The popularity of metal packaging is driven by economic, social and growing environmental awareness factors. The food and beverage industry is the main driver of the growing demand.

Aluminium cans: high demand

Among metal packaging, cans are the most popular. A trend that is set to grow in the future: by 2026, the global can market will grow by 4.8%, reaching a value of 101,993 million US dollars.

Aluminium, tin and steel are the main metals used and make up a third of all metal packaging, with aluminium being the dominant material for can production in the future.

The growth of the aluminium packaging industry has been driven by new market segments. Cans are used in a variety of areas, although the main demand comes from the food and beverage sector, with strong geographical variations: in North and South America, Europe and Japan, they are mainly used for beverages and processed foods, while in Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) for oil, and in the Middle East for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industrial products.

Positive trends for the can market

The global increase in demand for ready-to-eat and packaged food and beverages, especially alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, is creating new markets for metal cans.

The United States of America is the largest market for metal packaging. However, rising disposable income and urbanization in many developing countries is driving demand for packaged food and beverages: China, India and Brazil are where this growth is being seen.

In Europe, there is a lot of room for growth in metal packaging in the food market, especially for the beverage sector, as the EU is promoting aluminium packaging to promote a circular economy as much as possible.

Aluminium cans are in fact considered more environmentally friendly, with a recycling rate in Europe of over 70%, compared to plastics, whose disposal presents significant problems.

More and more companies are committed to building a brand and a narrative that is synonymous with sustainability: less plastic in favour of new metal cans with healthy inner linings. A process that leads to the growth of investments in this sector and that leads to the creation of products aimed at satisfying the needs and tastes of consumers, as well as being environmentally friendly.

Aluminium cans for water: a case study

A virtuous example is given by the industries of the Nordic countries that are opting for metal cans for the sale of water, considered healthier and more environmentally friendly.

Many Italian companies are also opting for water in aluminium cans and Ecocap’s itself with TopSyl has participated in the production of water in cans, as with S.Bernardo water!