Top 5 aluminium cans manufacturing companies driving the sector's global market growth

Growing efforts towards achieving sustainability, a circular economy, and plastic waste reduction in the packaging sector have led to significant growth in the aluminium cans market in the recent past. Besides, the ability to preserve the quality and flavour of contents has boosted the popularity of aluminium cans as packaging containers. According to Statista Research Department, the global aluminium cans market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% to reach US$87.1 billion during the forecast period from 2021 to 2030.

To encash this colossal market, aluminium can manufacturers are striving to accelerate their production. By 2030, the global output of aluminium cans is forecast to reach 627 billion units. In 2022, the aluminium cans market was valued at US$57.23 billion, contributed by the following leading manufacturers. Here the list is in descending order based on the production volume and business turnover.

Ball Corporation: Known for delivering innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for beverage and personal care products, Ball Corporation generated 87 per cent of revenue or US$13.37 billion from aluminium packaging products in 2022. From beverage packaging in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Ball yielded comparable operating earnings of $358 million on sales of $3.85 billion for 2022. From North and Central America sector, Ball generated comparable operating earnings of $642 million on sales of $6.70 billion.

Ball’s attempt to meet the increasing demand for aluminium cans across the globe continued through partnerships within the industry to construct state-of-the-art aluminium can sheet rolling mills and recycling centres. In 2022, Ball announced expanding operations in Peru, South America, with a new manufacturing plant in the city of Chilca. The project will add a production capacity of over 1 billion beverage cans a year once commissioned in 2023. In early 2022, Ball also invested INR 1,000 crore in two aluminum cans and bottles manufacturing plants in India.

Amcor Limited: With 220 sites across 43 countries, Amcor has been driving the aluminium cans manufacturing sector over the years now. Fiscal 2022 was no exception but an outstanding year for Amcor, with net sales up by 13 per cent to $14,544 million. The company’s net income also grew by 6 per cent year-on-year from $1,158 million to $1,224 million.

Amcor’s sustainability game is also up with the launch of a new programme called TRANSPARENCE. In the programme, Amcor has highlighted its commitment to reduce carbon footprint by 18 per cent by 2025 compared to 2020 levels through initiatives such as incorporating more recycled aluminium and reducing the use of secondary packaging. In the programme, the company has also pledged to produce all of its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025.

Crown Holdings, Inc.: American beverage and food cans manufacturing company, Crown Holdings is known for offering the product in myriad of sizes. The company reported in 2022 that its net sales were $12,943 million compared to $11,394 million in 2021. Income from operations was $1,336 million versus $1,363 million in the previous year.

While driving the global aluminium cans market, Crown Holdings is also grabbing limelight with its sustainability initiatives. Recently, the company acquired Aluminium Stewardship Initiative Certifications for its Asia Pacific operations. Crown’s Nong Khae and Crown TCP beverage packaging plants in Thailand bagged the certifications, bringing the total facilities in Crown’s network winning ASI certifications to 12.

Ardagh: Ardagh Group is a global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal packaging to brand owners across the globe, operating 63 metal facilities in 16 countries. In 2022, Ardagh earned the revenue of $9,030 million versus $7,577 million a year ago. From the European metal packaging market, Ardagh generated revenue of $1,963 million compared to $1,838 million in 2021, and from the Americas, it yielded $2,726 million as against $2,217 million a year earlier.

 In November 2022, Ardagh Metal Packaging won the ASI Performance Standard Certification for both its regional headquarters in Germany and French aluminium production unit. The certification covered quality operational functions and aluminium beverage can bodies’ production.

CANPACK: CANPACK’s first aluminium beverage can plant dates back to 1994 in Brzesko. So, with 30 years of experience, it has expanded its product range from slim to fit and long fit to standard. In 2022, CANPACK announced its net sales at $3,585 million, up by 18 per cent from $3,034 million a year ago. The growth was primarily driven by 6% volume growth in the Beverage Can division combined with increased selling prices per unit and higher aluminum LME.

This year, Monster and CANPACK have collaborated to bring a new Lewis Hamilton Zero Sugar edition energy drink into the retail space, packed in designer aluminium cans. CANPACK was the choicest company for Monster as it entrusted the firm with the duty of creating this latest zero-sugar beverage in aluminium cans.