South Korea Metal Can Market Overview, 2030

The metal can market in South Korea began as a response to the growing demand for efficient food preservation and packaging solutions. Steel cans were used for food products, while aluminium cans gained popularity for beverages like beer and soft drinks due to their lightweight nature, durability, and recyclability. The expansion of the beverage industry, combined with government-backed recycling initiatives, helped establish South Korea as a leader in sustainable metal can packaging. Key government policies, such as the Resource Recycling Act, mandate the collection and recycling of packaging materials, including metal cans, which supports a circular economy and reduces waste. The Waste Management Act further enhances waste separation, collection, and recycling processes, driving the demand for recyclable materials like metal cans. South Korea's Green Growth Strategy also promotes the use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable packaging practices. Leading companies in the South Korean metal can market include Korea Can Co., Ltd., Hyundai Steel, and Lotte Aluminum. Korea Can Co., Ltd. is one of the largest manufacturers of aluminium cans, focusing on beverage packaging and eco-friendly practices. Hyundai Steel, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, is a major producer of 3-piece cans used primarily in the food industry, emphasizing sustainability. Lotte Aluminum manufactures aluminium cans for beverages and is known for its energy-efficient production processes. South Korea’s metal can market stands out for its high recycling rates, supported by a robust waste management system, and its emphasis on packaging innovation. The country’s eco-conscious consumers further drive the demand for sustainable packaging, positioning metal cans as a more environmentally friendly option compared to plastic. The factors, along with government incentives for sustainable practices, have made South Korea’s metal can market one of the most advanced globally in terms of technology, sustainability, and consumer demand.

According to the research report ""South Korea Metal Can Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Metal Can market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 2.80 Billion by 2030. The metal can market in South Korea offers several merits, making it a dominant player in the packaging industry. One of the key advantages is sustainability, as metal cans, particularly aluminium, are highly recyclable, which aligns with the country's strong recycling culture. The lightweight and durable nature of aluminium also contributes to reduced transportation costs and carbon emissions, a significant factor in South Korea’s urbanized environment. Aluminium cans provide excellent protection for products, safeguarding them from external factors such as light, air, and moisture, which is crucial for preserving food and beverages. The country’s robust waste management and recycling infrastructure further supports the growth of the metal can industry, promoting eco-friendly packaging solutions. There are also challenges in the South Korean metal can market. A primary concern is the high production cost, particularly for aluminium cans, due to the volatile price of raw materials and the complex manufacturing processes involved. Despite aluminium’s lightweight nature, its production remains energy-intensive, raising environmental concerns. South Korea's reliance on imported aluminium exacerbates sustainability and cost challenges. While recycling rates are high, handling and disposal of metal cans in rural regions still face logistical difficulties. Manufacturers can focus on improving energy efficiency in production and increasing the use of recycled aluminium to minimize environmental impact. Local sourcing of raw materials can also reduce dependence on imports and lower costs. Collaboration between government bodies and businesses to enhance waste collection systems in less urbanized areas will help improve recycling efforts. These solutions can make the metal can market more sustainable and efficient in South Korea. Aluminium cans also offer distinct benefits due to South Korea’s dense population and consumer preferences. The growing eco-conscious consumer base in South Korea further drives the demand for aluminium as a sustainable and safe packaging material.

In South Korea's metal can market, aluminium and steel are two prominent materials, each serving specific roles in various industries. Aluminium is the dominant material, particularly in the beverage sector, due to its lightweight nature, which reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions. It is widely used for packaging soft drinks, beer, energy drinks, and juices. The recyclability of aluminium aligns with South Korea’s strong commitment to sustainability, making it a favored option in an eco-conscious market. Aluminium’s excellent resistance to corrosion ensures the safety and integrity of beverages by protecting them from external factors like light, moisture, and air. its sleek appearance boosts its appeal in South Korea’s competitive beverage market, where aesthetics matter. Aluminium cans are also highly effective in maintaining temperature, which is important in South Korea’s varied climate, helping to keep drinks cool in summer and warm in winter. Steel cans, while not as widely used in beverages, play a crucial role in food packaging. Steel, particularly tin-plated steel, offers durability and strength, making it ideal for packaging products like canned vegetables, meats, and ready-to-eat meals. While steel cans are heavier and costlier to produce compared to aluminium, their robust nature ensures the long shelf life and safety of food items. The sealing capabilities of steel cans are critical for preserving the quality of food, especially those that need protection from external environmental factors. While aluminium is the leading material in beverage packaging, steel remains essential in the food industry, where its durability and protective qualities are paramount.

