More than 65% of consumers believe cans are the most circular beverage packaging format, according to new research commissioned by Can Makers UK, the trade body representing drinks can manufacturers. 

The study also revealed that 84% of UK consumers believe beverage cans are the easiest packaging format to recycle, while 78% confirmed they preferred cans for their convenience. 

It follows the Can Makers survey conducted in 2023 which showed that more than half of UK adults believe cans are better for the environment, in addition to an IPSOS Survey carried out in 2021 which found more than 75% of consumers would choose the beverage can in preference to other packaging formats, once they were aware of the can’s sustainability benefits. 

According to the latest study, the claimed use of beverage cans and the perception of cans as a suitable pack format in all market segments is continuing to rise. 

More than 90% of consumers surveyed confirmed the purchase of one or more canned drinks in the last year, an increase of 7% on the 2023 figures. 

Meanwhile, the shift in perception of cans as suitable for specific categories is most notable in the RTD sector. Cocktails in cans were rated as Very Suitable by more than 60% of respondents, an increase of 21% versus 2023. The claimed purchase of cocktails in cans also increased by 61% for the same period. 

Tim Conybeare, Can Makers chairman, said: “We know consumers love cans, but the results of this latest study are significant, reflecting the increasingly environmentally conscious purchasing behaviour of consumers, as well as a notable increase in the number of consumers who now believe cans are ideally suited to a wider range of high-quality beverages such as cocktails and wine.” The study also examined the impact of design on purchasing behaviour, highlighting it as a significant driver in the 18-24 age group and among the AB demographic particularly. Meanwhile consumers between the ages of 25 and 34 were found most likely to associate innovate design with a premium brand.   

Mr Conybeare added: “The impact of effective design is now being harnessed more effectively by brands in all segments, and for the many new entrants to the market, it is a key differentiator. The possibilities for increasingly bold, complex and innovate can designs have increased exponentially in recent years and many of the best are regularly recognised by the Can Makers Design Accolades programme. 

“But there is still work to do. In 2023 the aluminium beverage can recycling rate reached 81% according to the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro). The Can Makers 2025 study shows people between the ages of 18 and 34, are still lagging behind older consumers when it comes to recycling their used packaging, however.  

“It is important that brands and stakeholders throughout the value chain, continue to support initiatives such as Alupro’s Metal Matters and Every Can Counts behavioural change programmes, to fully realise the benefits that beverage cans offer, and help consumers to make an informed purchasing decision.”