Global Metal Can Market Outlook, 2030

The metal can industry plays a crucial role in global packaging, providing durable, sustainable, and protective solutions for food, beverages, chemicals, and other consumer goods. Metal cans, primarily made from aluminum and steel, are widely used due to their high recyclability, strength, and ability to preserve product freshness. With increasing concerns about environmental sustainability and the shift away from plastic packaging, metal cans have gained significant traction across multiple industries. The global metal can market has experienced steady growth due to rising demand for convenient and eco-friendly packaging solutions. The beverage industry, particularly soft drinks, energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages, remains the largest consumer of metal cans, driven by consumer preference for lightweight, portable, and recyclable packaging. Additionally, food packaging has seen a surge in demand for metal cans, as they offer long shelf life, protection against contamination, and easy storage. Innovations in lightweight can manufacturing, improved coatings, and smart packaging technologies have further fueled market expansion. While North America and Europe lead the market due to strong recycling infrastructures and strict environmental regulations, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key growth hub, driven by increasing disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and a shift towards sustainable packaging solutions.

According to the research report ""Global Metal Can Market Outlook, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Global Metal Can market was valued at more than USD 73.93 Billion in 2024, and expected to reach a market size of more than USD 99.17 Billion by 2030 with the CAGR of 5.13% from 2025-30.The global metal can market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and durable packaging solutions across industries such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and personal care. With heightened consumer awareness about eco-friendly packaging and rising government regulations on plastic waste reduction, metal cans have gained significant adoption due to their 100% recyclability and superior product protection. The beverage sector remains the largest consumer of metal cans, with a growing preference for aluminum cans in soft drinks, energy drinks, craft beer, and ready-to-drink coffee and tea. Meanwhile, the canned food market is also expanding, fueled by changing lifestyles, urbanization, and the demand for long-shelf-life food products. The rise of lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and BPA-free coatings has further enhanced the appeal of metal cans in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, technological advancements in printing, smart packaging, and resealable can designs are boosting their popularity among brands looking for enhanced marketing appeal and consumer engagement.

Market Drivers

• Increasing Consumer Preference for Convenience Packaging: Consumers today prioritize easy-to-use, portable, and durable packaging solutions, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Metal cans, being lightweight, tamper-resistant, and easy to store, cater to the rising demand for on-the-go consumption. The popularity of single-serve canned beverages, ready-to-eat meals, and canned pet food is driving further market expansion.
• Stringent Government Regulations on Plastic Use: Many countries have introduced strict regulations on single-use plastics, compelling brands to seek alternative, eco-friendly materials such as aluminum and steel. Policies promoting higher recycling rates, deposit-return schemes, and carbon footprint reduction have accelerated the shift toward metal cans, particularly in the European Union, North America, and parts of Asia.

Market Challenges

• Energy-Intensive Production Process: Despite being highly recyclable, the manufacturing of metal cans—especially aluminum—requires a significant amount of energy, leading to concerns about carbon emissions and environmental impact. Manufacturers are now under pressure to adopt renewable energy sources, carbon-neutral production methods, and sustainable mining practices to maintain long-term viability.
• Supply Chain Disruptions and Logistics Costs: The global supply chain crisis, affected by raw material shortages, transportation delays, and geopolitical tensions, has impacted the availability and pricing of metal cans. The increased demand for locally sourced materials and regionalized production facilities is reshaping supply chain strategies to ensure a stable supply of raw materials and finished products.

Market Trends

• Rise of Aluminum Bottles and Resealable Metal Cans: To enhance functionality and reusability, manufacturers are developing aluminum bottles and resealable cans, particularly for energy drinks, craft beverages, and personal care products. These innovations help reduce spillage, improve user experience, and extend product shelf life, offering an edge over traditional metal can designs.
• Customization and Personalization in Can Designs: The demand for limited-edition, personalized, and visually appealing packaging is rising. Companies are using advanced printing technologies, digital embossing, and premium finishes to create eye-catching metal cans that enhance brand identity. This trend is especially strong in the beer, soft drink, and cosmetics industries, where unique packaging can significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions.

