China Metal Can Market Overview, 2030

The metal can market in China grew significantly as the country underwent economic reforms, industrialization, and urbanization. As consumer demand for packaged food and beverages increased, metal cans gained popularity for their convenience, preservation qualities, and ability to extend shelf life. The introduction of modern packaging by foreign investments and global brands further fueled the adoption of metal cans in China’s expanding economy. Xiamen Xiangyu Packaging, known for producing high-quality cans, serves a range of sectors, including beverages, food, and chemicals. Government policies have also been pivotal in shaping the market. With a focus on sustainability, China has implemented initiatives like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, holding companies accountable for the lifecycle of packaging materials and promoting more sustainable practices. The china government has supported "green" manufacturing policies aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging eco-friendly production. China’s trade policies, which support international trade and foreign investment, have bolstered the country’s position as a global leader in metal can manufacturing. Local government initiatives, such as subsidies, tax incentives, and infrastructure development, have further supported domestic metal can producers, helping to foster the industry's growth. Coca-Cola has partnered with local Chinese manufacturers like CITIC Pacific to enhance aluminium can production while increasing the use of recycled materials. This collaboration aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices across the industry. Industry events such as the China International Metal Packaging Exhibition have become important platforms for companies to showcase innovations in metal can production, focusing on efficiency, new designs, and the latest technological advancements. Furthermore, government-driven initiatives have fostered partnerships between Chinese companies and international firms, such as China National Packaging Corporation (CNP), which collaborated with European companies in 2021 to introduce energy-efficient production lines for metal cans, further advancing sustainable manufacturing.

According to the research report "China Metal Can Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the China Metal Can market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.41% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The metal can market in China offers numerous advantages, including its sustainability credentials. Aluminium cans are highly recyclable, aligning with the Chinese government’s focus on eco-friendly practices. Metal cans also provide excellent durability and preservation for products, particularly in the food and beverage sectors. The ability to produce metal cans at large scales makes them cost-competitive both domestically and internationally. Technological advancements have further improved production efficiency and sustainability. The market does face challenges, such as high production costs driven by fluctuating raw material prices, particularly aluminium, which can impact profitability. The energy-intensive nature of aluminium can production contributes to carbon emissions, and despite improvements in recycling, inadequate infrastructure means that some recyclable cans still end up in landfills. Competition from alternative packaging solutions, such as plastic bottles and Tetra Paks, poses a threat to the market’s growth. Global market trends and trade fluctuations can also affect raw material supply chains and exports. To address these challenges, the industry could invest in more energy-efficient production techniques, explore alternative raw materials, and improve recycling infrastructure. Greater collaboration between the government and manufacturers on sustainability initiatives and alternatives to plastic can help foster long-term growth in China’s metal can market. The market also presents opportunities driven by several trends. The growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and increasing interest in eco-friendly alternatives align with the expanding use of metal cans, especially aluminium. The rising beverage industry, including soft drinks, energy drinks, and craft beers, offers a significant opportunity, as metal cans are popular for their portability and long shelf life. China’s growing middle class is boosting demand for packaged food and beverages, further supporting the market. Market trends show innovations in can design, such as lightweight, compact, and visually appealing packaging, with a shift toward aluminium over steel due to its recyclability and lighter weight. The growing preference for premium products, particularly among consumers with higher disposable incomes, is driving up demand for metal cans. Technological advancements, like smart cans with QR codes and RFID, are also emerging, enhancing consumer engagement and providing additional interactivity.

Aluminium is the more dominant material in China’s metal can market, particularly for beverage cans. The production of aluminium cans in starts with the creation of aluminium ingots. These ingots are then rolled into thin sheets, which are further processed into can bodies. The manufacturing process involves several stages, including extrusion, forming, drawing, and necking. The key advantages of aluminium are its light weight, recyclability, and excellent preservation properties. Aluminium cans are highly sought after for their ability to keep beverages fresh while being easily transported due to their low weight. In China, the recycling rate of aluminium cans is quite high, making them a highly sustainable choice. Given that the Chinese government has heavily invested in recycling and sustainability, aluminium cans are favored for their eco-friendly properties. Innovation in aluminium cans in China is focused on reducing the thickness of the metal while still maintaining strength and durability. Reducing the weight of aluminium cans is a key area of focus, as it not only reduces the amount of material used but also lowers transportation costs and carbon emissions. While aluminium dominates the beverage sector, steel is still widely used in China for the packaging of foods, particularly for products like canned vegetables, soups, and tinned meats. Steel cans are produced through a process that begins with steel sheets that are rolled into thin layers. These sheets undergo pressing and drawing to form a cylindrical shape. A seam is created to seal the can, and it is then sterilized to ensure the food inside stays fresh. Furthermore, they are less recyclable compared to aluminium. To overcome some of these drawbacks and improve steel can quality, manufacturers in China are focusing on reducing the weight of steel cans through the use of thinner gauge metal without compromising their strength. Steel can manufacturers are also experimenting with new coatings and advanced technologies that can improve the barrier properties of the cans, thus extending the shelf life of food products and preserving flavor and quality over time. Companies are exploring smart packaging solutions for steel cans, including QR codes or RFID technology to provide consumers with more product information and enhance their purchasing experience.

