be on the higher side and is anticipated to retain its position as a dominant share market holder throughout the forecast period.

Predominantly, this was due to the improving economic lifestyle and changing preferences of the inhabitants of this region. Following North America, the Asia Pacific and Europe are expected to have a dominant share in terms of revenue. In May 2019, the Indian branch of Canpack Group, a leading can maker headquartered in Poland, which is also a part of Giogri Global Holdings, U.S., formed a consortium along with Hindalco Industries Ltd. and Ball Beverage Packaging India to popularise the use of aluminium beverage packaging. The new consortium was named the Aluminium Beverages Can Association of India (ABCAI), and it aimed to create sustainable aluminium beverage packaging practices to impact the environment, business, and society positively. The consortium aimed to increase the use of aluminium cans to 25% by 2030, from what is currently barely 5% in the country. The same growth could also be anticipated in other regions, such as South America, the Middle East, and Africa. With the increase in environmental awareness and several green campaigns, many companies are willing to shift towards advertising their products packed with sustainable metals. Ball Beverage Packaging India has welcomed the move by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to pave the way for packaging drinking water in non-transparent packaging solutions like aluminium beverage cans, to reduce plastic waste. This would help address sustainability issues and also contribute to the government’s initiative to regulate the use and throw away of plastics, but also provide the end-consumer with an eco-friendly alternative. The rise in investment and advancements in technological fields are anticipated to create growth opportunities during the forecast period.

COVID-19 Insights

COVID-19 had a negative impact. The disruption in international trade due to lockdown restrictions seriously impacted the supply of bulk metal containers, fabricated steel boxes, drums, and barrels. Many instances of delays have also been experienced due to travel restrictions, safety concerns, and lockdowns worldwide. For instance, during the COVID-19 second wave in May 2020, Ball  Corporation declared delays in shipments to Brazil and Europe. Multiple setbacks in the supply chain severely impeded the manufacturer's ability to meet the manufacturing and shipping deadlines. The cost of raw materials had increased due to the demand-supply gap as a result of these discrepancies. On the bright side, due to an increase in hygiene and sanitation awareness, the demand for packaged food and beverages was seen to increase significantly, also fuelling the demand for metal packaging globally.

Market Segmentation:

By Type

• Cans
• Caps & Closures

By Raw Material

• Steel
• Aluminum

By Application

• Food
• Beverages
• Cosmetics & Personal care
• Industrial

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Europe
• Germany
• Italy
• United Kingdom
• France
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• UAE
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• Australia
• India
• Others