The booming energy and wellness drinks market is giving aluminium packaging a fresh moment in the spotlight, as brands look for formats that match fast-moving consumer lifestyles.

In the US alone, energy drink sales grew 6.4% over the past year, driven by demand from younger consumers seeking performance, convenience and healthier formulations. At the same time, functional wellness drinks featuring ingredients such as electrolytes, prebiotics and collagen are gaining traction, particularly among women aged 18–34.

According to Ball Corporation, aluminium cans are playing a central role in supporting this growth. Sleek 12oz cans remain the format of choice for many energy brands, while traditional 16oz cans continue to appeal to consumers who prefer a familiar hand feel. Both formats offer strong opportunities for customisation, helping brands stand out through bold graphics, limited editions and ingredient call-outs.

Sustainability is also influencing packaging decisions. Ball reports that 75% of its North and Central America beverage packaging now contains recycled content, and recent lightweighting initiatives have removed more than 6,300 tonnes of aluminium from production, reducing the carbon footprint while maintaining performance.

Beyond supply, Ball says close collaboration with beverage brands – from prototype testing to liner customisation and design development – is helping speed time-to-market for new products. By combining packaging innovation with market insights, the company aims to support drink manufacturers as competition intensifies in the fast-growing energy and wellness segment.