In South Korea, the choice of closure types for metal cans, including Easy-Open End (EOE), Peel-off End (POE), and other variations, is driven by the need for convenience, functionality, and consumer preferences, especially in the beverage and food industries. The Easy-Open End (EOE) is the most prevalent closure type used in South Korea, particularly for beverage cans, including those for beer, soft drinks, and energy drinks. The EOE is favored for its ease of use, as it allows consumers to quickly open the can with a simple pull-tab, making it highly convenient for on-the-go lifestyles. This closure type is crucial for enhancing user experience and is a significant factor in the popularity of aluminium beverage cans in South Korea, a market with a fast-paced urban environment. The demand for EOE is largely driven by its ability to provide both secure packaging and effortless opening, aligning with South Korean consumer preferences for quick and efficient packaging solutions. While the EOE is dominant, Peel-off End (POE) closures are gaining traction, particularly in the food sector. POE is typically used for premium food products like canned soups, ready-to-eat meals, and some specialty items, where an airtight seal is important for product preservation and shelf life. The POE provides a smooth, clean opening, and is often associated with high-quality products, enhancing the premium appeal for consumers. Other types of closures, such as twist-off or Snap-On, are also used for specific applications in South Korea, particularly in pharmaceutical packaging or certain beverages that require different sealing methods for freshness and integrity. The variety of closures used in the South Korean market reflects the country's focus on quality packaging and consumer satisfaction, with manufacturers continuously adapting to meet the evolving demands for convenience, safety, and sustainability.

In South Korea, the production of 2-piece cans and 3-piece cans follows sophisticated and efficient manufacturing processes, driven by the country’s technological advancements and demand for sustainable packaging solutions. 2-piece cans dominate South Korea’s metal can market, particularly for beverages. These cans are made from a single piece of metal, usually aluminium. The production begins with drawing and ironing, where an aluminium sheet is drawn into a cup-like shape and then thinned out to form the body of the can. This process ensures that the can is lightweight, which is crucial for both cost efficiency and sustainability. The top and bottom parts of the can are formed from the same aluminium sheet, with the necking process used to create the can's top edge. Once formed, the cans go through a coating and printing stage, where the exterior is printed with high-quality designs and protective coatings are applied to maintain freshness and product safety. The manufacturing process is streamlined for mass production, and automation is heavily used to ensure uniformity and reduce costs. In terms of technological advancements, companies are working on creating thinner, stronger cans that consume fewer raw materials without compromising durability. 3-piece cans are typically used in food packaging in South Korea and are produced using a more complex process. The body of the can is formed by seaming or welding a flat sheet of steel or tinplate into a cylindrical shape. After the body is made, the top and bottom are separately produced and attached. The body is then sealed using a specialized process to ensure the can is airtight and able to protect the contents from light, air, and moisture. Although 3-piece cans are more robust than 2-piece cans, their production is more resource-intensive and expensive, due to the additional materials and steps involved. In South Korea, manufacturers are focusing on enhancing the production of 3-piece cans by optimizing the sealing process, improving material strength, and reducing production costs. With a focus on sustainability, efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact of these cans by incorporating more recyclable materials and improving recycling systems within the country.

In South Korea, the metal can market serves diverse industries, with significant applications in food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors. The food industry relies heavily on 3-piece cans made from steel or tinplate to preserve products like vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat meals, and seafood. These cans protect against light, air, and moisture, ensuring a long shelf life. As sustainability becomes more important, South Korean manufacturers are incorporating recycled materials into their production to align with the country's environmental goals. In the beverage sector, aluminium 2-piece cans are dominant, for beverages like soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks. Aluminium’s lightweight nature reduces transportation costs, and its excellent recyclability makes it a popular choice among eco-conscious consumers. Aluminium cans provide superior temperature retention, keeping drinks cooler in summer and warmer in winter, making them suitable for South Korea's diverse climate. In the cosmetics and personal care industry, aluminium cans are used for packaging aerosol products, such as deodorants and sprays. Their lightweight nature and premium feel make them an ideal choice, and the industry's growing focus on sustainability drives the shift toward eco-friendly aluminium packaging. Pharmaceuticals also rely on metal cans, particularly for packaging products that need airtight seals, like medicinal sprays and vitamins. These cans ensure product integrity by protecting against environmental factors such as moisture and light. The industrial sector uses metal cans for packaging chemicals, paints, and lubricants, where durability and strong sealing properties are essential.


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.