Thailand Metal Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Thailand Metal Packaging Market Analysis

The Thailand Metal Packaging Market size is worth USD 1.78 Billion in 2025, growing at an 4.11% CAGR and is forecast to hit USD 2.18 Billion by 2030.

Thailand's robust economic foundation, with a GDP of USD 495 billion in 2022, has positioned it as Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, creating significant opportunities for the metal packaging industry. The country's strong manufacturing sector has experienced substantial growth due to increasing demand across various end-use industries. The Thailand Aluminum Association projects double-digit growth for the Thai aluminum industry over the next five years, reaching an estimated 1 million tons. This growth trajectory is particularly noteworthy given Thailand's dependence on imported raw materials, specifically primary aluminum, which has accelerated sustainability initiatives within the country.

The metal packaging landscape is witnessing significant technological advancement and capacity expansion through strategic investments. In April 2023, Eviosys, a global intelligent packaging manufacturer, marked its Asian expansion by establishing a new metal packaging facility in Thailand, equipped with energy-efficient equipment powered entirely by electricity. Additionally, Thai Beverage Can announced a substantial investment of THB 2,900 billion in the country's first aluminum packaging factory, incorporating new technology to produce innovative aluminum cans. These developments signify the industry's commitment to modernization and sustainable practices.

The export sector continues to be a crucial driver for the metal packaging industry, with canned seafood exports reaching THB 87.8 billion in 2022, marking a significant increase from THB 69.7 billion in the previous year. The industry's growth is further supported by Thailand's construction sector, which recorded investments exceeding THB 1.3 trillion in 2022, driving demand for industrial metal packaging solutions. This robust export performance, coupled with domestic industrial growth, has created a strong foundation for sustained market expansion.

The industry is experiencing a notable shift toward sustainability and circular economy principles. Major industry players are implementing innovative recycling initiatives and sustainable manufacturing practices. For instance, in June 2023, the Coca-Cola system in Thailand partnered with Trash Lucky Co., Ltd. to launch the "Coke Recycling Me with Trash Lucky" campaign, establishing 64 recycling collection points in Bangkok and five on Phuket island. This initiative, supported by Thai Beverage Can, demonstrates the industry's commitment to environmental stewardship and reflects the growing emphasis on sustainable metal packaging solutions in the Thai market.

Thailand Metal Packaging Market Trends

Growing Demand for Canned Food in Thailand

Thailand's canned food industry is experiencing substantial growth driven by changing consumer preferences and strong export performance. According to recent data from the National Food Institute, Thailand's food exports reached a remarkable THB 745 billion (USD 21.23 billion) in 2022, with canned tuna alone contributing THB 79.41 billion (USD 2.26 billion) to this value. The domestic market has also shown significant momentum, with canned pineapples recording sales of approximately 1.94 thousand metric tons in April 2023, demonstrating the robust demand for canned food products. This growth is further supported by the expansion of modern retail channels, with major players like Central Food Retail, Gourmet Market, Villa Market, and MaxValu offering an extensive range of metal food packaging products under one roof.

The surge in demand for canned food products is closely tied to evolving consumer lifestyles and preferences in Thailand. Modern consumers are increasingly seeking convenient, ready-to-eat meals that offer both nutrition and extended shelf life. This shift is particularly evident in urban areas where busy professionals and changing family structures have led to greater adoption of processed and preserved foods. The retail sector has responded to this trend by implementing strategic product bundling and competitive pricing strategies, particularly in hypermarkets and supermarkets, which serve as the primary distribution channels for tin packaging products. The variety of canned food products has also expanded significantly, ranging from traditional items like tuna and pineapple to more diverse offerings including ready meals, soups, and various protein products, catering to the growing sophistication of consumer preferences.

Higher Recycling Rates Coupled with Higher End-User Manufacturing Demand

Thailand has emerged as a leader in metal packaging recycling, particularly in aluminum can recovery, which has become a significant driver for the industry's growth and sustainability. According to a study commissioned by the International Aluminum Institute published in September 2023, Thailand achieved an impressive 86% recovery rate for aluminum cans, positioning it among the top performers in the Asia-Pacific region. This high recycling rate is supported by the Thai Beverage Can Institute's findings that more than 75% of all aluminum produced in the past in Thailand is still being used today, with over 90% of aluminum cans being recycled, demonstrating the country's strong commitment to circular economy principles.

The combination of high recycling rates and increasing manufacturing demand has created a positive feedback loop in the metal packaging industry. Major beverage manufacturers are responding to this trend by expanding their production capabilities and implementing sustainable practices. This is evidenced by the significant increase in domestic sales of carbonated beverages, which reached THB 7.7 billion in May 2023, up from THB 4.26 billion in the same period of 2022. Industry players are actively investing in recycling initiatives, as demonstrated by the Coca-Cola System in Thailand's partnership with Trash Happy Co., Ltd. in June 2023 to launch the "Coke Recycling Me with Trash Happy" campaign. These initiatives not only support environmental sustainability but also help manufacturers reduce raw material costs and meet growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible metal beverage packaging solutions.

