Metal Packaging Market

Market Overview:

The global metal packaging market size reached USD 167.5 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 209.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 2.41% during 2025-2033. The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand from numerous industries, emerging technological advancements, rising demand for metal packaging to protect products, and the ability to offer enhanced product protection and brand differentiation.

Market Insights:

• Europe currently dominates the market in 2024.
• On the basis of product types, cans lead the market in 2024.
• Based on material, the steel segment leads the market in 2024.
• On the basis of application, the food packaging segment leads the market in 2024.

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 167.5 Billion
• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 209.7 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2033): 2.41%
• Europe: Largest market in 2024

Metal packaging refers to the use of metal materials, such as aluminum or steel, for the containment and preservation of various products. It offers a durable, versatile, and protective solution for several types of goods, and inherent strength and resistance to external elements for ensuring product integrity during storage, transportation, and handling. Additionally, it is known for its excellent barrier properties, protecting products against moisture, air, light, and other contaminants, thus extending shelf life. As a result, it is essential in preserving product quality, enhancing brand appeal, and minimizing environmental impact in several industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial products.

The market is primarily driven by the growing food and beverage (F&B) industry. In addition, the increasing demand for metal packaging solutions for beverages, especially beer, sparkling wines, sodas, iced teas, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, and coffee-based refreshments, is influencing the market growth. Moreover, the introduction of resealable and customizable cans offers enhanced functionality and storage capacities which represents another major growth-inducing factor. Along with this, manufacturers are focusing on creating innovative and visually appealing designs for personal care products to expand their consumer base., thus propelling market growth. Besides this, the growing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with preserving organic produce in metal-based packaging products is accelerating market growth. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry's growing use of aerosol cans, extensive research and development (R&D) activities, and rapid urbanization worldwide are expected to further drive the market's expansion.

The market for metal packaging is propelled by growing customer concern and regulatory pressure around sustainability. As per the metal packaging market overview, one of the distinct market driver is the very high recyclability of metal, mainly aluminum and steel, which can be recycled multiple times without diminishing quality. This also fits into circular economy objectives. Furthermore, metal packaging's environmental benefit increases its attractiveness in food, beverage, and personal care packaging applications. However, the market is confronted with challenges regarding volatile raw material prices and the high-energy requirement to produce metal, impacting pricing and supply reliability. Also, competition from substitute packaging materials such as plastics and flexible packaging is a threat to the market. Despite this, the market presents good opportunities through increasing demand for sustainable and high-end packaging, particularly in developing economies and green consumers. The latest innovations in the market are lightweight metal cans, BPA-free finishes, and sophisticated printing techniques that promote branding and shelf attractiveness, which further enable metal packaging to stay competitive and forward-looking.

Metal Packaging Market Trends/Drivers:

Increasing demand from several end use industries

The market is driven by the increasing demand from various end use industries. In addition, the escalating demand in the food and beverage (F&B) industry is augmenting market growth. Also, metal packaging, such as aluminum cans and steel containers, offers excellent protection for food products, preserving their freshness, taste, and nutritional value. Moreover, the widespread adoption of these packaging in the pharmaceutical industry to secure tamper-resistant packaging and maintain the efficacy and safety of drugs represents another major growth-inducing factor. Along with this, metal packaging, with its inherent strength and airtight properties, ensures that medications remain protected from external factors that could compromise their quality, thus propelling market growth. Furthermore, it complies with stringent regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical packaging, making it a preferred choice for drug manufacturers, thereby creating a positive market outlook.

Several technological advancements

Technological advancements have significantly impacted the industry, leading to improved designs, manufacturing processes, and functionalities. These innovations have made packaging more versatile, convenient, and sustainable, further driving its adoption. In addition, engineers have found ways to optimize metal thickness without compromising strength, reducing the weight of metal cans and containers, which lowers production costs, enhances transportation efficiency, and reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during distribution, thus influencing the market growth. Moreover, the incorporation of smart packaging features such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and quick response (QR) codes on packaging allows enhanced supply chain visibility, traceability, and consumer engagement representing another major growth-inducing factor. This technology enables real-time tracking of products, ensuring efficient inventory management and reducing the risk of counterfeiting. Furthermore, advances in surface treatment technologies made metal packaging more resistant to corrosion and abrasion, extending the shelf life of packaged goods and enhancing the visual appeal of the packaging thus propelling the market growth.