Aluminum dominates the metal cans market due to its lightweight nature, high recyclability, and superior protective properties, making it the preferred choice for food, beverages, and personal care packaging.

Aluminum has emerged as the leading material in the metal cans market due to its exceptional combination of durability, lightweight properties, and sustainability. One of its primary advantages is its low weight, which significantly reduces transportation costs and carbon footprint, making it an attractive option for manufacturers aiming to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring that beverages, canned foods, and personal care products remain fresh and uncontaminated for extended periods. Unlike other packaging materials, aluminum cans offer superior barrier protection, effectively shielding contents from light, oxygen, and moisture, which is crucial for carbonated drinks, perishable food items, and aerosol-based products. Furthermore, aluminum's infinite recyclability sets it apart from other metals and plastic alternatives. The material can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality, making it one of the most eco-friendly packaging solutions available today. Many governments and corporations are pushing for sustainable packaging solutions, and aluminum cans align perfectly with global sustainability goals by reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy. The rapid adoption of custom-printed aluminum cans, resealable beverage cans, and lightweight aluminum bottles further demonstrates the material’s versatility and appeal in the packaging industry. With beverage giants, food manufacturers, and personal care brands prioritizing sustainable and efficient packaging, aluminum remains the leading choice in the metal cans market, shaping the future of eco-conscious packaging solutions.

The easy open end is leading in the metal cans market due to its convenience, enhanced consumer experience, and growing demand for ready-to-eat and on-the-go packaged products.

The increasing preference for convenience-driven packaging has made easy open end (EOE) cans the dominant choice in the metal cans market. Consumers today seek hassle-free, quick-access packaging solutions, especially for canned food, beverages, and pet food, eliminating the need for separate tools like can openers. EOE technology provides a user-friendly design with pull-tab or pop-top lids, ensuring effortless opening while maintaining the integrity, freshness, and shelf life of the contents inside. This feature is particularly beneficial for ready-to-eat meals, soups, seafood, and carbonated beverages, as it offers a smooth, spill-free opening mechanism that enhances convenience at home, at work, or during travel. Moreover, manufacturers are adopting EOE technology to cater to evolving consumer preferences and market trends, especially in sectors like canned fruits, vegetables, baby food, and energy drinks, where quick and easy access is crucial. The growth of single-serve packaging in the food and beverage industry has further driven demand for easy-open metal cans, aligning with the fast-paced lifestyles of modern consumers. In addition, EOE cans improve safety by reducing the risk of injuries from sharp edges or complex opening mechanisms, making them an attractive choice for families and elderly consumers. With advancements in eco-friendly aluminum and tinplate EOE cans, coupled with increasing urbanization and demand for on-the-go packaged foods and beverages, the dominance of easy open end cans is expected to continue, reinforcing their status as the industry standard in metal can packaging.

The 2-piece can is leading in the metal cans market due to its superior strength, cost-effectiveness, and seamless design, making it the preferred choice for beverages, food, and aerosol packaging.

The dominance of 2-piece cans in the metal cans market is driven by their efficient manufacturing process, durability, and lightweight properties. Unlike traditional 3-piece cans, which require a separate body, bottom, and lid, 2-piece cans are formed from a single sheet of metal (typically aluminum or tinplate) that is drawn and shaped into a seamless structure with a separate lid. This eliminates the need for a side seam, significantly reducing the risk of leaks and contamination, making them ideal for carbonated beverages, canned foods, and aerosol sprays. Their smooth, seamless body also enhances visual appeal, allowing for high-quality printing and branding, which is a key factor for soft drink, beer, and energy drink companies. In addition to their structural advantages, 2-piece cans are also more cost-effective in mass production. The streamlined drawing and ironing (D&I) process reduces material waste, while the lighter weight lowers transportation and distribution costs, aligning with the industry's push for sustainability and efficiency. Their high recyclability, particularly aluminum variants, further strengthens their market position as governments and brands prioritize eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, the rising demand for canned beverages and processed food, driven by urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles, has fueled the widespread adoption of 2-piece cans across various sectors. With their stronger, lighter, and more sustainable design, 2-piece cans continue to dominate the market, reinforcing their status as the preferred choice in modern packaging solutions.

