Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market Outlook, 2030

The global food & beverage metal cans market is witnessing steady growth due to increasing consumer preference for sustainable and recyclable packaging. Metal cans, primarily made from aluminum and steel, offer high durability, extended shelf life, and superior protection against contamination. The demand for canned food and beverages is also rising due to changing consumption patterns, urbanization, and convenience-driven lifestyles. The increasing shift toward eco-friendly packaging is a major driver for the growth of the metal cans market. Consumers and businesses alike are becoming more environmentally conscious, leading to a strong preference for recyclable packaging materials over single-use plastics. Metal cans are 100% recyclable and maintain their structural integrity even after multiple recycling cycles, making them an attractive choice for brands aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, metal cans provide excellent protection against light, air, and moisture, extending the shelf life of food and beverages without the need for preservatives. This has fueled their demand, particularly in segments such as soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, canned vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals. Rapid urbanization and the rising popularity of on-the-go lifestyles are also key contributors to the growing demand for canned food and beverages. Consumers increasingly seek convenient, portable, and long-lasting packaging options, particularly in fast-paced urban environments. Metal cans offer a tamper-proof, lightweight, and easy-to-transport solution, making them ideal for this trend. Furthermore, advancements in can manufacturing technologies, including improved sealing methods and enhanced printing capabilities, have made metal cans even more appealing to both brands and consumers. As companies continue to focus on sustainability and packaging innovation, the global food & beverage metal cans market is expected to witness sustained growth in the coming years.

According to the research report, “Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market Outlook, 2030” published by Bonafide Research, the Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans market is valued at more than USD 48.27 Billion in 2024. This growth is driven by the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions and increasing beverage consumption worldwide. The market has been witnessing strong investments in research and development, leading to innovations in lightweight and energy-efficient metal can production. Moreover, the shift toward aluminum-based cans, which offer high recyclability and cost-effectiveness, has further fueled market growth. Companies in the food and beverage sector are recognizing the advantages of metal cans, particularly their ability to extend product shelf life and ensure food safety. The increased preference for canned beverages, including soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks, is a key driver of this growth. Additionally, advancements in metal printing technology have enhanced the aesthetic appeal of canned products, boosting their market competitiveness. The regulatory push toward sustainable packaging has also played a crucial role in market expansion. Governments worldwide are implementing stringent policies to reduce plastic waste, encouraging beverage manufacturers to shift to metal cans. Regions like North America and Europe are leading the charge, with high recycling rates and well-established can manufacturing infrastructure. Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific are also witnessing a surge in demand for canned products, driven by changing lifestyles and urbanization. With strong consumer preference and continuous innovation in packaging, the food & beverage metal cans market is poised for steady growth through 2030.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Sustainable and Recyclable Packaging Solutions Metal cans are 100% recyclable, making them a preferred choice for food and beverage packaging amid increasing regulatory and consumer focus on environmental sustainability.



Growing Consumption of Ready-to-Eat Food and Packaged Beverages The rising preference for canned food, energy drinks, and carbonated soft drinks, particularly among urban consumers and young demographics, is fueling market expansion.

Market Challenges

Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices Impacting Production Costs Variations in the prices of aluminum and steel affect manufacturing costs, potentially impacting profit margins for producers and increasing product prices for consumers.

Competition from Alternative Packaging Materials Such as Plastic and Glass Despite sustainability benefits, metal cans face competition from lightweight plastics and eco-friendly glass packaging, especially in regions with established recycling infrastructure.

Market Trends

Advancements in Lightweight and BPA-Free Metal Can Technologies Manufacturers are developing lightweight metal cans with BPA-free coatings to enhance safety, reduce material costs, and improve recyclability.

Growing Adoption of Aluminum Cans for Premium and Craft Beverages Aluminum cans are increasingly used for premium beverages like craft beer, cold brew coffee, and flavored water due to their ability to preserve freshness and enhance brand appeal.

Segmentation Analysis

Aluminum cans continue to dominate the food & beverage metal cans market due to their exceptional properties, including lightweight design, high recyclability, and strong resistance to corrosion.

Aluminum cans continue to dominate the food & beverage metal cans market due to their exceptional properties, including lightweight design, high recyclability, and strong resistance to corrosion. These features make aluminum the preferred choice for packaging a variety of beverages such as soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks, as well as canned foods like soups, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals. Aluminum cans provide an excellent barrier against light, oxygen, and moisture, preserving product freshness and taste while preventing contamination. One of the key factors contributing to the dominance of aluminum cans is their environmental sustainability. Unlike plastic packaging, aluminum is infinitely recyclable, meaning it can be reused repeatedly without losing its properties. The recycling process for aluminum cans requires significantly less energy compared to producing new cans from raw materials, further reducing carbon emissions. Many beverage brands are adopting aluminum cans to meet sustainability goals and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Furthermore, aluminum’s lightweight nature makes it an ideal choice for transportation, lowering logistics costs and improving supply chain efficiency. The growing emphasis on lightweight packaging in the food and beverage industry has further strengthened the demand for aluminum cans. Additionally, continuous advancements in can design, including easy-open lids, resealable tops, and enhanced graphics, have made aluminum cans even more attractive to consumers and manufacturers alike. As sustainability and convenience continue to drive packaging trends, aluminum cans are expected to maintain their leading position in the global food & beverage metal cans market.

