Research forecasts Europe metal cans market growth

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The European metal cans market was valued at US$17.31 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US$19.95 billion by 2026, with an expected CAGR of 2.33% from 2021 to 2026, according to a report by Research and Markets.

Members of Metal Packaging Europe support the strong measures taken by national governments and the European Commission to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. They are committed to guaranteeing the supply of metal packaging, abiding by the strictest safety and hygiene rules for food & beverage, hygiene, medical, and other essential goods throughout Europe.

Key highlights

  • BPA-free coatings in the metal can packaging format are ultimately increasing the demand for BPA-free metal cans. The product is gaining prominence due to its distinct features, such as resistance to transportation, hermetically sealed cover, rough handling, and easy recyclability.
  • Recyclable properties of metal cans are driving the market as making products from recycled metals uses less energy, reduces carbon emissions, and uses less water than raw materials. Some metals, especially aluminium, are so profitable to recycle that companies pay people and businesses for their used metal. According to Waste Care Corporation, recycled aluminium cans alone generate approximately US$800 million each year. In Europe, companies are contributing more sustainability for recycling aluminium.
  • The rise in consumer awareness concerning the application of non-carcinogenic materials in packaging and increased demand for lightweight packing generates high growth prospects for metal cans.
  • The presence of alternate packaging solutions is restraining the market from growing, as the replacement possibility of polymer-based packaging materials, including polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is witnessing a challenge in the metal can usage.

Key market trends

Food cans to witness significant growth

  • The United Kingdom is experiencing high demand for packaged food due to rising income, ease and convenience, and availability of canned food. Additionally, consumer trends, such as a preference for small-size and multi-pack packaging formats, support the volume growth of the metal cans in the food sector of the UK.
  • Consumers demand food cans due to their low environmental impact with the increasing environmental concerns. The high recyclability of metal cans is one of the significant drivers for the market studied.
  • During the Covid-19 crisis, the country has witnessed an increased demand for online pet food retailers and subscription services to provide pet food during the lockdown.
  • The surge in consumer demand for convenience and healthier food because of the busy lifestyles, product innovation, and rise in the number of the quick-service restaurants, is expected to drive the canned soup market in the United Kingdom.

Alcohol beverage cans expected to occupy significant market share

  • Alcohol consumption in the European region is highest globally, where wine is the popular form of alcoholic beverage. While glass and plastic packaging have seen extensive usage for many years, metal is becoming more mainstream in areas independent of its traditional market. Craft beers are primary examples.
  • The aluminium beverage can is one of the world’s most popular drinks containers. Europeans use up to 50 billion cans every year, for  mineral water, soft drinks, and alcohol/beer.
  • Although 330ml standard cans are quite going strong in all of Europe, 150ml, 200ml, and 250ml slim cans are growing in importance for different kinds of drinks, especially alcoholic drinks, which increases the market growth.
  • In Europe, the second most demanded standard can size is 500ml, mainly for beer and cider packages. In the UK, the 440ml can is popular for both beer and increasingly cider. The UK has the largest beverage can market in Europe, with approximately 9.7 billion cans shipped each year from manufacturing plants.

Competitive landscape

Competition in the European metal cans market is moderate as fewer companies hold a high market share, and with increasing growth, more companies are entering the market, leading to more rivalry. Key players are Ball Corporation, Ardagh Group S.A., Crown Holdings, Inc, etc.

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