In China’s metal can market, closure types are a key aspect of packaging, as they influence both convenience and product preservation. The two most common types of closures used in the country are Easy-Open Ends (EOE) and Peel-Off Ends (POE), with EOE being the more widely used option. Easy-Open Ends (EOE) is by far the most popular closure type for metal cans in China, especially in the beverage sector. These closures are designed for consumer convenience, featuring a pull-tab that allows the user to easily open the can without needing a can opener. This type of closure is particularly favored in the beverage market, including soft drinks, energy drinks, and beer, due to its ease of use and speed. The EOE design is cost-effective, efficient for mass production, and allows for better sealing, making it the preferred choice in China, where on-the-go consumption is rising. Peel-Off Ends (POE) are less common in the Chinese metal can market, though they are used in certain food products, such as canned soups or meals, where a more tamper-proof seal is needed. POEs are typically used for products requiring higher levels of freshness or longer shelf life, and they allow consumers to peel off a seal for easier access to the contents. While not as widely used as EOEs, POEs can still be found in specialized markets, particularly for premium or niche food products. Other closure types, such as twist-off caps or re-sealable lids, are less prevalent in China’s metal can market but may be used for specific applications, especially for products like sauces or higher-end food items.

In China’s metal can market, 2-piece cans and 3-piece cans are the two primary product types, each catering to different needs and industries. 2-Piece Cans are the dominant can type in China, particularly for beverages. This design is made from a single sheet of metal, which is drawn into the shape of the can body and then shaped further to form the top. The top and body are then sealed, creating a seamless structure. The 2-piece can is preferred for its lightweight and cost-effective nature, making it ideal for the large-scale beverage industry, especially for soft drinks, energy drinks, and beer. Its smooth, seamless construction also improves the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of the can, which is vital for branding and product preservation. In China, the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and recyclability has made 2-piece cans even more popular, as aluminium and steel materials used in these cans are highly recyclable. 3-Piece Cans, on the other hand, are more commonly used for food packaging, especially for products such as canned vegetables, soups, and meats. The 3-piece can is made from three separate metal pieces: a cylindrical body, a top, and a bottom, which are joined together by seams. This design is typically heavier than 2-piece cans, and while it offers durability and strength, it is less efficient in terms of material usage and transportation costs. The manufacturing process for 3-piece cans involves rolling the metal sheet, seaming the edges, and sealing the ends, followed by the sterilization of food products inside the can. Manufacturers in China are focused on improving production efficiency and reducing the weight of both 2-piece and 3-piece cans. The development of thinner metals and lightweight designs is aimed at reducing environmental impact and lowering production costs. The use of eco-friendly coatings and increased recyclability is a key area of innovation, as China strives to meet sustainability goals and consumer demands for greener packaging solutions.



In China, metal cans are widely used across various industries; Food is one of the largest sectors for metal cans in China, with cans used to package a wide variety of products like vegetables, fruits, meats, soups, and sauces. Steel cans are especially popular in the food industry due to their strength, ability to withstand sterilization processes, and excellent barrier properties that help preserve food for extended periods. The Chinese food industry relies on metal cans to ensure product safety, maintain freshness, and offer long shelf life, which is essential for domestic consumption and export. In the beverages sector, aluminium cans dominate the market as Soft drinks; energy drinks, beer, and bottled water are commonly packaged in aluminium cans, making them highly portable and efficient for mass production. The demand for beverages in China, especially with the rise of on-the-go consumption, has made aluminium cans the preferred packaging choice, helping to meet both consumer demand and environmental goals with higher recycling rates. The cosmetics and personal care industry in China also utilizes metal cans, particularly for aerosol products like deodorants, hair sprays, and shaving foam. Aluminium cans are ideal for these applications as they provide a lightweight, durable, and hygienic packaging solution. The design flexibility of metal cans also makes them an attractive option for premium products, as they can be easily branded and offer a high-end aesthetic. In the pharmaceutical industry, metal cans are used primarily for packaging products such as medicinal aerosols or certain over-the-counter medications that require airtight sealing to ensure product efficacy. Aluminium cans are favored for their barrier properties, protecting sensitive medicines from environmental factors. In other sectors, metal cans are used for packaging a variety of products, including chemicals, paints, and lubricants, where strength, durability, and the ability to prevent contamination are essential.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Metal Can Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Material
• Aluminum
• Steel

By Closure Type
• Easy-open end (EOE)
• Peel-off end (POE)
• Others

By Product
• 2-Piece cans
• 3-Piece cans

By Application
• Food
• Beverages
• Cosmetics and personal care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.