The Global Metal Cans Market size is expected to reach $107.61 billion by 2032, rising at market growth of 5.3% CAGR during the forecast period.
The metal cans market has transformed from its invention in early 19thcentury for food preservation to an important component in sustainable and ecofriendly packaging, due to advancements in manufacturing, evolving environmental policies, and growing consumer demand. At first it was used in the military & storage requirements, later the market extended with advancements such as 2-piece aluminium can and smart manufacturing techniques like enabling lighter and draw-and-iron techniques. Aluminium cans are known for high recyclability and low power consumption. Countries in world are achieving high recycling rates for example, in 2023, 11.8% of materials used in the EU were from recycled sources, up 0.3 pp from 2022 - the highest rate on record, according to Eurostat. Also, according to the U.S. Government, U.S. recycles 45.2% of aluminum cans. Getting that rate closer to goal of a 90% recycling rate by 2030.
Multinational corporations like Ball, Crown Holdings, Ardagh Group, and Mauser Packaging are the main players in the competitive landscape. They use their size, integrated supply chains, and research and development to stay on top of the market. Strategic initiatives focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions, making recycling easier, and using automation and AI to improve quality control and reduce waste. At the same time, digital changes in packaging, personalized printing, and localized production help protect against trade risks and changes in material costs. Even though big companies have a lot of market share, small and regional producers can find opportunities in niche markets like craft drinks and aerosols. Long-term growth will depend on aligning with global sustainability goals, government rules, and consumer preferences. This will make metal cans a key part of circular, eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Key trends across regions are lighter packaging, more recycled materials, and new smart packaging technologies. Automation, digital printing, and brand-focused design are more important in developed markets. In emerging markets, capacity expansion, local sourcing, and waste management infrastructure are more important. Global OEMs that adjust to local laws and work toward sustainability goals are in the best position to take advantage of opportunities in both established and fast-growing markets.
Key Highlights:
- The North America market dominated the Global Metal Cans Market in 2024, accounting for a 33.39% revenue share in 2024.
- The US Metal Cans Market is expected to continue its dominance in North America region thereby reaching a market size of 40 billion by 2032.
- Among the various Application segments, the Beverages application dominated the global market, contributing a revenue share of 71.75% in 2024.
- In terms of closure type segmentation, the Easy- Open End (EOE)segment is projected to dominate the global market with highest revenue share in 2032.
- 2- Piece Drawn and Ironed led the form product segments in 2024, capturing a 63.52% revenue share and is projected to continue its dominance during projected period.
The metal cans market has transformed from its invention in early 19thcentury for food preservation to an important component in sustainable and ecofriendly packaging, due to advancements in manufacturing, evolving environmental policies, and growing consumer demand. At first it was used in the military & storage requirements, later the market extended with advancements such as 2-piece aluminium can and smart manufacturing techniques like enabling lighter and draw-and-iron techniques. Aluminium cans are known for high recyclability and low power consumption. Countries in world are achieving high recycling rates for example, in 2023, 11.8% of materials used in the EU were from recycled sources, up 0.3 pp from 2022 - the highest rate on record, according to Eurostat. Also, according to the U.S. Government, U.S. recycles 45.2% of aluminum cans. Getting that rate closer to goal of a 90% recycling rate by 2030.
