Japan Metal Can Market Overview, 2030

In Japan, the metal can market grew alongside the country's industrialization, with metal cans providing an efficient solution for food preservation and packaging. They offered several key advantages, including extended shelf life, contamination protection, and convenience. The adoption of metal cans, especially aluminium, was further supported by Japan's strong commitment to recycling and sustainability. Japan’s well-organized recycling systems encourage consumers to separate and return used cans for processing. The government’s implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system ensures that manufacturers are held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, from production to disposal. This policy has driven the metal can industry to focus on creating more recyclable and eco-friendly products. The government has introduced green packaging standards, offering incentives for companies to develop lighter, more efficient cans that help reduce waste and meet Japan’s environmental goals. Innovations in manufacturing, such as energy-efficient production processes and reductions in CO2 emissions, are also encouraged, with the aim of making metal cans more sustainable. These policies have positioned Japan as a leader in sustainable packaging, fostering an environmentally responsible metal can market. Japan has witnessed several significant events and collaborations in the metal can market, particularly in the areas of sustainability, innovation, and technological advancements. Toyota Tsusho and Toyo Seikan Group, two major Japanese manufacturers, have collaborated with recycling companies to improve the efficiency of aluminium can recycling, striving to create a closed-loop system where used cans are recycled into new ones. This aligns with Japan's strong emphasis on recycling and waste reduction. The Japan Can Manufacturers Association (JCMA) plays a key role in promoting the metal can industry, working with manufacturers, government agencies, and recycling organizations to improve the environmental impact of cans, particularly in aluminium recycling. Japan hosts important industry events, such as the Japan Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association (JPMA) conference and Packaging Expo Japan, where manufacturers showcase innovations in packaging, including advancements in metal can design lightweighting, and recyclability. Global beverage companies like Coca-Cola and Asahi have also partnered with Japanese manufacturers to produce cans make from 100% recycled aluminium, demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable production.

According to the research report, ""Japan Metal Can Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Japan Metal Can market is anticipated to add to more than USD 1.75 Billion by 2025–30. The most significant challenge is the country’s rapidly aging population, which affects the demand for packaged products. As the elderly population grows, there is an increasing need for convenience, but reduced overall consumer spending might impact the demand for metal-can-packaged beverages and convenience foods. Older consumers may have less engagement with recycling initiatives, potentially affecting Japan’s high recycling rates. Japan's reliance on imported raw materials, particularly aluminium, presents another challenge, exposing manufacturers to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, which can affect production costs. While Japan is known for its strong recycling systems, challenges remain in rural regions, where efficient waste management practices are still developing. The need for clean recycling can also deter consumers from fully participating in recycling efforts, leading to contamination in the recycling stream. The growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, such as plant-based plastics, paper packaging, and Tetra Paks, further compounds the issue, as these materials are increasingly viewed as more sustainable options compared to metal cans. Japan’s cultural preference for premium and aesthetically pleasing packaging can sometimes leave metal cans at a disadvantage, particularly in the high-end beverage market where glass or plastic bottles are preferred. To address these challenges, Japan could develop packaging solutions tailored to the aging population, such as easy-open cans and smaller-sized packaging. The country could also reduce its dependency on imports by investing in local aluminium production or exploring alternative sustainable materials. Improving recycling infrastructure and consumer awareness, particularly in rural areas, could further enhance recycling rates. Japan could make metal cans more eco-friendly through innovation, focusing on reducing weight and improving recyclability.

In Japan, aluminium and steel play key roles in the metal can market, each chosen for their specific benefits suited to Japan's climate, consumer needs, and industry requirements. Aluminium is the more widely used material, especially in the beverage sector, due to its lightweight, corrosion resistance, and superior recyclability. Japan's humid and coastal climate poses challenges for packaging materials, as moisture can cause rusting or degradation. Aluminium’s resistance to corrosion makes it ideal for beverages like soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks, where preserving quality and flavor is critical. In Japan, aluminium cans are produced using a highly efficient manufacturing process, where aluminium ingots are rolled into thin sheets and then formed into can bodies. The process involves extrusion, drawing, and necking, which shapes the cans while maintaining strength and flexibility. Aluminium cans are favored for their superior sealing properties, which protect the contents from the high humidity and preserve freshness in the hot and humid summer’s common in Japan. Steel, on the other hand, is typically used for food packaging, such as canned vegetables, fish, and soups, due to its durability and strength. Steel cans are ideal for products requiring a long shelf life and heat resistance, as steel's sturdiness allows it to withstand the high temperatures needed during sterilization. Japan’s cold winters make steel an ideal material for products that need to withstand extreme temperatures without compromising the integrity of the packaging. Steel cans are produced through processes like drawing and welding, and they are often coated with a layer to prevent rusting. Despite the advantages of steel, its heavier weight and lower recyclability compared to aluminium make it less preferred for the beverage industry. Japan is focusing on improving both materials by investing in lighter, thinner designs to reduce environmental impact, reduce material costs, and enhance recyclability.

