Middle East & Africa Metal Can Market Outlook, 2030

In the Middle East and Africa, metal cans serve as essential packaging solutions, offering durability, recyclability, and efficiency across various industries. Historically, the adoption of metal cans in this region began in the mid-20th century, introduced to enhance the preservation and distribution of food and beverages. Their ability to protect contents from external contaminants and extend shelf life addressed critical challenges in food security and logistics. Today, metal cans are predominantly used in the food and beverage sector, providing consumers with convenient, portable, and safe packaging options. The introduction of metal cans has significantly reduced food waste by preventing spoilage and contamination. However, the production and consumption of metal cans are influenced by factors such as the volatility of raw material prices, including steel and aluminum, and the region's dependence on imports for these materials, which can lead to supply chain disruptions. Technological advancements have played a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of metal can manufacturing, leading to reduced costs and improved sustainability. Moreover, the establishment of metal trading companies in Gulf states like Oman, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia reflects a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for metals, diversify economies, and strengthen positions in the global supply chain for essential metals required for energy transitions. These developments underscore the multifaceted role of metal cans in the Middle East and Africa, highlighting their importance in modern packaging solutions and economic strategies.

According to the research report, ""Middle East and Africa Metal Can Market Outlook, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Middle East and Africa Metal Can market is anticipated to add to more than USD 1.04 Billion by 2025–30. The market growth is driven by the increasing demand for packaged food and beverages, as well as the growing interest in sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions across the region. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the way in adopting metal cans due to their convenience and ability to preserve the quality of products. This has been particularly evident in the beverage sector, where the demand for aluminum cans has surged, especially for soft drinks, energy drinks, and beer. The region's expanding food and beverage manufacturing industry has further fueled the growth, with local production facilities being established to cater to regional and international markets. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, as many countries in the region still rely on imports for raw materials such as aluminum and steel, which can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted the production and consumption of metal cans, with some manufacturers facing delays due to lockdowns and a decrease in demand for non-essential products. The regulatory environment also plays a crucial role, with governments tightening policies on packaging materials and recycling rates to promote environmental sustainability. While the global metal can industry continues to thrive, this region’s position within the broader market remains crucial in shaping future trends, as local governments and businesses increasingly focus on reducing plastic usage and embracing eco-friendly alternatives. The push towards local manufacturing and increasing production capacity highlights the region's growing importance in the global metal can market.

Market Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Packaged Food and Beverages: The Middle East and Africa have experienced a significant rise in the demand for ready-to-eat meals and packaged beverages. This trend is driven by a shift in consumer behavior towards convenience and longer shelf life, making metal cans an essential packaging solution for manufacturers to meet these growing needs.
• Population Growth and Urbanization Rapid population growth and urbanization in countries like the UAE and South Africa are creating increased demand for packaging solutions that ensure convenience, safety, and quality. As cities expand and lifestyles become more fast-paced, metal cans provide an ideal solution for products requiring durable, easy-to-transport packaging.

Market Challenges

• Lack of Recycling Awareness and Infrastructure In many parts of the Middle East and Africa, limited recycling infrastructure and a lack of awareness about the importance of recycling hinder the management of metal can waste. This poses challenges for manufacturers striving to promote sustainability while dealing with the environmental impact of packaging.
• High Production Costs The rising costs of raw materials and energy in the region, coupled with a reliance on imports, create financial pressures for metal can manufacturers. These increased costs often impact pricing strategies and can affect the profitability of businesses in this sector.

Market Trends

• Increased Use of Aluminum in Beverage Cans The shift towards aluminum cans is becoming more prominent in the Middle East and Africa. Aluminum offers significant advantages, such as recyclability, lightweight design, and growing popularity among beverage manufacturers, making it a favored choice for packaging in the region.
• Focus on Sustainable Packaging Solutions As sustainability becomes a greater priority in the region, the metal can industry is increasingly focused on developing eco-friendly packaging solutions. Efforts to improve recycling capabilities and reduce waste are becoming central to the region’s evolving approach to packaging in the food and beverage industries.

Aluminum is the largest and fastest-growing material type in the Middle East and Africa Metal Can industry due to its superior recyclability and versatility, which aligns with growing environmental awareness and consumer preferences.

