Europe Metal Food Can Industry Outlook from 2023 to 2033

Sales of Metal Food Cans in Europe are estimated to be valued at USD 7,932.2 million in 2023 and are projected to reach USD 13,152.1 million by 2033. Sales are expected to increase at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.

The Europe metal food can space was valued at USD 7,591.7 million at the end of 2022 and is anticipated to exhibit Y-o-Y growth of 4.5% in 2023. The 2-piece cans segment by product type will likely account for around 57.5% share in terms of value by the end of 2033.

Metal food can demand in Europe is set to expand at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2033. In terms of capacity, the 500 to 1000gm segment accounted for a significant revenue of USD 2,753.6 million in 2023. The above 1,000gm segment, on the other hand, is gradually gaining traction and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.

Regarding end-use, the pet food segment is anticipated to create a total financial potential of USD 1,103.4 million between 2033 and 2033. Demand across Europe for metal food cans is estimated to garner an extra financial return of USD 5,560.3 million and expand 1.7 times through 2033.

Attributes Key Insights
Europe Metal Food Can Estimated Revenue (2023E) USD 7,932.2 million
Europe Metal Food Can Projected Revenue (2033F) USD 13,152.1 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.2%
Top 5 Companies Collective Share 8% to 12%

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Key Factors Affecting Metal Food Can Sales in Europe

Preference for Canned Food Packaging Rises with Elimination of Pouches and Bags

Food cans are set to find applications in both storage and transportation, as these have inherent durability and do not require extra packing. Their ability to preserve integrity throughout travel and avoid leaks or damage, unlike fragile jars or containers, is expected to aid demand, especially amongst individuals who spend a lot of time in outdoor activities.

Consumers in Europe are seeking alternative packaging, including pouches and bags. This is because they often fail to give the same level of security that they do against oxidation, light, and bacterial contamination.

Food containers made of metal are anticipated to exhibit immense popularity through 2033. These are set to be utilized in several sectors, offering total protection from light and moisture. Due to their tamper-proof features, consumers are expected to strongly favor these cans over other packaging solutions. Once the product is in the consumer's hands, several secondary packaging materials are frequently dumped in landfills. The durable construction of metal food cans is set to considerably reduce the need for additional packaging, adding to their sustainability.

Attractive Appearance and Unfailing Appeal of Food Cans to Bolster Demand

Appealing looks and constant attraction are two of the most prominent characteristics of metal cans and containers, which are expected to drive demand. Modern consumers often look for packaging that has an aesthetic appeal. Metal containers are anticipated to attract them due to their appearance.

Leading European manufacturers are projected to customize their in-house product lines with different colors, shades, and printing techniques. They are designing their cans and containers to be as attractive and appealing as customers want. The aesthetic charm and proven performance of metal cans are also projected to fuel growth.

Adoption of Nano-composite-based Food Cans to Create New Opportunities

Nanomaterials are expected to be popular in Europe due to their mechanical, thermal, and physical properties. Manufacturers from several regional sectors are set to find new applications in this field.

The incorporation of metal nanoparticles into polymers is expected to enable the production of nano-composites. This is further anticipated to exhibit heightened mechanical robustness, superiority, and water & oxygen barrier characteristics. They are further set to showcase additional advantageous features, such as light-blocking and antimicrobial properties.

The pivotal innovation in recent technology is expected to record the minimal potential for particle migration, underscoring the feasibility and safety of such applications. This is anticipated to provide new strategic opportunities to manufacturers.

They are projected to focus on nano-technology-driven innovations. These are further set to enable the creation of nano-composite-based coatings, providing them with a competitive edge in the Europe metal food can business landscape. Aerosol metal cans are expected to gain momentum through 2033, further augmenting demand.

2018 to 2022 Europe Metal Food Can Industry Analysis Vs. 2023 to 2033

The demand for food cans in Europe witnessed a CAGR of 2.4% during the historical period from 2018 to 2022. It stood at a valuation of USD 7,591.7 million in 2022 from USD 6,983.4 million in 2018. The Europe metal food can business landscape will likely showcase a CAGR of 5.2% in the forecast period.

Historical Value-based CAGR of Europe Metal Food Can Business (2018 to 2022) 2.4%
Historical Europe Metal Food Can Revenue (2022) USD 7,591.7 million

Food & beverage metal cans have been widely used in Europe since time immemorial for packaging multiple food products. Their high durability, safety, recyclability, longer shelf-life, and convenience are anticipated to make them an ideal packaging solution through 2033.

