The Global Market for Metal Packaging is Projected to Exceed US$155 Billion by 2020

Functionality Advancements and Novel Shapes & Forms Drive the Global Metal Packaging Market, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Metal Packaging. The global market for Metal Packaging is projected to exceed US$155 billion by 2020, driven by format and functionality advancements and the rising awareness about the benefits of nutrient-retaining metal packaging in the food and beverage sector.

Metal packaging is a well-proven packaging type, with equally well-established end-markets. Food and beverage products represent the largest end-use market for metal packaging as it offers longer shelf life benefit than any other packaging material. Also, barrier properties offered by metal packaging are the highest restricting exposure to oxygen, sunlight, bacteria and moisture thus retaining nutritional value. Superior attributes of metal packaging such as versatility, high functionality, inertness, non-permeability, eco-friendly with 100% recyclability, and printability, are responsible for the market’s strong evolution over the past few decades. Changing lifestyles, rising GDP, burgeoning demand from emerging nations such as in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, rising awareness about the benefits of nutrient retaining packaging, ageing population, scarcity of time, and smaller family sizes have propelled the demand for canned food and beverages. Another important growth driver is the association of metal packaging with premium products while the relatively cheaper plastic alternatives are busy capturing the mass-produced products.

Technology advancements over the years significantly raised the visual appeal for products packaged in metal containers. Newer technologies of shaping, embossing and adding decorative finishes to the final product only resulted in making metal packaging more adaptable.  Not just aesthetic appeal, but metal packaging has over the years improved in terms of the functionality aspect also, offering enhanced convenience for consumers in handling the packaged products. Yet another strong trend in the market is the on-going shift towards lightweight products. Lightweight metal packaging is becoming commonplace especially in beverage packaging which is characterized by high volume and impulse purchases. Other interesting metal packaging trends in recent years include gender-oriented packaging, health and freshness-oriented packaging and customized packaging.

Recycling is one of the key aspects that sets metal packaging a grade above other packaging materials, particularly polymer packaging, as steel and aluminum products are fully recyclable. However, bioplastics with higher sustainability and recyclability are expected to emerge as a major contender for metal packaging. Other key challenges confronting the market include rising substitution threat from alternate packaging materials, especially glass, paper, and polymer packaging and the global outcry against epoxy resin BPA (bisphenol A) that is used for lining the food-contact surface of metallic containers.

As stated by the new market research report on Metal Packaging, Europe represents the largest market worldwide, closely followed by Asia-Pacific. Asia-Pacific also represents the fastest growing market witnessing a CAGR of 5.0% over the analysis period. Rapid urbanization, rising incomes, expanding middle class, improving standards of living, steadily growing economies, and increasing beer consumption represent key growth drivers in the region. Metal Cans, including food and beverage and aerosol cans, are expected to sustain their dominance in the global rigid metal packaging market in the near term.

Key players covered in the report include Amcor Ltd., Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc., Metal Container Corp., Ardagh Group, Ball Corp., BWAY Corp., Crown Holdings Inc., Greif Inc., Hoe Chong Tin Pte. Ltd., Rexam Plc., Silgan Holdings Inc., Sonoco Products Company, and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd., among others.

The research report titled “Metal Packaging: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., analyzes key trends, growth drivers, market challenges, product launches, mergers and acquisitions, other corporate activity of market participants. The report provides market estimates and projections in US$ for all major geographic markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India and Rest of Asia Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and Rest of Latin America) and Rest of World. Key material types analyzed in the report include Aluminum, Tinplate, and Steel. Product segments analyzed include Metal Cans, Metal Caps & Closures, Metal Containers, and Others.