Australia Metal Can Market Overview, 2030

The metal can market in Australia has evolved significantly over time, driven by the growing demand for food preservation and packaging solutions, particularly for perishable products. The country implemented several initiatives, such as the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), which encouraged consumers to return beverage containers in exchange for a deposit, significantly improving recycling rates. Initially, steel cans dominated the Australian market, particularly for food products such as vegetables, meats, soups, and fruits. They provided an excellent barrier against environmental factors such as light, moisture, and air, which helped prevent spoilage. Over time, as consumer demand for convenience and portability increased, the beverage industry began to adopt metal cans, with aluminium becoming the preferred material due to its lighter weight, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability. The energy-intensive processes involved in manufacturing metal cans raise concerns about the environmental impact, despite the increased focus on recycling and sustainable practices. Manufacturers must continue to innovate and improve production techniques to address these challenges while maintaining the balance between sustainability and cost-effectiveness. With the country’s strong recycling infrastructure and commitment to environmental sustainability, the metal can market in Australia is likely to remain an integral part of the packaging industry, catering to the food, beverage, and other sectors in the years to come. The growing eco-conscious consumer base, coupled with government initiatives, will continue to shape the market’s development.

According to the research report ""Australia Metal Can Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Australia Metal Can market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.68% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The metal can market in Australia has evolved significantly, shaped by technological advancements, changing consumer behavior, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Aluminium cans have become a vital packaging solution, particularly in the food and beverage sectors, due to their lightweight nature, durability, and recyclability. Australia’s large geographical size and urbanization have contributed to the growing demand for convenient packaging that can withstand various environmental conditions. As consumers become more health-conscious, aluminium cans have gained popularity for their safety compared to plastic containers, as they are less likely to leach harmful chemicals and offer superior protection from contaminants. This trend is particularly noticeable in the beverage industry, where aluminium cans are seen as a premium option, appreciated for their sleek, shiny appearance, and ability to preserve product quality. In the food sector, steel cans remain essential for products that require extended shelf life or robust protection from external factors. While aluminium cans dominate the beverage market, steel cans are still widely used for canned vegetables, soups, and meats, as they provide strong protection from light, air, and moisture. These qualities are particularly valuable in Australia’s harsh and unpredictable climate, ensuring that food products remain safe and intact during transportation and storage. The ability of steel cans to withstand various environmental factors makes them an ideal packaging solution for long-distance transportation, especially in a country as vast as Australia. Despite the rise of aluminium cans, steel remains indispensable for packaging food products that need to be preserved for longer periods, meeting the evolving needs of the Australian market while maintaining product integrity.

In the Australian metal can market, both aluminium and steel play crucial roles, each serving distinct needs based on product type, consumer demand, and environmental considerations. Aluminium cans are widely used, especially in the beverage industry, due to their lightweight nature, durability, and recyclability. The growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions has significantly bolstered aluminium’s popularity, with consumers increasingly preferring recyclable options. Aluminium cans are seen as premium packaging due to their sleek appearance and ability to preserve beverage freshness. Aluminium’s ability to resist corrosion and its efficient manufacturing processes has made it the preferred choice for soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks in Australia. Its high recyclability aligns well with Australia’s strong environmental goals and initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Steel, on the other hand, continues to be the material of choice for many food products, particularly those requiring long shelf life and robust protection. Steel cans offer greater strength, making them ideal for preserving canned vegetables, soups, meats, and other perishable food items. Steel’s sturdiness ensures that the products remain intact during long transportation periods, especially given Australia’s large geographical expanse and varying climates. Steel also provides excellent protection against environmental factors like moisture, light, and air, which is essential for food preservation. Despite the popularity of aluminium, steel maintains a strong presence in food packaging, where longevity and product integrity are crucial. Steel cans are cost-effective to produce at large scales, making them a practical choice for manufacturers in the food sector. Both materials have their distinct advantages in Australia’s metal can market, with aluminium leading in beverages and steel dominating in food packaging.

