Global metal packaging sales are estimated at USD 124.8 billion in 2024 and are expected to reach USD 164.6 billion in 2034. Sales are expected to increase at a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. Metal packaging created USD 120.2 billion revenue in 2023. The industry is set to exhibit a Y-o-Y growth of 6.1% in 2024.
Metal cans are the leading type of packaging in global industry which is contributing more than half of volume share in assessment period. The reason metal cans are dominating packaging globally is that they are tough, recyclable, and protective.
They have good light, air, and contaminant barriers, and for this reason, they extend the freshness of the product for a longer period-mostly in food and beverages. Their high recycling rates add to their friendliness with the environment at very considerable levels and match the trends in sustainability that are on the rise.
Metal cans further ensure that they remain lightweight and strong, enabling efficiency in transport and storage. Besides, progress in printing and design lets them effective for effective branding that appeals to products on store shelves.
Global Metal Packaging Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 120.2 billion |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 124.8 billion |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 164.6 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 2.8% |
Steel is the most significantly used material in the metal packaging industry which anticipated to contribute USD 43.8 billion incremental revenue generation in the upcoming decade. Steel is quite a popular choice for metal packaging because of its strength, adaptability, and reasonable cost.
It provides strong resistance against physical damage; hence, it is in broad usage for packaging purposes in foodstuffs, beverages, and industrial products. Magnetic properties make the steel fully recyclable, which contributes to sustainability issues.
Its heat-resistant property extends its scope for long-term storage with product integrity preservation. The various lightweight steel innovations made it efficient in transportation, hence increasing the potentiality of market growth and revenue.
Improvements in the future might be in increasing product security and brand protection by adding the latest anti-counterfeiting technologies in metal packaging. Integration with newer, upcoming technologies, such as IoT for smart packaging and augmented reality, could open innovative ways for advertisement.
Further progress in sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques could position metal packaging as an even more ecologically valuable option. Growth in e-commerce reinforces the use of metal packaging because robustness and protective features adapt to online delivery requirements.
Personalization of packaging creates opportunities for metal packaging to cater to the demands of companies seeking distinctive and custom-made solutions. Optimization of the weight of metal packaging for cost efficiency and reduction in the impacts during transportation and manufacturing. The transition to environmentally-friendly packaging products in order to meet or overcome the growing demand for green products.
The metal packaging industry is set to experience promising growth during the forecast period. It is projected to create an incremental opportunity of USD 39.7 billion and rise 1.3 times the current market value through 2034.
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The above table presents the expected CAGR for the global metal packaging market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 3.1%, followed by a slightly high growth rate of 3.5% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.1% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 3.5% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 3.3% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 2.7% (2024 to 2034) |
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to increase slightly to 3.3% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 2.7% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed an increase of 40 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed a decrease of 60 BPS.
Use of Food Cans Aids in Retaining Nutrient Value and Freshness of Packaged Food for Prolonged Time
The canning process happens at the exact moment of freshness in food that is to be packed. It locks the flavor and nutrition. Fruits and vegetables are canned at their peak of ripeness, while soups and other processed foods are canned immediately after preparation. This extends sell-by and use-by dates by a significant amount and ultimately will result in less food being wasted.
All of the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and most of the minerals and fat-soluble vitamins-like A, D, E, and K-are completely retained in the canning process. Secondly, canned foods can even be more nutritious at times, for it is usually harvested and canned when it is at peak freshness, thus more nutritious than sitting on a shelf.
This makes canned food suitable for households, too, as more nutrients are retained. It can also be kept in the pantry for use during disasters or any other emergency situations. Canned food can last for as long as 1-3 years. Growing awareness concerning benefits offered through canned food has resulted in soaring demand for food cans; they are projected to experience steady growth in the forecast period.
Aluminum Reduce Weight of Metal Containers Lowering Carbon Footprint
Light-weighting has been a leading trend within the metal packaging industry over the past decade, especially in the food & beverage industry. This aids packaging manufacturers and brand owners to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as overall production costs.
By developing more lightweight containers, the quantity of material and energy used for distribution and logistics is also reduced. Leading manufacturers such as Crown Holdings, Inc. and Ardagh Group S.A. are switching from steel to aluminum to reduce the weight of metal packaging.
Aluminum is a lustrous metal, which increases its application in point-of-sale packaging solutions. Its unique physical attributes aid in enhancing the aesthetics of the packaging, and play a key role in product differentiation. Shaped aluminum cans with distinct prints and decorations are used to increase the shelf visibility of products.