The beverage sector is leading in the metal cans market due to the rising global demand for canned soft drinks, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, and ready-to-drink (RTD) products, driven by convenience, sustainability, and extended shelf life.

The beverage industry has emerged as the dominant consumer of metal cans, primarily due to the growing preference for portable, sustainable, and long-lasting packaging solutions. Metal cans, particularly aluminum and tinplate cans, offer superior durability, recyclability, and protection against external factors like light and oxygen, ensuring longer shelf life and better taste retention for beverages. The carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, beer, and ready-to-drink coffee and tea segments have seen a significant rise in demand, especially among young consumers and urban populations seeking on-the-go consumption options. Additionally, the surge in health-conscious choices has led to the expansion of functional beverages, plant-based drinks, and sports nutrition drinks, all of which favor metal cans due to their lightweight and easy-to-carry nature. Furthermore, the sustainability factor plays a crucial role in the dominance of metal cans in the beverage market. Unlike plastic and glass, aluminum cans boast a high recycling rate and require less energy to produce. With global environmental concerns and stricter regulations on plastic waste, beverage companies are increasingly shifting to metal cans as an eco-friendly alternative. Innovations such as resealable cans, lightweight designs, and enhanced printing technologies have further boosted the appeal of metal cans for beverage packaging. Additionally, major beverage brands and craft breweries continue to invest in canned packaging to expand their market reach, fueling the sector's growth. Given these factors, the beverage industry remains the largest and fastest-growing segment in the metal cans market, reinforcing its position as the leading driver of demand for metal packaging solutions.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is leading in the metal cans market due to its rapidly growing beverage and food packaging industry, increasing urbanization, and strong manufacturing capabilities that drive high production and consumption.

APAC has emerged as the dominant region in the metal cans market, fueled by its expanding middle-class population, rising disposable incomes, and shifting consumer preferences toward convenient, packaged food and beverages. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing a surge in canned beverage consumption, including soft drinks, beer, energy drinks, and ready-to-drink teas and coffees, driving massive demand for aluminum and tinplate cans. The region's fast-paced urbanization and changing lifestyles have also led to an increased preference for packaged and processed foods, where metal cans provide longer shelf life, protection from contamination, and easy portability. Moreover, APAC is home to some of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs, with cost-efficient production facilities, abundant raw materials, and a strong supply chain for metal can manufacturing. The presence of major food and beverage companies, along with expanding e-commerce and retail sectors, has further boosted demand for sustainable and lightweight packaging solutions like metal cans. Additionally, the rise in environmental consciousness and government initiatives to reduce plastic waste have encouraged the shift toward recyclable packaging materials, positioning metal cans as a preferred choice. With strong industrial growth, increasing demand for packaged consumer goods, and continuous innovation in can designs and manufacturing technologies, APAC remains the leading region in the global metal cans market, and this dominance is expected to continue in the coming years.

Recent Developments

• July 2024: Cajuina São Geraldo, a beverage company from Ceará in northeastern Brazil, partnered with CANPACK to introduce its signature cashew soda, São Geraldo, in 350ml aluminum cans. This marks the brand's first foray into infinitely recyclable packaging. Traditionally, the beverage was exclusively offered in glass or PET bottles.
• June 2024: India's CavinKare collaborated with Ball Corporation to enhance its milkshake packaging. In response to a rising preference for sustainable packaging in India, the company is set to introduce new aluminum cans for its ready-to-drink Cavin's Milkshakes. These cans are expected to debut with various flavors, including Badam, Gulkhand, Rajbog, and Rabri.
• In June 2023: Eviosys, a global packaging provider, introduced ‘Ecopeel’, which is a new metal food can packaging solution that features a peelable foil seal. The foil is sealed onto can’s body and replaces the conventional ring-pull opening system. This peelable seal is assessed to bring down the CO2 produced per can. Additionally, this solution has a 45-degree sealing surface and is easy to open, which translates to less requirement of force to open the can.
• Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), in October 2022, distributed aluminum cans for a new United States tequila-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails under the line of Casa Azul Tequila Soda. The player is vying for a premium on-the-go market.

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.

***Please Note: It will take 48 hours (2 Business days) for delivery of the report upon order confirmation.