In the Australian metal can market, closure types play a significant role in determining the convenience, functionality, and consumer appeal of products. Among the most commonly used closure types are Easy-Open Ends (EOE) and Peel-Off Ends (POE), each offering distinct advantages based on consumer needs and the type of product being packaged. Easy-Open Ends (EOE) are widely used in both food and beverage cans in Australia, particularly for products like soft drinks, beer, and canned food. EOEs offer consumers a convenient and hassle-free opening experience, eliminating the need for a can opener. This is especially important in a fast-paced consumer environment where convenience is a key factor in purchasing decisions. The use of EOEs has grown due to their ability to maintain product integrity while ensuring ease of access, which is particularly crucial for the beverage market, where quick consumption is a priority. Aluminum beverage cans, in particular, utilize EOEs to provide a streamlined user experience and ensure freshness is preserved upon opening. Peel-Off Ends (POE), though less common, are typically used for specialized packaging such as canned soups, ready meals, or products that require controlled pouring or removal without spilling. POEs are often used in food packaging, where the contents need to be accessed carefully and without contamination. The peel-off design allows for controlled, precise opening, which is important for products that may be consumed in smaller portions or require direct serving. The ability to peel off the lid without damaging the can ensures that the product stays fresh and safe for consumption. Other closure types, such as twist-off lids, are more commonly seen in glass containers but occasionally appear in niche markets for certain food products. In Australia, EOE and POE remain the dominant closure types in the metal can market, with their specific applications suited to a wide range of consumer needs.

In the Australian metal can market, the choice between 2-piece and 3-piece cans is driven by both consumer demand and the specific packaging requirements of different industries. Both can types have unique manufacturing processes and applications, with the Australian market adopting each based on the product being packaged and the need for efficiency and sustainability. 2-piece cans are the most common type used in the Australian beverage industry, particularly for soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks. These cans are made from a single piece of aluminium or steel, which is drawn and shaped into a cylindrical form, with the bottom and top formed from the same piece of metal. The key advantage of 2-piece cans is their lightweight nature, which reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions—a factor that aligns with Australia's growing focus on sustainability. Aluminium’s high recyclability also plays a significant role in their popularity, with many Australian consumers opting for aluminium cans due to their eco-friendly reputation. The manufacturing process for 2-piece cans is more cost-efficient as it requires fewer steps, making it ideal for mass production, particularly in the high-volume beverage market. In contrast, 3-piece cans are commonly used for food packaging in Australia, especially for products that need extra durability and long shelf life, such as canned vegetables, soups, and meats. These cans consist of three separate parts: the body, the top (or lid), and the bottom. Steel is typically used for 3-piece cans, providing the necessary strength to withstand the harsh environmental conditions and long transportation distances that are often seen in Australia’s vast and rural markets. The manufacturing process for 3-piece cans involves welding or seaming the body together, and attaching the top and bottom separately. While they are heavier and more costly to produce than 2-piece cans, the added protection and durability they provide are crucial for food preservation in Australia’s diverse climate.

In the Australian market, metal cans are used across various applications, each tailored to meet the specific requirements of the industry. The two primary materials used—aluminium and steel—serve different functions depending on the product and packaging needs. In the food sector, steel cans are predominantly used for products requiring long shelf life and robust protection, such as canned vegetables, soups, meats, and seafood. Steel's strength and resistance to external elements like moisture, air, and light make it an ideal choice for preserving the freshness of these food items. This is particularly important in the Australian market, where food products are often transported over long distances, and climate variations can be harsh. Steel cans offer greater durability, ensuring the food remains uncontaminated during storage and distribution. The beverage industry, on the other hand, relies heavily on aluminium cans due to their lightweight nature and high recyclability. Aluminium cans are used extensively for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, and other beverages, aligning with Australia’s growing eco-conscious consumer base. The lightweight design of aluminium cans help reduce transportation costs and environmental impact, contributing to sustainability goals. Aluminium provides superior protection against light and oxygen, ensuring that beverages maintain their freshness and flavor for longer periods. As consumer preferences shift toward sustainable packaging, the demand for aluminium cans continues to grow, particularly in the beverage industry. In the cosmetics and personal care sector, both aluminium and steel cans are used, but aluminium is more prevalent due to its aesthetic appeal and versatility. Aluminium cans are used for packaging aerosol products such as deodorants, hair sprays, and other personal care items. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to handle and cost-effective for both manufacturing and distribution. For pharmaceuticals, aluminium cans are often used for packaging products that require airtight seals to maintain potency and shelf life. Steel cans are less common in the pharmaceutical industry due to the need for precise, hygienic packaging for sensitive medications. Aluminium’s ability to preserve the integrity of pharmaceutical products makes it a preferred choice for this sector as well.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Metal Can Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Material
• Aluminum
• Steel

By Closure Type
• Easy-open end (EOE)
• Peel-off end (POE)
• Others

By Product
• 2-Piece cans
• 3-Piece cans

By Application
• Food
• Beverages
• Cosmetics and personal care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.