An increase in shelf visibility directly translates to increased sales, as most beverage purchase decisions are made on the spot. Consequently, premium brands are adopting aluminum cans with distinctive shapes and eye-catching graphics that grab consumers’ attention to boost their sales. These factors are also anticipated to fuel the demand for aluminum containers for the packaging of beverages, deodorants, perfumes and other FMCGs.
Metal 3D Printing: A Game-changer in the Packaging Industry
The onset of metal 3D printing has drastically changed the outlook of the metal packaging industry. This trend allows companies to create very customized and complex designs of metal packages, which were somewhat hard to achieve by using normal processes. It fulfills the demand for unique, identifiable packaging solutions by offering a varied level of customization and brand differentiation.
Now, as access and affordability to the technology increase, it allows firms to experiment with special and imaginative designs that could easily make them stand out in competitive marketplaces and maybe even drive growth through premium package options.
High Cost of Metal Containers Hamper the Growth
Unlike plastic containers, metal containers are made of high-cost metals such as steel. Since resins for plastic containers can be obtained at low costs, manufacturers might resort to plastic containers, which essentially serve the same purpose. Another challenge faced by manufacturers is the price escalation of raw materials.
This, coupled with additional input costs, has a cumulative effect on the pricing of metal containers. This can be seen in the recent hike in steel drum prices by Greif, Inc. As a consequence, plastic containers are witnessing higher preference over metal containers, owing to low cost price of containers, which adds to the list of desirable features in a bulk container, as the ultimate objective is safe transit of goods.
Principal Consultant
The global metal packaging industry recorded a CAGR of 1.9% during the historical period between 2019 and 2023. The growth of metal packaging industry was positive as it reached a value of USD 120.1 billion in 2023 from USD 111.3 billion in 2019.
The increased environmental awareness and the global strive for sustainability have been some of the vital factors that have helped in the growth of the metal packaging industry. Since metal packages can be recycled, they are also environmentally friendly, hence popular among organizations looking forward to attaining sustainability goals and meeting customers who look for greener packaging solutions.
Changing consumer choices have had a greater influence on the growth curve of the market. As shoppers become more attached to product quality, safety, and sustainability communicated via the package, it becomes an influential factor in product differentiation. From food and beverages to cosmetics and medicines, resistance and recyclability attract a wide range of customers toward metal packaging.
In addition, with the rise in e-commerce, the demand for packing solutions that could resist online transportation difficulties has been on the rise. Due to its durability and protective properties, metal packaging is one of the very good solutions for companies seeking tough e-commerce packaging.
Continuous investment in packaging innovation drives market growth. There is improvement on features, designs, and functionality being researched by manufacturers of metal packaging. Features such as easy-to-use closures and resealable options make metal packaging solutions more attractive to companies and customers who have become more judicious.
Digital printing and variable data printing will be more common in the future. Such technologies will be used by brands in coming up with special, customized metal packaging, which corresponds to specific customer preferences. Growth opportunities will be provided by emerging economies, represented by increasing disposable incomes and urbanization.
As the spending power of consumers grows, so will the demand for packaged goods and, in particular, premium packaging options, which include metal. The industry will continue striving to find methods that improve the cost efficiency of metal packaging material. Material and lightweight technology innovations will be crucial in maintaining competitive pricing and widening consumer appeal.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders with a market revenue of above 2% of global market value capturing a significant market share of 40% to 45% in the global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio.
These players are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple products across different applications and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base. They provide a wide range of products utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality.
Prominent companies within Tier 1 encompass Ball Corporation, Toyo Seikan Co., Ltd., and Crown Holdings, Inc.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players with revenue of 0.5% to 2% of global market value having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the regional market. These are characterized by a limited international presence and well-maintained market knowledge.
These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach. Prominent companies in tier 2 include Ardagh Group S.A., CCL Industries Inc., CPMC Holdings Ltd., Silgan Holdings Inc., Grief Inc. and Mauser Packaging Solutions.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets having revenue below 0.5% of global revenue. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are small-scale players and have very limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
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The section below covers the industry analysis of the metal packaging market for different countries. Market demand analysis on key countries in several regions of the globe, including North America, South Asia & Pacific, East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and others, is provided.
