The metal can market in Mexico has grown due to industrialization, urbanization, and the increasing demand for packaged goods, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Advancements in manufacturing and packaging technologies have made metal cans a preferred choice for preserving food, beverages, and industrial products. The expansion of the beverage industry, especially soft drinks and beer, has significantly boosted demand for aluminium and tin cans. Trade liberalization and agreements like NAFTA further strengthened the market by enabling international packaging companies to establish manufacturing facilities in Mexico, enhancing local production capacity. Sustainability has also played a key role, as metal cans are highly recyclable, making them a preferred option for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses. Major players in the market include Crown Holdings, Ball Corporation, and Envases Universales, which cater to various industries with specialized packaging solutions. The Mexican government has introduced policies that impact the metal can industry, including high tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from non-trade agreement countries to support local manufacturers. Strict environmental regulations require metal-related industries to comply with sustainability measures, balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility. Metal cans in Mexico are widely used across the beverage, food, and industrial sectors, with the beverage industry leading in demand. Food cans are essential for preserving various packaged goods, while industrial cans serve purposes such as storing paints and chemicals.
According to the research report, ""Mexico Metal Can Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Mexico Metal Can market is anticipated to add to more than USD 440 Million by 2025–30. The metal can market in Mexico is evolving with several key industry events highlight advancements and collaborations. FABTECH Mexico 2025, set for May 6-8 in Monterrey, serves as a major platform for metalworking professionals, showcasing developments in metal forming, welding, and finishing. Labelexpo Mexico 2025, scheduled for April 1-3 in Guadalajara, focuses on packaging and label printing innovations, essential for branding metal cans. PLASTIMAGEN MEXICO 2025, happening March 11-14 in Mexico City, explores packaging solutions, including materials influencing metal can manufacturing. These events provide networking opportunities and insights into industry trends. Despite its potential, the metal can market faces several challenges, including rising raw material costs, strict environmental regulations, and competition from alternative packaging. The increasing prices of aluminium and steel, influenced by tariffs and global supply chain disruptions, raise production costs. Companies are addressing this by exploring local sourcing and investing in recycling programs to reduce reliance on imported materials. Stricter environmental regulations demand sustainable practices, pushing manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly production methods and increase the use of recycled metals. Plastic and glass packaging pose competition, requiring companies to innovate with lightweight designs and sustainability marketing to position metal cans as durable and environmentally friendly. The market is being shaped by sustainability, innovation, and changing consumer preferences. There is a growing shift toward recyclable and lightweight aluminium cans, particularly in the beverage and food sectors. The demand for craft beer, energy drinks, and ready-to-drink beverages is driving the need for innovative can designs. Smart packaging solutions, such as QR codes and interactive labels, are enhancing consumer engagement. The expansion of local manufacturing and near shoring strategies, influenced by trade policies, is also strengthening domestic production and reducing import dependence.
Aluminium cans are highly valued for their lightweight nature, resistance to corrosion, and superior recyclability. They are made from high-purity aluminium alloys, typically 3104-H19 or 5182, which provide strength while maintaining flexibility for easy shaping. One of the biggest advantages of aluminium is its infinite recyclability without losing quality, making it a key material in Mexico’s push for sustainable packaging. Aluminium cans are also coated with a protective polymer layer to prevent reactions between the metal and acidic beverages. The cost of aluminium fluctuates based on global trade policies and raw material availability, impacting production costs. Despite price volatility, its low transportation weight and high scrap value make it a preferred choice in industries focused on sustainability and efficiency. Steel cans, on the other hand, are made from tinplate or tin-free steel (TFS), offering higher strength and durability compared to aluminium. A unique development in Mexico is the expansion of refillable and returnable aluminium cans, driven by sustainability initiatives from major beverage companies. Tinplate steel is produced by coating steel sheets with a thin layer of tin, enhancing corrosion resistance while maintaining the metal’s robustness. Tin-free steel, often coated with chromium instead of tin, is used in applications where extra strength and rigidity are required. Steel cans are heavier than aluminium, which increases shipping costs but provides superior barrier protection against oxygen, light, and contaminants. Although steel is less recyclable than aluminium in Mexico, it remains a key material in industries requiring high-pressure resistance and long-term durability. The cost of steel is influenced by global supply chain factors and domestic production capabilities, making local sourcing an essential strategy for manufacturers.