Increasing consumer preference for canned fruits, vegetables, seafood, and pet food in Europe is estimated to drive metal food can sales. Between 2018 and 2022, sales skyrocketed in the region with the coronavirus outbreak leading to work-from-home and lockdown measures. Stringent norms associated with dining out had surged the consumption of canned food products, which resulted in a high demand.

The increasing demand for specialty cans designed for specific food products, such as ready-to-eat meals and premium gourmet items, is also expected to push growth. Technological advancements, such as advanced coatings and linings inside the cans for food preservation & safety, are set to play a significant role in Europe.

Semi-annual Update of Metal Food Can Demand in Europe

The table presents the expected CAGR for the Europe metal food can space over several semi-annual periods from 2022 to 2033. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2022 to 2032, the field is forecasted to surge at a CAGR of 3.9%, followed by a slightly lower growth rate of 3.2% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.

Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2023 to H2 2033, the CAGR is projected to increase slightly to 3.5% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 2.9% in the second half. These values offer insights into the anticipated growth trends for the Europe metal food can space, aiding stakeholders and investors in making informed decisions regarding investments & strategies.

Particular Value-based CAGR
H1 3.9% (2022 to 2032)
H2 3.2% (2022 to 2032)
H1 3.5% (2023 to 2033)
H2 2.9% (2023 to 2033)
Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

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Country-wise Insights

The table below shows the growth potential of the Europe metal food can business alongside the CAGRs of the top 5 countries. Of the 5, France and Southern Europe are likely to remain in the leading positions in the field of metal food cans across Europe by exhibiting CAGRs of 6.5% and 5.9%, respectively, from 2023 to 2033. Following these, the rest of Europe and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are expected to witness metal food can sales at CAGRs of 5.7% and 4.6%, respectively.

Country Value-based (CAGR)
Deutschland, Austria, Confoederatio Helvetica (DACH) 4.2%
Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) 4.6%
Southern Europe 5.9%
France 6.5%
Rest of Europe 5.7%

Launch of New Can Types to Push Metal Food Packaging Demand in France

France is expected to generate additional revenue of USD 740.7 million in 2023. It is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 6.5% during the estimated period in the Europe metal food can business landscape.

In Europe, France is expected to possess a selection of the most modern production lines since 80% of the cans sold in the region are manufactured there. Ongoing technological innovations in the country are anticipated to appeal to all generations of consumers.

Evidence of the country’s success is that around eight out of ten people in France drink canned beverages, which is equal to 79%. With the reduction of plastic products, the expansion of cans for new types of beverages is progressing in the country.

Rising Tourism in Southern Europe Fuels Demand for Metallic Food Cans

Southern Europe is expected to register a considerable CAGR of 5.9% in the assessment period. It will likely develop a supplementary revenue stream of USD 1,249.9 million in the Europe metal food can business by 2023.

The cultural preferences for canned beverages during social gatherings and outdoor activities are expected to push the consumption of metal cans across Southern Europe. The warm climate and vibrant Mediterranean lifestyles are set to contribute to the popularity of canned drinks due to their portable, convenient, and easy chilling properties.

Tourism in countries across Southern Europe, such as Italy, Spain, and Greece, is further anticipated to bolster metal food can sales. This is attributed to the growing inclination of tourists toward canned beverages while exploring different sites and landscapes.

CEE to Witness the Development of Recyclable Metal Food Storage Containers

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is projected to record a steady CAGR of 4.6% during the evaluation period in the Europe metal food can space. The extended shelf life of several food products is expected to be ensured by the outstanding preservation qualities of metal cans. This will likely be a significant aspect in CEE nations where the agricultural and food-producing sectors are important. Metal cans are also estimated to be a good option for preserving local specialties and basic foods since their durability helps avoid food spoiling and waste.

Consumer preferences have changed, and disposable income has steadily increased in CEE. Metal cans are expected to meet the convenience demands people in this area make for their food choices. Their ability to offer a green packaging option and simple-to-recycle, store, and open features would push their demand. They are anticipated to be a popular option for both modern and traditional shoppers in the CEE area owing to their convenience.