2-piece cans have emerged as the leading can type in the food & beverage metal cans market due to their seamless structure, cost-efficient manufacturing, and superior durability.

2-piece cans have emerged as the leading can type in the food & beverage metal cans market due to their seamless structure, cost-efficient manufacturing, and superior durability. These cans are manufactured from a single piece of metal with a separate lid, eliminating the need for side seams and reducing the risk of leakage. This makes them an ideal choice for beverages and food products that require airtight, tamper-proof packaging. One of the major advantages of 2-piece cans is their efficient production process. They require less material than 3-piece cans, making them lighter and more cost-effective. Additionally, the manufacturing process for 2-piece cans involves deep-drawing techniques that enhance their strength and durability. These cans are commonly used in the beverage industry, particularly for carbonated drinks, where pressure resistance is essential. Moreover, 2-piece cans offer enhanced branding opportunities for manufacturers. The seamless design provides a larger printing surface, allowing companies to use high-quality graphics and embossing techniques for better shelf appeal. This has led to their widespread adoption among beverage brands looking to differentiate their products in a competitive market. As beverage consumption continues to rise and packaging innovations advance, the demand for 2-piece cans is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

The beverage sector is the largest consumer of metal cans, with a significant portion of demand coming from carbonated soft drinks, beer, energy drinks, and functional beverages.

The beverage sector is the largest consumer of metal cans, with a significant portion of demand coming from carbonated soft drinks, beer, energy drinks, and functional beverages. Consumers are increasingly preferring canned beverages due to their portability, convenience, and ability to retain freshness for longer periods. The rise of on-the-go lifestyles and increasing demand for ready-to-drink beverages are key factors driving this trend. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, particularly beer, account for a substantial share of metal can usage. The beverage industry values metal cans for their lightweight, tamper-proof nature, and recyclability. Additionally, metal cans help preserve carbonation and prevent light exposure, ensuring product quality. The growing popularity of craft beers and functional drinks, such as protein shakes and vitamin-enriched beverages, has further fueled demand for metal cans. Furthermore, sustainability initiatives are pushing beverage companies to transition from plastic to metal packaging. Many brands are launching eco-friendly campaigns promoting the recyclability of aluminum cans, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. With continued growth in the beverage industry and increasing focus on sustainable packaging, the demand for metal cans in this segment is expected to rise steadily.

Regional Analysis

North America is the dominant region in the global food & beverage metal cans market, primarily driven by the high consumption of canned beverages, well-developed recycling systems, and the presence of major beverage manufacturers.

North America is the dominant region in the global food & beverage metal cans market, primarily driven by the high consumption of canned beverages, well-developed recycling systems, and the presence of major beverage manufacturers. The U.S. and Canada have some of the world’s highest per capita consumption rates of soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks, all of which rely heavily on metal can packaging. The demand for sustainable and convenient packaging solutions in the region has further fueled market expansion, with aluminum and steel cans being the preferred choice due to their recyclability, durability, and ability to preserve beverage quality. A key factor contributing to North America's leadership in this market is the presence of global beverage giants such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Anheuser-Busch, and Molson Coors, all of which extensively use metal cans for their soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and functional drinks. The rise of craft breweries and independent beverage producers has also driven demand for metal cans, as smaller brands increasingly recognize the advantages of lightweight and portable packaging. The growing popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, such as iced coffee, protein shakes, and flavored sparkling water, further supports the expansion of the metal cans market in North America. The region’s well-established recycling infrastructure plays a crucial role in sustaining market growth. The U.S. and Canada have some of the highest aluminum can recycling rates globally, with aluminum cans being one of the most recycled packaging materials in the region. Many beverage companies are launching sustainability initiatives to improve the collection and reuse of aluminum cans, aligning with government regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy principles. Additionally, North American consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and prefer eco-friendly packaging, making metal cans a more attractive alternative to single-use plastics.

Key Developments

• March 2024: Ball Corporation introduced an ultra-lightweight aluminum can designed to reduce material use and enhance recyclability.
• April 2024: Crown Holdings, Inc. partnered with a beverage brand to launch innovative resealable aluminum cans for ready-to-drink coffee and energy drinks.
• June 2024: Ardagh Group announced an investment in expanding its metal can production facilities in response to growing demand from the North American beverage sector.
• August 2024: Silgan Holdings Inc. developed a new BPA-free can coating technology, improving food safety and aligning with regulatory standards.
• October 2024: Can-Pack S.A. collaborated with a leading soft drink manufacturer to introduce embossed aluminum cans for enhanced branding and consumer engagement.

Considered in this report
* Historic year: 2018
* Base year: 2023
* Estimated year: 2024
* Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
* Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
* Country-wise Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market analysis
* Various drivers and challenges
* On-going trends and developments
* Top profiled companies
* Strategic recommendation

By Material
• Aluminum
• Steel

By Product Type
• 2-Piece Cans
• 3-Piece Cans

By End-Use
• Food
• Beverages
• Pet Food