The metal packaging market - Germany (2023)

The global metal packaging market has experienced robust growth, with forecasts indicating a CAGR of 3.3% in 2022, reaching a value of US$153 billion by 2022. One of the key drivers of this demand is the unique characteristics of metal packaging, such as extended shelf life and recyclability. Steel and aluminum currently boast the highest recycling rates of all packaging materials, in line with the current trend towards sustainable development. In addition, demand for metal-based healthcare products has increased. While Western countries have historically led demand, Asia, particularly India, has seen substantial growth due to rapid urbanization and sustainable development initiatives, with the aim of increasing the use of aluminum cans from 5% to 25% by 2030.

Nevertheless, metal packaging holds only a modest share of the global market (12.2%), with cardboard and plastic combined dominating nearly 60% of the packaging industry. In Europe alone, metal packaging production amounts to around 98 billion units a year, with Germany the main importer from the first half of 2020. Despite challenges such as the decline in the value of the domestic market in Germany (down 21% to 1.07 billion euros in exports), the enduring appeal and environmental benefits of metal packaging suggest its potential for expansion, particularly if we consider its competitive export performance.

Shifting Tides: The Complex Landscape of Germany's Metal Packaging Industry

The metal packaging market in Germany presents a nuanced picture, demonstrating both robust growth in some segments while facing challenges in others. Aluminum cans, tubes and wine stoppers are in high demand, thanks to their convenience and recyclability. For example, consumption of cans for soft drinks in Europe has been growing by over 4% a year, fuelled by the boom in energy drinks and the general appeal of aluminium's recyclability. Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry's reliance on aluminum tubes, which offer excellent protection against environmental factors, should support growth, not least because of Germany's aging population, whose need for medicines is greater. By contrast, the canned food sector, which had enjoyed increased popularity, is now facing a potential decline, as consumer preferences shift towards fresher or frozen alternatives. Nevertheless, canned foods are expected to retain a significant market share, albeit with gradual declines over time. Germany's metal packaging industry, which accounts for between 10 and 20% of the country's total packaging market, faces a complex set of challenges at national level. Over the past fourteen years, the number of companies and the number of jobs in the sector have fallen by around 20% and 17% respectively.

This indicates a consolidation of the sector and potential market saturation, or a move towards more efficient operations requiring fewer employees. However, despite a domestic market down by around 21%, German metal packaging exports remained resilient and even recorded growth. Representing more than half of the industry's sales, exports testify to Germany's strong international presence in the industrial goods trading space. Stable export figures, combined with markedly reduced domestic demand, indicate that Germany plays a leading role in metal packaging production, focusing on foreign markets rather than domestic consumption. German exports are evenly divided between euro zone and non-euro zone countries, reflecting a balanced approach to trade and a desire to integrate into the global market. Exports to non-euro zone countries in particular rose sharply, doubling over the period under review. Although the German metal packaging market is experiencing some contraction, the country's manufacturers continue to play a vital role in the wider European area, where environmental considerations and recycling capacities are likely to positively shape future market trajectories. The third-largest player in the European metal packaging market, Germany, could still leverage its environmental friendliness and technological advances to reinvigorate domestic demand and continue to win markets abroad.

Main competitors of the German metal packaging industry

• Greif Packaging An influential player in the German metal packaging market, Greif Packaging is a testament to the sector's innovation and resilience. The company is renowned for its comprehensive range of industrial packaging solutions for sectors such as chemicals, petroleum and lubricants. With a global footprint, Greif has managed to maintain a strong market presence by focusing on product quality, customer service and sustainability in its operations.
• PIRLO Gesellschaft specializes in metal and plastic packaging. With many years' experience in providing first-class packaging solutions, PIRLO offers a diversified portfolio that includes metal cans, tubes and a whole range of industrial containers. The company's focus on versatility and meeting customers' tailor-made needs keeps it at the forefront of the industry.
• silgan Metal Packaging Silgan Metal Packaging is another big name in the metal packaging industry, renowned for its high-quality metal containers for food, beverage and consumer health products. The company stands out for its relentless pursuit of technological advances, enabling it to offer cutting-edge packaging that preserves the freshness of contents and extends shelf life.
• Tecnocap A leader in metal closure solutions, Tecnocap draws on its expertise to produce a variety of metal twist caps, closures and lids for food and beverages. The company stands out for its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, aiming to provide the market with environmentally-friendly solutions that are both functional and aesthetically appealing.

These leading companies, with their unique specializations and commitment to quality and sustainability, play a crucial role in driving the German metal packaging market forward. As the industry evolves, these players are likely to adapt and innovate, which could lead to increased market share and new developments in this dynamic sector.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/09/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Taille du marché mondial des emballages métalliques
• Marché mondial des emballages, par matériau
• Entreprises d'emballages et fermetures métalliques
• Employés du secteur des emballages et fermetures métalliques
• Chiffre d'affaires du marché des emballages et fermetures métalliques
• Répartition du chiffre d'affaires du marché des emballages et fermetures métalliques
• Exportations d'emballages et fermetures métalliques
• Répartition des exportations d'emballages et fermetures métalliques
• Production d'emballages par segment
• Répartition des matières premières d'emballages
• Prix de production du métal et des produits métalliques et de l'aluminium
• Evolution de la production mondiale d'acier et d'aluminium