The rising product demand to safeguard various products

Metal materials, such as aluminum and steel, offer inherent strength and durability, ensuring the safe transportation and storage of various products. In addition, the robustness of metal packaging safeguard products from physical damage, impacts, and compression during handling and distribution, reducing the risk of spoilage or breakage is influencing the market growth. Moreover, the widespread adoption of metal packaging for its excellent barrier properties provides an effective shield against external factors, such as light, moisture, air, and contaminants which represents another major growth-inducing factor. This barrier prevents product deterioration, oxidation, and microbial growth, preserving the freshness, flavor, and quality of food, beverages, and other perishable goods. Besides this, metal packaging can withstand extreme temperatures and is highly resistant to fire, making it suitable for packaging products that require high-temperature sterilization or have strict safety requirements thus accelerating the market growth.

Metal Packaging Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global metal packaging market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, material and application.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Cans
• Drums
• Metal Caps and Closures
• Bulk Containers
• Others

Cans represent the most popular product type

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes cans, drums, metal caps and closures, bulk containers, and others. According to the report, cans accounted for the largest market share.

Cans are known for their strength, recyclability, and superior barrier properties. They are mostly utilized in the food and soft drink industry for packaging soft drinks, beer, canned vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals, extending shelf life and maintaining freshness. Cans are light in weight, stackable, and resistant to contamination, making them suitable for transport and storage. Growing consumer demand for easy-to-use and portable packaging alternatives has also further increased the consumption of cans, particularly in ready-to-eat products. Furthermore, the metal cans' sustainability of being 100% recyclable without loss of quality also supports world environmental initiatives and circular economy objectives. Ongoing innovations, such as the construction of easy-open ends, resealable structures, and visually attractive prints, enrich customer experience and brand exposure, further cementing cans as a strong and versatile packaging option in the metal packaging industry.

Breakup by Material:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Others

Steel holds the largest share of the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the material has also been provided in the report. This includes steel, aluminum, and others. According to the report, steel accounted for the largest market share.

Steel is most utilized for packaging product production like food cans, aerosol cans, paint cans, and industrial drums. Steel's superior durability and impact resistance make it a perfect candidate for shielding contents during transportation and storage, especially for perishable or dangerous goods. Magnetic properties are one of its major benefits, which ease the recycling process, facilitating sustainable waste management strategies. Steel is used largely in the food and beverage sector for packaging processed foods due to its wonderful barrier properties against light, air, and moisture. In addition, research in protective coatings and lightweight steel has improved its performance and application across industries. With consumer and regulatory attention to sustainability increasing, steel's cyclical recyclability infinitely without degradation in quality makes it an extremely valuable product in the global market.

Breakup by Application:

• Beverage Packaging
• Food Packaging
• Healthcare and Personal Care Products Packaging
• Cosmetic Packaging
• Industrial Packaging
• Others

Food packaging presently accounts for the largest market share

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the material has also been provided in the report. This includes beverage packaging, food packaging, healthcare and personal care products packaging, cosmetic packaging, industrial packaging, and others. According to the report, food packaging accounted for the largest market share.

Food packaging is a principal application segment within the market due to the material's capacity to protect products, provide shelf-life extension, and retain food quality. Metal packaging, especially steel and aluminum cans, offers a very effective light, air, moisture, and contaminant barrier, which is well suited for the preservation of perishable food products like canned fruits, vegetables, meat, and ready-to-eat meals. The tamper resistance and durability of metal containers also improve product integrity and consumer confidence. As demand for convenience food and eco-friendly packaging increases, metal packaging is increasingly becoming popular among food companies. Its recyclability and capacity to handle high-temperature processing also contribute to its popularity among manufacturers as well as environmentally friendly consumers. In addition, improvements in printing and coating technologies enable appealing branding and labeling, enhancing shelf attractiveness while retaining the functional advantages of metal packaging.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

Europe exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe accounted for the largest market share.

