Blog / Beverage Can Future Growth
23 MARCH 2023
The beverage can industry has seen increasing innovation in
recent years; disruptions to the supply chain during the pandemic affected the
mining of raw materials and consequent production, but also highlighted the
global reliance on single-use consumer products from PPE to plastic bottles.
Growing demand for a recyclable and sustainable solution led
forward-thinking manufacturers to innovate new shapes, volumes, and designs of
aluminium beverage containers as a lightweight and 100% recyclable alternative
to plastic bottles.
Recent reports suggest that a multitude of factors have influenced the future of the beverage can manufacturing industry, with post-pandemic consumer mindsets leading the way for this resilient and adaptable industry.
At the begin of the pandemic there was significant
disruption to the supply chain of aluminium beverage cans, with mining and
transportation of raw materials as well as the recycling of aluminium being
disrupted causing a shortage in supply.
As the effects of the pandemic subsided
and trade was able to open up again, the beverage can industry was at the
forefront of evolving demand for the global population. Beverages that could be
consumed at home such as coffee, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and juices
were in high demand.
This shift in consumer behaviour also emphasised the demand
for a more sustainable packaging solution; as well as being easily and
endlessly recyclable, aluminium is lightweight, durable, and easily stored in
bulk.
The manufacture and transport of aluminium beverage cans is more
efficient than their plastic counterparts, and more convenient for the average
consumer to dispose of.
The beverage can industry is highly adaptable and aluminium
beverage bottles have seen increasing popularity in recent years for a variety
of beverages.
As well as offering a practical container solution, direct
printing eliminates the need for labels so products have a longer shelf-life
and stand out to the consumer whilst minimising product waste.
Industry-leading manufacturers are now focusing on
integrating new products with existing facilities and machinery.
Replacing
plastic bottle plants with aluminium bottle plants would be a long and costly
process, whereas forming the new aluminium bottle products around the
capabilities of existing machinery allows a more sustainable transition for
manufacturers and consumers.
From soft drinks to wine, aluminium cans and bottles are an increasingly
popular container solution for beverage manufacturers. The benefits of this
innovative packaging solution with considerably improved environmental outcomes
is an attractive solution to the developing demands of producers and consumers.
Single-serving beverage containers for festivals and other
events must be capable of storing a broad selection of beverages in durable and
safe packaging.
Recyclable alternatives like glass are not suitable for these
applications, and plastic is increasingly falling out of favour with the
public, leading the way for aluminium beverage cans to be the container of
choice for safety, convenience, and recyclability.
The beverage can industry is predicted to be worth 36.59
billion USD by 2027. Key companies driving this growth are innovating new
designs and solutions for aluminium beverage containers to appeal to consumers
as well as producers of soft, alcoholic, juice, and other beverages.
The potential growth for this industry is incredible, with
recycling methods only becoming more sophisticated and energy-efficient; for
the period 2024-2032 the expected CAGR is 5.3%, giving confidence to
manufacturers and investors in the continuous growth of this market over the
coming years.