In Mexico’s metal can market, closure types play a crucial role in determining convenience, safety, and product preservation. The three primary closure types used are Easy-Open Ends (EOE), Peel-Off Ends (POE), and Others, each catering to different packaging needs across industries. Easy-Open End (EOE) closures are widely used in beverage and food cans, especially for soft drinks, beer, and canned goods. These closures feature a pre-scored metal lid with a pull-tab, allowing consumers to open the can without additional tools. EOE closures are primarily made from aluminium or tinplate steel, depending on the product requirements. In Mexico, aluminium cans with EOE are the most widely used, particularly in the beer and carbonated beverage industries, due to their lightweight, high recyclability, and ease of use. The increasing demand for convenience packaging and on-the-go consumption has further fueled the adoption of EOE in the Mexican market. Peel-Off End (POE) closures, typically used in food packaging, consist of a thin aluminium or foil-based membrane sealed onto the can’s rim. These are common in canned dairy products, infant formula, soups, and ready-to-eat meals. POE closures provide airtight sealing, ensuring longer shelf life and freshness. Unlike EOE, which requires force to lift the tab, POE closures allow for gentle removal, reducing spillage risks. Although not as widely used as EOE in Mexico, they are gaining popularity in premium food packaging where product safety and hygiene are top priorities. The others category includes traditional non-easy-open ends, pull-tab lids, and resealable closures used in aerosol cans, industrial products, and specialty food items. While these closures are still relevant, EOE remains the most dominant type in Mexico, particularly in the aluminium beverage can segment, which continues to grow due to increasing consumer demand for convenience and sustainability.
In Mexico’s metal can market, 2-piece and 3-piece cans are the two main product types, each offering distinct advantages based on manufacturing efficiency, cost, and application. 2-piece cans are made from a single sheet of aluminium or steel, drawn and stretched into shape without side seams, resulting in a lightweight, durable, and leak-proof structure. These cans are widely used in beverages, such as beer, soft drinks, and energy drinks, due to their seamless design, which prevents contamination and enhances product safety. Mexico’s beverage industry heavily relies on 2-piece aluminium cans, driven by the growing demand for sustainable and recyclable packaging. The local production of aluminium cans is increasing, as manufacturers are investing in advanced light weighting technology to reduce material usage while maintaining strength. 3-piece cans, made from a rolled steel sheet body with a welded seam, a top lid, and a bottom lid, are commonly used for canned foods, industrial products, and aerosol packaging. These cans provide higher structural integrity, making them ideal for long-shelf-life food products like beans, sauces, and dairy items. Mexico’s food industry still relies on 3-piece cans; especially tinplate steel cans, due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to withstand external pressure. The government and packaging sector are exploring alternatives to reduce the use of welded-seam cans, which require more material and energy to produce. To enhance sustainability and cost efficiency, Mexico is shifting towards lightweight aluminium 2-piece cans, especially in the food industry, where new can-forming technologies are being developed. Local manufacturers are also expanding recycling initiatives to reduce dependence on imported raw materials, making the metal can industry more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.
In Mexico’s metal can market, applications span across multiple industries, with a growing focus on sustainability, innovation, and consumer convenience. The food industry in Mexico is a major consumer of metal cans, particularly for canned vegetables, beans, dairy products, and sauces. Due to Mexico’s strong agricultural sector, metal cans are crucial for preserving seasonal produce and extending shelf life. A unique trend in Mexico’s food can market is the rise of easy-open tinplate cans for ready-to-eat meals, catering to urban consumers and busy lifestyles. Spicy and high-acid foods, like salsas and pickled products, require specialized can coatings to prevent metal corrosion, making Mexico’s market invest in advanced lacquer technologies. The beverage industry in Mexico is dominated by aluminium cans, primarily used for beer, soft drinks, and energy drinks. Mexico is one of the largest beer exporters in the world, and the shift toward sleek and slim aluminium can designs is gaining popularity, enhancing brand appeal. Mexican craft breweries are increasingly adopting recyclable aluminium cans to cater to eco-conscious consumers. In the cosmetics and personal care sector, Mexico’s metal can market serves aerosol products like deodorants, hairsprays, and shaving foams. Unlike other regions, Mexico has a high demand for travel-size metal cans, reflecting the rising trend of on-the-go grooming and beauty products. Some brands are also introducing reusable metal can packaging to align with Mexico’s sustainability regulations. The pharmaceutical industry in Mexico uses metal cans for powdered medicines, inhalers, and medical sprays. A significant trend is the increased production of tamper-proof aluminium cans for medicinal powders and baby formula, ensuring product safety and compliance with Mexico’s health regulations. The others category includes industrial lubricants, chemical products, and household cleaning sprays. Mexico’s automotive and manufacturing industries rely heavily on metal aerosol cans for maintenance products, and manufacturers are investing in biodegradable propellant alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
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.
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