In North America, United States is anticipated to register a moderate growth at 2.0% through 2034. In South Asia Pacific, India is an emerging country in metal packaging projected to witness a growth rate of 7.3% by 2034 end.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| USA | 2.0% |
| Germany | 1.8% |
| UK | 2.3% |
| Brazil | 3.1% |
| India | 5.4% |
| China | 4.6% |
| Japan | 2.7% |
| GCC Countries | 4.1% |
The size of Canada's metal packaging market will grow at a 2.7% CAGR through 2034. Larger health and wellness focus in Canadian society is leading to increased consumption of metal packaging by the food and beverage industry. In this regard, there has been increased demand in the industry for flexible metal packaging solutions that support product safety and quality, impelled by a rising trend for fresh and minimally processed meals.
Canadians are increasingly fascinated by the products which attend the ecologically conscious and health-sensitive lifestyle of this category. The sustainable characteristics of metal packaging material and its ability to preserve the integrity of products appeal very well to this category, hence making many significant contributions to market growth.
UK metal packaging sales are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% through 2034. Stringent packaging waste reduction targets by the UK government encourage the consumption of metal packaging. The targets on recycling and reduction of wastes are placing pressure on companies, hence increasing demand for recyclable metals packaging. The "buy local" and "sustainability" movements are picking up.
Due to their proximity to domestic markets, United Kingdom metal packaging producers reduce carbon footprint and add value to the national economy. This increases the appeal of metal packaging to environmentally conscious consumers further.
The United Kingdom is a well-developed country that has efficient systems of recycling and waste management in place, encouraging recyclable materials such as metal packaging. The ease with which consumers can discard and recycle metal packaging contributes to market growth.
The size of Germany's metal packaging market will grow at a CAGR of 1.8% through 2034. The investments in R&D fuel the material science development of metal packaging. Consequently, there are more improvements in coatings and better materials that provide improved product protection, thus making the offerings from German metal packaging solutions more attractive.
The strong engagement in trade treaties and partnerships by Germany with worldwide partners has smoothed the road for metal packaging products to be exported. Such trade alliances widen the reach of enterprises, enabling them to support market growth and global awareness of German-made metal packaging.
The demand for metal packaging solutions in India will flourish at a 5.4% CAGR through 2034. Local manufacture and self-sufficiency in a range of industries, including packaging, have been encouraged by the Government of India through programs such as the Make in India campaign.
Support through incentives and regulations in respect of the metal packaging industry invited investment, thus helping the sector to expand and adding substantially to the economic prosperity of the country. Increasing disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences are leading to increased demand for premium and high-quality goods across the country.
Given the premium image and integrity of products due to metal packaging, there is a reason why customers increasingly favor this format for premium metal packaging and hence, development in the market of the country
The demand for metal packaging in the china will surge at a 4.6% CAGR through 2034. Key factors driving growth in China include investments in modern manufacturing technology and automation that improve metal packaging production quality and efficiency.
Some Chinese manufacturers have adopted advanced technology and software solutions to position them among the global leaders in streamlined manufacturing and resultant development of the metal packaging market.
Development in infrastructure in China and the expansion of cold chain facilities have opened up a requirement for packaging solutions that would keep product integrity in a variable temperature environment. For the cold chain and logistics industry, the insulating capability of metal packaging has made the segment a darling among organizations.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. Food and beverage industry is anticipated to gain traction during the upcoming period growing at a CAGR of 3.6% through 2034. Aluminum is projected to showcase significant growth at 3.1% CAGR through 2034.
| End Use | Food & Beverage |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 40% |
The trends and analysis in the metal packaging industry are such that the segment of food & beverages captured 40% of the market share in 2034. Food and beverages more often than not deal in long-shelf-life products, like canned foods, ready meals, and specialty beverages.
Metal packaging materials allow for better preservation of freshness and quality of such products, ensuring customer satisfaction and competitiveness in the marketplace.
It continuously develops and improves metal packaging solutions on easy-open lids and innovative can designs, considering changing customer needs and technology enhancements within the sector. This allows for seamless integration of new packaging technologies and reinforcement of initiatives involving customer interaction.
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 39% |
Aluminum based metal packaging is anticipated to grow in assessment period and contribute 39% of value share in global industry. Aluminum-based metal packaging will also witness significant growth due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, which are paired with excellent recyclability.
Aluminum is toughly durable, giving effective protection to food and beverages, as well as other personal care products, but much lighter than other metals, which helps decrease transport costs. Since it can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, it presents a perfect match for the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
In addition, the flexibility of aluminum in design and aesthetic appeal made it perfect for premium and attractive packaging, hence driving more its market share in the global industry.
