Amid sustainability, product protection, and efficient logistics, aluminum cans are surpassing glass in beer packaging, with market forecasts pointing to strong growth through 2034.

CAN VS. GLASS: PROTECTION, LIGHTNESS, AND FRESHNESS

The global beer packaging market is showing steady growth. According to Grand View Research, the sector is expected to rise from approximately USD 25.66 billion in 2024 to USD 32.36 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.0%. Another study confirms a similar trend, projecting an increase from USD 25.80 billion in 2024 to USD 39.31 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.3% (source: towardspackaging.com).

In this context, aluminum cans remain the winning choice over glass, offering:

• Superior protection: they shield beer from light, oxygen, and moisture, preserving aroma and freshness.
• Simplified logistics: lightweight, shatterproof, and easy to transport, cans require no bottle opener, making them ideal for e-commerce and modern markets.

In the United States, in 2023, 64.1% of beer sold was packaged in cans, compared to 26.9% in glass (source: packagingdive.com), confirming the global trend toward more practical and sustainable solutions.

SUSTAINABILITY, MARKET TRENDS, AND THE RESILIENCE OF CANS

The choice of packaging material significantly affects the environmental footprint of beer. Switching to aluminum reduces the product’s environmental impact by an average of 12%, with peaks of up to 15% across the full production cycle (source: Global Market Insights Inc.).

Cans also contain 3 to 20 times more recycled material than glass or PET, making recycling more efficient and widespread (source: Beer CPA). This sustainability is mirrored in consumer preferences: in the U.S. in 2023, most beer sold (64.1%) was packaged in cans, far surpassing glass at 26.9% (source: packagingdive.com).

The global beer packaging market is expected to continue its expansion in the coming years. Between 2024 and 2030, significant growth is anticipated, with market values estimated between USD 24.8 billion and USD 41.2 billion, and a CAGR of 4.7% (source: Future Market Insights). Key drivers include premium packaging, sustainable solutions, and e-commerce.

However, challenges and opportunities remain. Aluminum is subject to the volatility of trade policies, such as tariffs increasing up to 50% in the U.S. Nevertheless, the rising use of recycled aluminum, which is not subject to duties, mitigates risks for producers. Glass, while still an alternative, is more expensive to transport, reinforcing the resilience and cost-effectiveness of cans over the long term.

Every properly recycled aluminum can becomes raw material for a new production cycle, ensuring value and sustainability. A daily gesture that represents a concrete contribution to the circular economy.