The market in Europe is driven by its strong focus on sustainability, high recycling levels, and stringent environmental legislation. The region boasts a strong, established infrastructure for metal packaging collection and recycling, which highly favors steel and aluminum, among other materials for industries. There is a strong consumer demand for canned foods in the region, which augments the metal packaging market share. Furthermore, European consumers are gravitating more towards environmentally friendly packaging, which compels companies to implement recyclable and reusable metal containers. The circular economy by the European Union also further instigates the adoption of metal packaging, urging producers to create sustainable and effective solutions. Overall, Europe's regulatory environment, environmental awareness, and technological maturity make it an established and impactful market for metal packaging.

Competitive Landscape:

Presently, companies in the market are actively engaged in various strategies and initiatives to stay competitive, meet consumer demands, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. They are investing in research and development (R&D) activities to introduce innovative packaging solutions. This includes developing new container shapes, introducing lightweight packaging, and incorporating smart packaging features such as QR codes and RFID tags. They are also exploring new markets and regions to expand their presence including targeting emerging economies with growing consumer bases and industries that are increasingly adopting metal packaging solutions. According to metal packaging market forecast, the market is poised for significant growth, driven by increased investments in marketing and branding strategies that help companies distinguish their metal packaging products, strengthen customer relationships, and emphasize the sustainability, durability, and premium image linked to metal packaging. Moreover, key players are actively engaging with their customers to understand their needs better including gathering feedback, conducting surveys, and collaborating closely with clients to develop customized packaging solutions.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Alcoa Corporation
• Amcor Plc
• Ball Corporation
• Crown Holdings, Inc.
• Silgan Holdings Incorporated
• Greif Incorporated
• Ardagh Group S.A.
• Can-Pack S.A.
• Tubex Holding GmbH
• BWAY Corporation
• CPMC Holdings Limited
• Rexam Plc
• Ton YI Industrial Corporation

Recent Developments:

• In May 2025, VulCan Packaging launched North America’s first commercial-scale aTULC™ (aluminum Toyo Ultimate Can) production facility in Austin, Texas. The facility utilizes proprietary clean technology—eliminating bisphenol-based coatings and water in the can-forming process—to deliver sustainable, BPA-free beverage cans at an industrial scale. Supported by industry leaders, including Stolle Machinery, Vulcan aims to redefine eco‑friendly packaging, offering high-performance solutions tailored to modern beverage brands.
• In April 2025, Steelforce Packaging officially launched its Aluminium Business Unit to spearhead this strategic expansion. The establishment of a dedicated aluminum division reflects the growing demand for sustainable, recyclable packaging solutions and aligns with the company’s mission to offer comprehensive metal packaging options across global FMCG markets.
• In July 2024, AkzoNobel introduced its Securshield 500 Series, a next-generation internal coating for easy-open food can ends that is free from bisphenols (BPXni) and PVC, offering improved sustainability and performance over traditional organosol-based alternatives. Seamlessly integrating into existing coil-coating and can-making lines, the coating supports regulatory compliance. This launch reinforces AkzoNobel’s commitment to a bisphenol-free future.
• In June 2024, Sonoco Products Company announced its agreement to acquire Eviosys, a leading European metal packaging provider, for USD 3.9 Billion. This strategic move positions Sonoco as the world’s largest manufacturer of metal food cans and aerosol packaging, significantly expanding its global footprint.
• In May 2021, Ball Corporation, a prominent global leader in aluminum packaging solutions, announced the launch of its fully recyclable aluminum cup at top retailers in each U.S. state that are available at selective retailers, restaurants, and the largest sports and entertainment venues. They are also made available for purchase through online platforms such as Amazon.
• In May 2022, Ardagh Group S.A. expanded its geographic presence and revenue through the introduction of innovative metal product designs, including aluminum and steel beverage cans, two-piece aluminum, two-piece tinplate, and three-piece tinplate food cans. These unique specialty cans have garnered significant popularity among the company's target consumers in the metal packaging market.
• In March 2022, Crown Holdings, Inc. announced to build a new beverage can facility in Peterborough, United Kingdom. Beverage cans are the world's most sustainable and recycled beverage packaging option and are increasingly preferred by customers and consumers alike.

Metal Packaging Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global metal packaging market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global metal packaging market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global Metal packaging market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive metal packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the product type?
• Which is the most attractive product type in the metal packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the material?
• Which is the most attractive material in the metal packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the application?
• Which is the most attractive application in the metal packaging market?
• What is the competitive structure of the global Metal packaging market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global Metal packaging market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the metal packaging market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global metal packaging market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the metal packaging industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.