Over the years, aluminum has become the material of choice for packaging in this region, particularly for beverages, because of its lightweight properties and ability to preserve product quality for extended periods. In addition, aluminum’s recyclability makes it an attractive option as the region shifts toward more sustainable packaging solutions. The Middle East and Africa are experiencing increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging, and aluminum cans fit perfectly into this trend. As consumers become more conscious of environmental issues, manufacturers are turning to aluminum as a way to meet consumer preferences while also reducing their carbon footprint. Furthermore, aluminum offers excellent protection against light and air, which is crucial in maintaining the quality of packaged food and beverages. Technological advancements in aluminum can production have also contributed to its rapid growth, enabling manufacturers to meet the region's diverse demands. Aluminum’s role in the Middle East and Africa’s metal can industry is also bolstered by its cost-effectiveness and growing availability, allowing manufacturers to produce high-quality products that are both affordable and sustainable.

The easy-open end (EOE) is the largest and fastest-growing closure type in the Middle East and Africa metal can industry due to its convenience, safety, and growing consumer preference for practical packaging solutions.

The EOE has revolutionized the way products are consumed, particularly in the food and beverage sectors, where convenience is a top priority. With urbanization on the rise and lifestyles becoming more fast-paced, consumers in the region increasingly demand packaging that is easy to open and handle without additional tools. The EOE is designed to be user-friendly, enabling even children or the elderly to access the contents without struggling with traditional can openers. This has made it especially popular in the beverage industry, where cans are widely used for carbonated drinks, juices, and other ready-to-drink products. The growth of retail chains and modern supermarkets across the region has further fueled the demand for EOE as a preferred closure type. Manufacturers are continuously innovating to enhance the efficiency of the opening mechanism, ensuring that it is tamper-proof while maintaining ease of use. Additionally, with the rising focus on sustainability, EOE closures often require fewer materials and contribute to lighter packaging, which is more energy-efficient to produce and transport. This combination of practicality, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability has made EOE the dominant closure type in the region.

3-piece cans are significant in the Middle East and Africa metal can industry due to their versatility, strength, and ability to withstand high pressure, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

These cans, typically made from steel, are composed of three distinct parts: a body, a top, and a bottom, which are welded together to form a durable container. This construction allows 3-piece cans to be used in packaging a variety of products, including foods, beverages, and even chemicals, especially those requiring a high level of protection. In the food industry, where preservation and shelf life are crucial, 3-piece cans provide excellent sealing capabilities, protecting the contents from contamination and external factors. They are particularly popular for items like soups, meats, and vegetables, where maintaining freshness is vital. The strength of 3-piece cans also allows them to handle the challenges of transportation and storage in the harsh climates typical of many countries in the Middle East and Africa. Their ability to accommodate different types of coatings and linings further extends their use, ensuring that products remain safe and unaffected by external conditions. With growing consumer demand for packaged products in the region, the practicality and reliability of 3-piece cans make them a favored choice for manufacturers aiming to meet both local and international market needs.

The food industry is the fastest-growing product application in the Middle East and Africa metal can industry due to the region's increasing demand for convenient, long-lasting, and safe food packaging solutions.

Metal cans, particularly for food products, offer excellent protection against external elements, preserving the quality and freshness of perishable goods for extended periods. In countries with hot climates and limited refrigeration access, the need for durable, non-perishable packaging has led to a rise in the popularity of canned foods. Cans are also highly valued for their ability to maintain the nutritional value of food, ensuring that consumers receive products that are both safe and nutritious. As urbanization accelerates and more people move to cities, there is a growing shift toward ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare meals, further fueling the demand for metal cans. Canned foods provide an essential solution for busy consumers who value both convenience and quality. In addition, with the increasing popularity of international food products and the need to ensure consistency in packaging for exports, metal cans are becoming the preferred choice for manufacturers. The rise of retail chains and supermarkets, which rely on bulk and long shelf-life products, also contributes to the growing demand for metal cans in the food sector, as these retailers seek packaging that supports both storage and transportation.

South Africa is significant in the Middle East and Africa metal can industry due to its well-established manufacturing base and growing demand for packaged food and beverages.

The country serves as a key player in the region, driven by a mix of local production capabilities and increasing consumption patterns. South Africa has long been a hub for various industries, and the metal can market benefits from its strong industrial infrastructure, which includes advanced can manufacturing facilities. The country also serves as a vital export gateway for metal can products across the African continent, providing cost-effective and reliable packaging solutions for a range of sectors, from food and beverages to chemicals and personal care. Over the years, South Africa’s food and beverage industry has experienced steady growth, particularly in packaged goods, which has further fueled the demand for metal cans. This growth is supported by the country’s expanding retail sector and evolving consumer habits that prioritize convenience and long shelf-life products. Moreover, South Africa’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly solutions has contributed to an increased focus on recycling and the use of aluminum cans, which are highly recyclable and have a lower environmental footprint. With continued urbanization, a shift toward ready-to-eat meals, and its strategic location, South Africa remains a significant player in shaping the dynamics of the metal can market in the region.

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.