The CEE metal food can business has made several adjustments to accommodate changing dietary preferences. Metal cans are expected to be used to safely store a wide variety of food items, from fruits and vegetables to prepared meals. As CEE countries adopt different international culinary traditions, this versatility has increased the potential for metal cans in CEE.

Food Preservation Needs in DACH Nations to be Catered by Canned Food Containers

Deutschland, Austria, Confoederatio Helvetica (DACH) is projected to showcase a decent CAGR of 4.2% through 2033 in the Europe metal food can business landscape. The DACH nations have a long history of respecting wholesome cuisine.

Metal food cans are set to provide customers in these nations with peace of mind about the integrity and freshness of their purchases. This is attributed to the ability of metal cans to preserve a wide range of food & beverages safely and effectively.

With a growing focus on simplicity and on-the-go meals, the DACH nations have experienced changes in terms of lifestyles and food intake trends. Modern consumers with hectic schedules are anticipated to prefer metal food cans as they are convenient to store, portable, and have a prolonged shelf life.

The need for metal food cans has increased in the DACH nations due to this change in consumer behavior. Also, the belief in metal cans' durability and environmental friendliness is expected to aid growth.

Rest of Europe Indicates Launch of Personalized Metal Food Storage Containers

Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Finland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, and other countries are expected to fall under the rest of Europe segment. Metal food can demand in these countries is expected to rise quickly amid customization and personalization trends.

Food can modification and customization have become increasingly popular in the aforementioned countries. To differentiate themselves in a crowded sector, brands realize the value of distinctive and attractive packaging. This comprises the application of computer-aided metal can labeling and printing methods, which enables the employment of elaborate and vibrant designs on the cans.

Personalized food cans improve brand awareness and give customers a more interesting and lasting experience. Food cans are set to undergo a trend to turn them from basic containers into a platform for innovative representation in the food packaging sector.

Category-wise Insights

Aluminum Cans are Highly Preferred Owing to their Recyclability

The table below highlights the demand for metal food cans in Europe by material. Under material, growth opportunities for aluminum cans are expected to remain high in the assessment period

The aluminum segment, while smaller, is set to showcase a significant CAGR of 7.0% through 2033 in the field of metal food cans in Europe. It is expected to be followed by the steel segment.

Material Value-based CAGR
Aluminum 7.0%
Steel 4.6%

Based on material, the aluminum segment is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period in the Europe metal food can space. Aluminum cans are purported to be the highly environmentally-friendly than other beverage packaging by any standard. Since these products can be recycled more frequently than other packaging types and feature recycled content, their use is anticipated to increase throughout Europe.

Brands are set to utilize aluminum cans as these would enable them to package and transport more beverages using less material as they have stackable, lightweight, and robust properties. Unlike glass or plastic, aluminum cans are anticipated to be more valuable in assisting municipal recycling programs in remaining financially sustainable. These can also allow for inadvertently providing a subsidy for the disposal of less valuable recyclables.

According to Metal Packaging Europe, metal is the preferred choice for industrial and consumer packaging, and it is a perfect fit for a circular economy. Around 98 billion units are produced annually for the beverage, food, health & beauty, household, and industrial sectors. This means that, on average, every citizen in the European Union consumes four units weekly.

Two-piece Tinplate Cans to Find Extensive Use among Beverage Manufacturers

Product Type Value CAGR
2-piece Cans 4.3%
3-piece Cans 6.5%

Regarding product type, the two-piece cans segment is expected to dominate the Europe metal food can business landscape. These cans are projected to find extensive use among beverage companies due to their excellent sealing and high production efficiency.

The ability of two-piece cans to offer low raw material consumption and a straightforward production process that mainly suits lightweight aluminum and alloys would aid demand. Two-piece cans are expected to witness a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period.

On the other hand, three-piece cans are estimated to showcase a considerable demand on the back of their ability to adapt to different can shapes and materials. These are anticipated to help reduce food waste and extend shelf life by providing superior protection.

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Competitive Landscape

Leading companies in the Europe metal food can business landscape are focusing on investing in research and development activities. They are doing so to create innovative can materials and designs for improving sustainability and maintaining a competitive edge.

With the advent of smaller, specialized firms and start-ups pioneering environmentally friendly and individualized metal food cans, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years. These companies are taking advantage of the rising demand for green packaging options by providing distinctive, eco-friendly solutions.

Their skill and inventiveness have pushed fresh concepts into the sector, undercutting the hegemony of established players. The metal food can space in Europe promotes healthy competition and innovation.

