Aluminium Exhibition | Global Shift Towards Aluminium Cans Driving Packaging Industry Growth
As consumer preferences increasingly favour sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium has become the material of choice due to its recyclability, lightweight properties, and ability to preserve product quality. The Aluminium Exhibition, a leading event in the industry, keeps a close eye on global trends and serves as a platform for learning and collaboration.
In 2023, the aluminium packaging sector experienced steady growth, driven by rising demand for beverage cans and packaging foil. The industry utilized over 11.5 million tons of aluminium rolled products during the year, as the transition from traditional materials like plastic and glass to aluminium products gained momentum. Demand for aluminium in packaging primarily comes from beverage cans, with developed economies continuing to lead the market. However, a growing preference for aluminium cans in developing countries is becoming increasingly evident. Factors such as a surge in young consumers, diversification of products, and heightened environmental awareness among stakeholders have all contributed to this trend. Global usage of aluminium beverage cans increased from 343 billion units in 2015 to 416 billion units in 2020.
Global Aluminium Can Market Size (2023-2032)
In 2023, the global aluminium can market reached $55.5 billion and is projected to grow to approximately $85.6 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%. Rising beverage consumption is expected to be a key driver, while the broad capacity range of aluminium cans further boosts their appeal. Beyond beverages, aluminium cans are also gaining popularity in food packaging, a trend likely to continue in the coming years.
Several factors drive the growing demand for aluminium cans. Rapid urbanization is increasing the need for convenient packaging solutions, especially in urban centers where tailored products meet specific requirements. Sustainability initiatives, spurred by environmental concerns and regulatory pressures, are accelerating the shift to eco-friendly aluminium can products and services. Digital transformation is creating demand for aluminium beverage cans that integrate seamlessly with digital platforms, improving operational efficiency and productivity. Additionally, global shifts toward remote work have heightened the need for packaging solutions that support collaboration, communication, and remote access.
BPA-free aluminium cans, offering a chemical-free packaging solution, are also emerging as a key market driver. This shift towards safer, non-toxic options is expected to create substantial growth opportunities, especially in developed countries where demand for canned food is rising. However, the industry faces challenges such as the trend towards "thinning." This involves reducing the thickness or weight of packaging materials while maintaining their functional properties, including strength, durability, and barrier effectiveness. For aluminium, this means producing thinner sheets or foils for beverage cans, food containers, and other applications. While thinning aligns with sustainability goals like reducing material usage, cutting costs, and lowering transportation emissions, it poses a challenge for the industry by reducing the amount of aluminium required per unit, potentially slowing demand growth.
Thomas Kahl, Project Manager for Mondi Consumer Packaging’s Eco Solutions, remarked, "From a sustainability perspective, thinning is just one of many strategies for reducing carbon emissions. It’s essential to take a step back and evaluate whether the packaging is fit-for-purpose from a holistic perspective."
Source: Al Circle
