The global metal packaging industry is poised for substantial growth, with sales estimated at USD 124.8 billion in 2024 and expected to surge to USD 164.6 billion by 2034. This is according to a report by Future Market Insights. 

The global metal packaging market is set for robust growth, driven by demand for sustainable solutions, lightweight materials, and advanced customisation. Metal cans lead the industry, enhancing product freshness and sustainability.

In Canada, the metal packaging market benefits from the rising demand for minimally processed foods, driven by a focus on health and sustainability.

In the UK, stringent waste reduction targets boost the appeal of recyclable metal packaging, while in Germany, investments in material science enhance product protection and global reach.

This promising growth trajectory reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% over the forecast period. The sector, which generated USD 120.2 billion in revenue in 2023, is set to showcase a remarkable year-over-year growth of 6.1% in 2024.

The global metal packaging market is witnessing robust demand, driven by a combination of sustainability trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. Metal packaging, especially metal cans, dominates the industry due to its superior durability, recyclability, and protective qualities. These attributes make it an ideal choice for preserving the freshness and extending the shelf life of food and beverages, which is increasingly valued by consumers.

The demand for metal packaging is also fueled by the rising focus on environmental sustainability. Metal cans offer high recycling rates and are often seen as more eco-friendly compared to plastic alternatives. This aligns with the growing consumer and regulatory push towards reducing plastic waste and embracing recyclable materials.

Additionally, innovations such as lightweight aluminium cans and advanced metal 3d printing technologies are enhancing the appeal of metal packaging. Lightweighting reduces transportation costs and carbon footprint, while 3d printing allows for customised and aesthetically appealing designs that attract consumers.

Despite challenges related to high production costs, the metal packaging market is set for continued growth as companies and consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability and quality in packaging solutions.

Metal containers eliminates the need for secondary packaging

The most important factor is that due to the help of metal containers, there can be a scope for elimination of secondary packaging solutions, as these are sturdy to allow for uses independently while in transit and storage. Unlike fragile jars or bottles which may leak or break during transportation or handling, metal containers don’t require secondary packing.

It also offers a better barrier against light, oxidation, and contamination than the pouches and bags could ever be made to. Metal containers protect 100% against water and light. Moreover, consumers are likely to consider metal containers tamper-proof, therefore, this can make them more preferred among other packaging formats.

Most secondary packaging material directly goes to the waste bins, reaches landfills, or water bodies when it reaches the end user. Due to increased protests against packaging waste for polluting the ecosystem, the manufacturers as well as consumers are concerned in reducing their share of generated waste.
That metal containers are strong further means that no secondary packaging needs to be added to the product, which again is a boost for the sustainability factor that metal containers provide.

Metal can recycling boosts environmental sustainability

The recycling process helps in saving landfill space, while at the same time decreasing raw material costs and energy usage. According to the canned food alliance, for every ton of steel recycled, 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone are conserved.

Food packaging metal cans are fully recyclable. Newly manufactured cans from recycled steel also cut over 70% in greenhouse gas emissions. These add up to the popularity of food cans amongst the environmentally conscious populace.

Canned foods use less energy compared to fresh or frozen foods. It generally includes the gathering of fruits and vegetables that are to be canned and canning them within hours to reduce their environmental impact. Besides this, the cold chain distribution system for shipment and storage requires less energy than fresh and frozen foods; it further helps in simplifying the supply chain while ensuring more cost and energy savings. Long shelf life also ensures less food wastage due to spoiling.

Key takeaways from global metal packaging market

• Metal cans are projected to capture 1/3rd of value share and record 5.4% of CAGR in the upcoming decade. Metal drums are anticipated to generate an incremental opportunity of USD 10.6 million in the assessment period.
• Steel based packaging is estimated to gain 45% of value share in the end of forecast years and expand 1.7 times its current market value. Tin based packaging is anticipated to record 5.4% growth rate in the upcoming decade.
• Food and beverage industry is capturing almost 40% of value share and will reach USD 101.1 million by the end of 2034. Chemicals industry to record a CAGR of 7.6% and create USD 32.8 billion incremental opportunity.
• Europe is leading the market with 26% of value share followed by east asia with 25% of value share in 2024. South Asia to generate USD 21.2 billion incremental revenue in the assessment period.

“3D printing technology is becoming increasingly popular in the metal packaging market. This technology enables manufacturers to create highly customised and intricate metal packaging designs, which can be used to enhance branding and product differentiation.”- says a lead consultant ismail sutaria in packaging at future market insights (FMI).

Chemicals industry to boost demand for metal packaging

The use of metal containers is growing fast in the transportation of liquids such as paints, coatings, lubricants, greases and dyes. Stainless steel containers are one of the suitable packaging solutions for the shipping of harmful and corrosive fluids. They also play a dual role as an effective warehouse storage option. Paints, coatings, lubricants, greases and dyes are demanding industries that require storage and transport containers that can ensure various chemicals are successfully delivered without affecting the product quality.

According to the American Coatings Association, approximately half of the paint and coating products meet the criteria for hazardous materials and are regulated by the U.S. Department of transportation’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), along with the modal regulations for air, rail, highway, and sea transportation. The need for secure transportation of hazardous products in the paints, coatings, lubricants, greases and dyes industries is expected to boost the demand for metal containers.