In Japan, closure types play an essential role in the metal can market, with Easy-Open Ends and Peel-Off Ends being the most commonly used options, particularly in the beverage and food packaging sectors. The Easy-Open End closure is widely used in Japan for beverage cans, such as soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks. The EOE design is preferred for its convenience and ease of use, allowing consumers to easily open the can without the need for additional tools. This type of closure is produced through a process that involves a scored or tabbed end, which is pressed into the lid of the can during manufacturing. The tab is typically made of aluminium and is connected to the end of the can by a thin strip, which can be easily pulled to break the seal. In Japan, where convenience is highly valued, the EOE is particularly popular for on-the-go beverages. Peel-Off Ends (POE) are increasingly used in food cans, such as those containing soups, fish, or ready-to-eat meals, when there is a need for an airtight seal and ease of access. The POE is often designed with a peelable aluminium lid that can be easily removed, leaving no sharp edges, making it safer for consumers, a key consideration in Japan’s focus on user-friendly design. This closure type is commonly found in canned food products requiring an extended shelf life. The process for creating a POE involves a heat-sealed aluminium foil lid, which is adhered to the top of the can. The peel-off feature is achieved by applying a special coating to the lid that ensures it can be easily removed without damaging the can’s contents. Both types of closures are designed with Japan's climate and consumer needs in mind. The use of recyclable materials in both EOE and POE closures reflects Japan’s commitment to sustainability.

In Japan, both 2-piece cans and 3-piece cans are widely used in the metal can market, The 2-piece can design, which consists of a single piece for the body and a top closure, is predominantly used in the beverage industry, especially for soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks. Japanese manufacturers favor 2-piece cans for their efficiency in production and reduced material usage, as the body and base are made from one seamless piece of aluminium or steel. This design minimizes the number of seams, offering better structural integrity and resistance to leaks. The production process involves the deep-drawing technique, where an aluminium or steel sheet is stamped into a cup shape, which is then shaped into the final can by stretching and forming. This method is particularly beneficial for lightweight cans, which aligns with Japan's focus on convenience and transport efficiency. With its high recyclability, 2-piece cans also align with Japan's sustainability goals. On the other hand, 3-piece cans, which are typically used for food products like canned soups, vegetables, and seafood, consist of a cylindrical body, a top, and a bottom, all welded or seamed together. The production of 3-piece cans in Japan involves rolling and seaming a steel sheet to form the cylindrical body, followed by welding or seaming the top and bottom closures. Although 3-piece cans are less lightweight compared to 2-piece cans, they are preferred for certain food products due to their ability to withstand high-pressure sterilization processes, which are essential for ensuring the longevity of canned food. Japanese manufacturers have refined the 3-piece can production process to enhance both strength and resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the cans meet the high standards of quality and durability expected in Japan’s food packaging industry.

In Japan, metal cans play a crucial role in various industries, each leveraging the benefits of metal packaging to meet specific needs. In the food industry, metal cans are widely used to package items like soups, vegetables, fish, and ready-to-eat meals. These cans offer excellent durability and protection against contamination, ensuring long shelf life and safe storage. Japanese manufacturers focus on improving the quality and safety of their cans through advanced sealing and sterilization techniques, adhering to strict food safety regulations. The beverages sector in Japan is another major user of metal cans, particularly for drinks like beer, energy drinks, and soft drinks. Metal cans are favored for their ability to preserve the flavor and carbonation of beverages, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption. Japan's beverage giants, including Asahi, Suntory, and Coca-Cola, continue to innovate in metal can packaging, emphasizing recyclability and sustainability in response to the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. In the cosmetics and personal care industry, metal cans are commonly used for packaging spray products like deodorants and hair care items. These cans typically feature easy-open ends for controlled dispensing and are designed to meet the aesthetic and functional demands of consumers. Japan’s focus on high-quality, attractive packaging is reflected in the design and functionality of these metal cans, aligning with the country’s reputation for innovation in consumer goods. For the pharmaceutical industry, metal cans are used to package products such as aerosol medications and sprays. These cans ensure airtight and sterile storage, maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical products. Japan’s rigorous regulatory standards ensure that metal packaging in this sector provides both safety and precision, essential for medical applications.


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.