Leading companies in the metal packaging market are looking to strengthen their positions through various measures on sustainability, innovation, and geographic expansion. Key players such as Ball Corporation and Crown Holdings invest in recycling initiatives and lightweight packaging as ways to address eco-friendly requirements.
Product innovations that enable customizable designs are leading to new features such as resealable cans, which enhance consumer appeal.
Companies also continue to invest in emerging markets and build additional capacity to meet growing demand. In addition, mergers and acquisitions widen the portfolios and technological changes such as smart packaging and automated production boost further growth in this competitive market.
Recent Industry Developments in Metal Packaging Market
In terms of product, the industry is divided into cans, drums, aerosol cans, pails, intermediate bulk containers, and others. Cans is future divided into cone top cans, F-style cans, utility cans, slip over cans, and others.
In terms of material, the industry is segregated steel, aluminum, and tin.
The industry is classified by end use as food & beverage, chemical, automotive, pharmaceuticals & healthcare, cosmetics & personal care, building & construction, and other end uses.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Asia & Pacific, East Asia, and Middle East and Africa (MEA), have been covered in the report.
The global metal packaging industry is projected to witness CAGR of 2.8% between 2024 and 2034.
The global metal packaging industry stood at USD 120.2 billion in 2023.
The global metal packaging industry is anticipated to reach USD 164.6 billion by 2034 end.
South Asia and Pacific is set to record the highest CAGR of 5.2% in the assessment period.
The key players operating in the global metal packaging industry include Berry Global Group, Mondi plc, Amcor Plc, and Sonoco Products Company.
1. Executive Summary 2. Industry Introduction 2.1. Market Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition 3. Market Trends and Success Factors 4. Market Background 4.1. Macro-economic and Industry Outlook 4.2. Market Dynamics 4.3. Value Chain Analysis 4.4. List of Key Market Participants (Manufacturers/Channel Partners) 4.5. Analysis of Key Industry Matrices 4.6. Industry Development Roadmap 5. Global Market Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 5.1. Historical Market Volume Analysis 5.2. Future Market Volume Projections 6. Pricing Analysis 7. Global Market Value (USD) Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 7.1. Historical Sales Analysis 7.2. Future Market Size and Growth Projections 8. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Product Type 8.1. Cans 8.1.1. Cone Top Cans 8.1.2. F-Style Steel Cans 8.1.3. Utility Cans 8.1.4. Slip Cover Cans 8.1.5. Others 8.2. Drums 8.3. Aerosol Cans 8.4. Pails 8.5. Intermediate Bulk Containers 8.6. Others 9. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Material Type 9.1. Steel 9.2. Aluminum 9.3. Tin 10. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By End-Use 10.1. Food and Beverage Industry 10.2. Chemicals 10.3. Automotive 10.4. Pharmaceutical & Healthcare 10.5. Cosmetics & Personal care 10.6. Building & Construction 10.7. Other End Use 11. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Region 11.1. North America 11.2. Latin America 11.3. East Asia 11.4. South Asia & Pacific 11.5. Western Europe 11.6. Eastern Europe 11.7. Middle East & Africa 12. North America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Market Segments and Country 13. Latin America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Market Segments and Country 14. Western Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Market Segments and Country 15. Eastern Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Market Segments and Country 16. East Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Market Segments and Country 17. South Asia & Pacific Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Market Segments and Country 18. Middle East and Africa (MEA) Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Market Segments and Country 19. Sales Analysis 2024 & 2034 by Key Market Segments for 30 Countries 20. Competition Outlook including Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard 21. Company Profile 21.1. Ball Corporation 21.2. Ardagh Group 21.3. Amcor Plc 21.4. CCL Industries Inc. 21.5. CPMC Holdings Ltd. 21.6. Silgan Holdings 21.7. Greif Inc. 21.8. Chicago Steel Container Corporation (Stavig Industries East LLC) 21.9. ArcelorMittal S.A. 21.10. Crown Holdings 21.11. Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd 21.12. Kian Joo Can Factory Berhad 21.13. Independent Can Company 21.14. Berlin Packaging Company 21.15. Mauser Packaging Solutions 21.16. Nampak Ltd 21.17. Montebello Packaging Inc 21.18. Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd. 21.19. HUBER Packaging Group GmbH 21.20. NCI Packaging 21.21. Great Western Containers Inc.
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Metal Packaging Market
