United States (US) Metal Cans Market Size, Share, Growth, Analysis (2025 - 2030)

United States (US) Metal Cans Market Analysis

The United States Metal Cans Market size is estimated at USD 21.38 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 24.94 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.13% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The metal cans industry in the United States is experiencing significant transformation driven by shifting consumer preferences and sustainability initiatives. The beverage sector, in particular, has witnessed substantial innovation with companies introducing new product formats and eco-friendly metal packaging solutions. According to Beverage Industry Magazine, Red Bull dominated the energy beverage market in 2022 with sales reaching approximately USD 6.85 billion, demonstrating the strong consumer preference for beverage cans. This trend has prompted major beverage manufacturers to expand their canned product portfolios, with PepsiCo launching Starry, a new carbonated drink available in both regular and zero-sugar variants, in January 2023.

The industry is witnessing a notable shift towards sustainable metal packaging solutions, with manufacturers investing heavily in recycling infrastructure and innovative technologies. In May 2023, a significant development occurred when Manna Capital collaborated with Ball Corporation to expand aluminum can sheet manufacturing and recycling facilities in the United States. The efficiency of recycling operations has reached impressive levels, with approximately 105,784 aluminum cans being recycled every minute in the United States, achieving the highest recycling rate among all beverage containers at nearly 50%.

The pet food packaging segment is experiencing a revolutionary transformation as manufacturers transition away from traditional plastic packaging. According to a July 2023 Pet Sustainability Coalition study, the pet food and treats industry generates an estimated 300 million pounds of plastic waste annually in the United States alone. This environmental concern has prompted numerous processors to adopt metal containers as their preferred packaging solution, contributing to the industry's growth while addressing sustainability challenges.

The health and wellness trend is significantly influencing packaging choices in the beverage industry, particularly in the organic and functional drinks segment. According to the Organic Trade Association, the United States consumption of organic beverages reached USD 2.5 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to grow to USD 2.8 billion by 2025. This growth is driving increased demand for sustainable packaging solutions, with aluminum cans being particularly favored due to their ability to preserve product integrity while aligning with environmental consciousness.

United States (US) Metal Cans Market Trends

High Recyclability Rates of Metal Packaging

Metal packaging, particularly aluminum cans, represents one of the most recyclable packaging units globally, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. The Aluminum Association estimates that 75% of the 1.5 billion tons of aluminum produced historically is still in use today, demonstrating the material's exceptional recyclability. The recycling process is notably efficient, utilizing only 10% of the power required to produce new aluminum, resulting in substantial energy savings and reduced environmental impact.

The industry's commitment to sustainability is evident through various initiatives and achievements. According to the Steel Recyclability Institute, steel maintains the highest recyclability rate in the United States at approximately 86%, followed by aluminum at around 70%. The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) has set ambitious targets to increase the US aluminum beverage can recycling rate to 70% by 2030, with subsequent goals of 80% by 2040 and over 90% by 2050. These initiatives are supported by significant investments, such as CMI's September 2023 implementation of an AI-powered robot at a California material recovery facility, estimated to collect about 1 million used beverage cans annually.

Convenience and Lower Price Offered by Canned Food

Food cans provide an economical and convenient solution for consumers, offering essential nutrients at a more affordable price point compared to fresh alternatives. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, canned foods consistently provide a more cost-effective way to obtain nutrients when considering factors such as waste, preparation time, and overall expense. For instance, canned corn offers the same dietary fiber content as fresh corn at a 25% lower price point when accounting for waste and preparation time.

The convenience factor is particularly significant in today's fast-paced lifestyle, with canned foods requiring 40% less preparation time compared to regular meals. This advantage is especially appealing to younger populations and individual households who are often budget-conscious and time-constrained. The International Food Information Council reports that approximately 52% of Americans followed a diet or eating pattern in 2022, making portion-controlled canned foods an attractive option for those managing their caloric intake. Additionally, canned foods' long shelf life and ability to maintain nutritional value make them a practical choice for consumers seeking both convenience and value.

Segment Analysis: By Material Type

Aluminum Segment in USA Metal Cans Market

The aluminum cans segment dominates the USA metal cans market, commanding approximately 85% market share in 2024, driven by its superior protective properties, sustainability advantages, and widespread consumer acceptance. Aluminum cans offer long-term food quality preservation benefits and nearly 100% protection against light, oxygen, moisture, and other contaminants, while being rust and corrosion-resistant. The segment's prominence is further strengthened by the increasing application of aluminum cans in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the ready-to-drink (RTD) and energy drink sectors. Major beverage manufacturers are consistently choosing aluminum cans for their packaging needs due to their recyclability and lightweight properties. The material's ability to be processed infinitely without quality degradation has made it the preferred packaging material for brands across industries, ahead of other materials such as plastic and paper. Industry data shows that over 60% of aluminum going into United States mills is made from end-of-life materials, demonstrating the material's strong circular economy credentials.

Steel Segment in USA Metal Cans Market

The steel cans segment in the USA metal cans market is projected to grow at approximately 2% from 2024 to 2029, driven by its exceptional barrier properties and cost-effectiveness in various applications. Steel cans provide 100% barrier protection and are among the most tamper-evident packaging materials, keeping products safe from light exposure, oxidation, extreme temperature changes, and contamination. The growth is supported by steel's relatively higher thermal conductivity, which allows canned beverages to cool faster and more efficiently than glass and plastic bottles. Steel cans are particularly favored in the food industry for products including fruits, vegetables, soups, sauces, seafood, meat, and pet food due to their ability to prolong product shelf life. The segment's expansion is further bolstered by steel's 100% recyclability and energy-efficient production process, which significantly reduces emissions and aligns with increasing environmental regulations and consumer preferences for sustainable packaging solutions.

Segment Analysis: By Can Type

Beverages Segment in USA Metal Cans Market

The beverage cans segment continues to dominate the USA metal cans market, holding approximately 63% market share in 2024, driven by strong demand from both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers. This significant market position is supported by the increasing consumer preference for beverage cans due to their portability, recyclability, and longer shelf life. Major beverage companies are actively expanding their canned product portfolios, particularly in categories like energy drinks, ready-to-drink cocktails, and premium beverages. The segment's growth is further bolstered by innovative packaging solutions, including various can sizes and designs, meeting diverse consumer preferences and lifestyle needs. Additionally, the rising environmental consciousness among consumers has led to increased adoption of aluminum cans over plastic packaging, reinforcing the segment's market leadership.

Aerosol Segment in USA Metal Cans Market

The aerosol segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category in the USA metal cans market, projected to grow at approximately 4% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand from various end-use industries, including personal care, household products, and automotive sectors. The segment's expansion is supported by technological advancements in aerosol packaging, offering improved functionality and sustainability features. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing lightweight aerosol cans with enhanced barrier properties and recyclable materials, aligning with growing environmental concerns. The pharmaceutical and veterinary sectors are also contributing to this growth through increased adoption of aerosol-based medical products. Furthermore, innovations in design and functionality, such as smart dispensing systems and eco-friendly propellants, are expected to drive continued segment expansion.

Food Segment in USA Metal Cans Market

The food cans segment represents a significant portion of the USA metal cans market, encompassing various applications including vegetables, fruits, pet food, soups, coffee, and other food products. This segment maintains its importance due to the essential role of food cans in food preservation and distribution. The segment's stability is reinforced by the continued demand for canned foods, particularly in long-term storage applications and emergency food supplies. Manufacturers in this segment are focusing on innovations in can design, material efficiency, and enhanced food preservation technologies. The pet food category within this segment shows particular promise, driven by the growing pet ownership trends and demand for premium pet food products.