Market value for beer packaging is forecast rise minimally to $8.1 billion in 2027, while unit demand is expected to decline 1.1% per year to 70.9 billion units. Demand will be negatively affected by beer’s declining popularity due to growing competition from other alcoholic beverages:
Aluminum cans will remain the most used type of beer container, while aluminum and plastic bottles offer the best growth prospects for containers.
Sustainable innovations in multipack packaging – including multipack holders – reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility and consumer convenience.
Aluminum Is Most Popular Container Material, Although Trends Differ for Cans & Bottles
Aluminum will remain by far the most popular material for beer packaging, supported by its convenience, cost efficiency and environmental sustainability. However, there is a notable difference in the forecast for aluminum cans versus aluminum bottles:
While aluminum cans have benefited from their increasing usage with craft beer, they are a mature product and declines in beer production and beer consumption will negatively impact demand.
Aluminum bottles will experience healthy growth, as beer companies increasingly favor this packaging for its distinctive appearance and design potential. Venues such as stadiums and arenas – where glass bottles are often prohibited – will continue to be a key end user for aluminum bottles.
Higher Value Graphics & Use of More Sustainable Materials Boosts Multipack Packaging
Although unit demand for multipack packaging will be negatively affected by weakness in the beer market, market value for these packaging types will continue to grow:
Moving away from traditional plastic rings, the beer sector is embracing higher value biodegradable and compostable solutions for multipack holders such as molded fiber and paperboard carrier rings, which use more sustainable materials.
Beer brands will increasingly use higher value folding cartons that feature more intensive and eye-catching graphics in order to stand out from their competitors.
This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $6.6 billion beer packaging industry. It presents historical demand data (2012, 2017, and 2022) and forecasts (2027) by product (beer containers, multipack packaging, closures and labels) and material (metal, glass, plastic, paperboard). Annual historical data and forecasts are also provided from 2019 to 2026. Data are given in unit and dollar value.
Executive Summary
Table Figure 1-1. Beer Packaging Market Outlook
About This Report
Report Details
Market Scope & Product Description
Short-Term Beer Packaging Trends
Table Annual Beer Packaging Demand by Product, 2020 - 2024