Multinational corporations like Ball, Crown Holdings, Ardagh Group, and Mauser Packaging are the main players in the competitive landscape. They use their size, integrated supply chains, and research and development to stay on top of the market. Strategic initiatives focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions, making recycling easier, and using automation and AI to improve quality control and reduce waste. At the same time, digital changes in packaging, personalized printing, and localized production help protect against trade risks and changes in material costs. Even though big companies have a lot of market share, small and regional producers can find opportunities in niche markets like craft drinks and aerosols. Long-term growth will depend on aligning with global sustainability goals, government rules, and consumer preferences. This will make metal cans a key part of circular, eco-friendly packaging solutions.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic messed up the global metal cans market. Lockdowns and shortages of raw materials stopped production and raised costs. There was a rise in demand for packaged food and drinks because people were staying at home. At the same time, there were fewer workers, less manufacturing capacity, and supply issues. This demand helped make up for some of the bad effects, but operational problems kept manufacturers from fully taking advantage of the trend. Concerns about safety and hygiene temporarily slowed down efforts to make packaging more environmentally friendly, which led to more people using single-use cans. The effects on different regions were different. Demand stayed steady in North America and Europe, but the results were mixed in developing markets. By the end of 2021, the market had stabilized as businesses put money into automation and local supply chains to make them more resilient.Driving and Restraining Factors
Drivers- Rising Demand for Packaged and Processed Foods
- Sustainability and Environmental Advantages of Metal Cans
- Expansion of the Beverage Industry
- Technological Advancements in Manufacturing and Design
- Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Pressures
- Rising Popularity of Alternative Packaging Solutions
- Limited Scope for Product Differentiation and Innovation
- Growth of Eco-Conscious Packaging and Circular Economy Initiatives
- Rapid Urbanization and Rise of On-the-Go Consumption Patterns
- Premiumization and Innovation in Food & Beverage Packaging
- Rising Environmental Scrutiny Despite Recyclability
- Cost Volatility of Raw Materials
- Shifting Consumer Preferences and Innovation Gap
Product Outlook
Based on product, the global metal cans market is segmented into 2- piece drawn and ironed, 2- piece draw redraw (drd), and 3- piece. The 2- piece drawn and ironed segment garnered the 63.5% revenue share in the market in 2024. These cans are made using a fast process that shapes the body and bottom from a single piece of metal. The walls are then ironed out to make them thinner while keeping them strong. This method makes cans that are light and use less material, which makes them cheaper and better for the environment. Their smooth, seamless design makes them better at withstanding pressure, which is great for carbonated drinks like soda and beer.Application Outlook
On the basis of application, the global metal cans market is segmented into beverages, food, and other application. The food segment recorded a 17.8% revenue share in the market in 2024. Metal cans are better at keeping food safe from light, oxygen, and other things that could spoil it. This means that food can last longer without needing to be refrigerated. The rise in popularity of convenience foods and the growth of retail chains has led to more people around the world buying canned foods. Also, more people living in cities and changes in how people eat have made people want shelf-stable foods, which shows how important metal cans are for food packaging.Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the Global Metal Cans market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. The North America segment recorded the 33.4% revenue share in the market in 2024. The metal cans market is growing all over the world, but each region has its reasons for this growth. North America is mature because it has a strong manufacturing base, significant aluminum use, and policies that focus on sustainability, like deposit-return schemes. Europe is the best at recycling and using the circular economy, thanks to ambitious plans from both the government and industry. Asia Pacific is growing the fastest because of industrialization, rising demand for drinks, and big investments in local production. Urbanization, premium beverage trends, and better recycling systems, especially in Brazil, the UAE, and South Africa, are all helping LAMEA grow.Key trends across regions are lighter packaging, more recycled materials, and new smart packaging technologies. Automation, digital printing, and brand-focused design are more important in developed markets. In emerging markets, capacity expansion, local sourcing, and waste management infrastructure are more important. Global OEMs that adjust to local laws and work toward sustainability goals are in the best position to take advantage of opportunities in both established and fast-growing markets.
List of Key Companies Profiled
- Crown Holdings, Inc.
- Ball Corporation
- Silgan Holdings, Inc.
- Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
- CANPACK Group Inc.
- Sonoco Products Company
- Envases Metalúrgicos de Álava, S.A.
- Nampak Ltd.
- CCL Industries, Inc.
- MAUSER Corporate GmbH
Market Report Segmentation
By Product- 2- Piece Drawn and Ironed
- 2- Piece Draw Redraw (DRD)
- 3- Piece
- Beverages
- Food
- Other Application
- Easy- Open End (EOE)
- Peel- off End (POE)
- Other Closure Type
- Aluminum
- Steel
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Russia
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- LAMEA
- Brazil
- Argentina
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Rest of LAMEA
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Market Scope & Methodology
Chapter 2. Market at a Glance
Chapter 3. Market Overview
Chapter 9. Value Chain Analysis of Metal Cans Market
Chapter 11. Global Metal Cans Market by Product
Chapter 12. Global Metal Cans Market by Application
Chapter 13. Global Metal Cans Market by Closure Type
Chapter 14. Global Metal Cans Market by Material
Chapter 15. Global Metal Cans Market by Region
Chapter 16. Company Profiles
Companies Mentioned
- Crown Holdings, Inc.
- Ball Corporation
- Silgan Holdings, Inc.
- Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
- CANPACK Group Inc.
- Sonoco Products Company
- Envases Metalúrgicos de Álava, S.A.
- Nampak Ltd.
- CCL Industries, Inc.
- MAUSER Corporate GmbH