For instance,

  • In June 2023, Eviosys launched an innovative metal food can package solution known as Ecopeel. The traditional ring-pull opening mechanism was replaced by a foil that is directly sealed to the can's body. This peeled-off seal should reduce the can's carbon impact by up to 20%.
  • In January 2023, Silgan Holdings announced that their net sales of metal containers recorded USD 3.30 billion in 2022, which was an increase of USD 563.8 million or 20.1 percent, compared to USD 2.81 billion recorded in 2021.
  • In December 2022, Trivium Packaging collaborated with Alupro, the United Kingdom-based aluminum packaging recycling organization.

Scope of the Europe Metal Food Can Business Report

Attribute Details
Estimated Europe Metal Food Can Revenue (2023) USD 7,932.2 million
Projected Europe Metal Food Can Revenue (2033) USD 13,152.1 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.2%
Historical Data 2018 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units Value (USD million) and Volume (million units)
Segments Covered Capacity, Material, Product Type, End Use, Country
Key Companies Profiled Amcor Plc; Toyo Seikan Co. Ltd; Sonoco Products Company; Silgan Holdings Inc.; Trivium Packaging; The Massilly Group; Colep Packaging; Envases Group; Canpack; Nussbaum Matzingen Ag; Hoffmann Neopac Ag; Envases Metalicos Eurobox Sl.; ASA Group
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis

Europe Metal Food Can Demand Analysis

By Capacity:

  • Less than 200gm
  • 200 to 500gm
  • 500 to 1000gm
  • Above 1000gm

By Material:

  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Carbon Steel/Mild Steel
  • Tinplate

By Product Type:

  • 2 Piece Cans
  • 3 Piece Cans

By End Use:

  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Tomatoes
  • Fish
  • Dairy
  • Pet Food
  • Infant Formula
  • Others (Ready to Eat, Sauces)

By Country:

  • Deutschland, Austria, Confoederatio Helvetica (DACH)
  • Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)
  • Southern Europe
  • France
  • Rest of Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the metal food can space in Europe?

The Europe metal food can space is set to reach USD 13,152.1 million by 2033.

What metal is mainly used for food cans in Europe?

Aluminum is mainly used for producing food cans in Europe.

Who are the leading food can manufacturers in Europe?

Amcor Plc and Canpack are the leading food can manufacturers in Europe.

How big is the aluminum food can business in Europe?

Aluminum food cans are set to witness a CAGR of 7.0% from 2023 to 2033.

What is the purpose of metal food cans in Europe?

Metal food cans are expected to be used in place of plastic or glass containers.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Key Market Trends
	4. Key Success Factors
	5. Europe Market Demand Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	6. Europe Market - Pricing Analysis
	7. Europe Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD Million) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	8. Market Background
	9. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Capacity
		9.1. Less than 200gm
		9.2. 200-500gm
		9.3. 500-1000gm
		9.4. Above 1000gm
	10. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material
		10.1. Aluminum
		10.2. Steel
			10.2.1. Stainless Steel
			10.2.2. Carbon Steel/Mild Steel
			10.2.3. Tinplate
	11. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product Type
		11.1. 2 Piece Cans
		11.2. 3 Piece Cans
	12. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use
		12.1. Fruits & Vegetables
		12.2. Tomatoes
		12.3. Fish
		12.4. Dairy
		12.5. Pet Food
		12.6. Infant Formula
		12.7. Other (ready to eat, sauces etc.)
	13. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
		13.1. DACH
		13.2. CEE
		13.3. Southern Europe
		13.4. France
		13.5. Rest of Europe
	14. DACH Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	15. CEE Labels Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	16. Southern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	17. France Labels Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	18. Rest of Europe Labels Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	19. Market Structure Analysis
	20. Competition Analysis
		20.1. Amcor Plc
		20.2. Multi-Color Corporation
		20.3. Toyo Seikan Co. Ltd.
		20.4. Sonoco Products Company
		20.5. Silgan Holdings Inc.
		20.6. Trivium Packaging
		20.7. The Massilly Group
		20.8. Colep Packaging
		20.9. Envases Group
		20.10. Canpack
		20.11. Nussbaum Matzingen AG
		20.12. Hoffmann Neopac AG
		20.13. Envases Metalicos Eurobox SI
		20.14. ASA Group
	21. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	22. Research Methodology
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