Segment Analysis: By Material Type

Steel Segment in Thailand Metal Packaging Market

Steel continues to dominate the Thailand metal packaging market, holding approximately 57% market share in 2024. Steel packaging solutions are extensively used across various industries due to their superior strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The material's unlimited lifespan and potential for perpetual recyclability without compromising its mechanical properties make it particularly attractive for sustainable packaging applications. Steel packaging is recognized as one of the most economical and easiest materials to sort and recover for recycling, maintaining its inherent properties regardless of how many times it is recycled. The segment's growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand from the food and beverage industry, where steel packaging provides excellent barrier protection against light, water, and air, making it the most tamper-resistant food packaging option available in the market.

Aluminum Segment in Thailand Metal Packaging Market

The aluminum packaging segment is projected to experience the fastest growth in the Thailand metal packaging market during 2024-2029, with an expected growth rate of approximately 5%. This growth is primarily attributed to aluminum's unique properties, including its 100% recyclability, lightweight nature, and superior barrier protection capabilities. The segment's expansion is further supported by the increasing adoption of aluminum packaging in the beverage industry, particularly for products like energy drinks, carbonated beverages, and ready-to-drink beverages. The Thailand Aluminum Association's initiatives to promote sustainability and develop a circular economy have significantly contributed to the segment's growth. Additionally, the material's ability to cool quickly, its corrosion resistance, and minimal maintenance requirements during shipping make it an optimal choice for various packaging applications across food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

Segment Analysis: By Product Type

Cans Segment in Thailand Metal Packaging Market

The metal can segment dominates the Thailand metal packaging market, commanding approximately 64% market share in 2024, driven by its widespread use across food, beverage, and industrial applications. This segment's prominence is attributed to the increasing demand for canned food products, particularly in seafood, fruits, and ready-to-eat meals, as well as the growing beverage industry including energy drinks, carbonated beverages, and beer. The segment is also experiencing the highest growth rate in the market, projected to grow at approximately 5% from 2024-2029, fueled by factors such as increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences towards convenient packaging solutions. The segment's growth is further supported by the expansion of production capacities by major manufacturers and the increasing adoption of sustainable packaging practices, particularly in aluminum metal can recycling where Thailand maintains a high recovery rate of about 86%.

Remaining Segments in Product Type

The other segments in the Thailand metal packaging market include metal caps and closures, metal drums and barrels, bulk containers, and other packaging solutions, each serving specific industrial and consumer needs. Metal closures represent the second-largest segment, primarily driven by the beverage and pharmaceutical industries, while metal drums cater to industrial applications, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical sectors. Bulk containers serve various industries including food and beverage manufacturing, while the other packaging solutions segment encompasses specialized products such as aerosol cans and industrial packaging solutions. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and cater to specific packaging requirements across different industries, supported by Thailand's growing manufacturing sector and increasing export activities.

Segment Analysis: By End-Use Industries

Food Segment in Thailand Metal Packaging Market

The food segment dominates the Thailand metal packaging market, commanding approximately 37% market share in 2024, while also demonstrating the strongest growth trajectory in the industry. This segment's prominence is driven by Thailand's position as one of the largest net food exporters globally, with a robust food processing industry that extensively utilizes metal can and metal tube solutions. The segment's growth is particularly fueled by the increasing demand for canned fruits, vegetables, and seafood products, with Thailand emerging as a key player in the global 'Future Food' market. The food sector's expansion is further supported by the country's strategic focus on becoming one of the world's top 10 processed food exporters, creating substantial opportunities for metal packaging manufacturers. The segment's growth is also bolstered by changing consumer preferences towards convenient, long-shelf-life food products and the increasing adoption of metal packaging solutions for both domestic consumption and export markets. Additionally, the food segment benefits from the superior food-preserving qualities of metal packaging, which maintains product freshness and ensures commercial sterility through thermal processing.

Remaining Segments in End-Use Industries

The Thailand metal packaging market encompasses several other significant segments including beverages, industrial applications, and chemicals & petrochemicals, each serving distinct market needs. The beverage segment maintains a strong presence in the market, particularly in packaging solutions for beer, carbonated drinks, and energy beverages, benefiting from Thailand's growing tourism and hospitality sectors. The industrial segment caters to automotive, construction, and manufacturing sectors, providing specialized packaging solutions for paints, lubricants, and various industrial products. The chemicals and petrochemicals segment serves the growing demand for storage and transportation of hazardous materials, while maintaining high safety standards and regulatory compliance. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and stability, with each addressing specific industry requirements and maintaining their respective market positions through specialized product offerings and technological innovations.