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Summary of our market study
The global metal packaging market has been flourishing, expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% annually and reach a value of $153 billion by 2022. The market, while constituting a moderate share of 12.2% in comparison to other materials, is driven by its durability, recyclability, and contribution to food preservation. Asia, particularly India, is experiencing the highest growth due to escalating urbanization and initiatives like the ABCAI, aiming to increase aluminum can usage from 5% to 25% by 2030. Europe's market is also expanding with an average growth of 3.4%, mainly led by the food industry's demand for cans and tins. Spain represents the fourth largest market in Europe with a turnover growth of 25%. However, production was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with a marked decline in production indices for "other metal products". Despite this, metal packaging holds growth opportunities, especially with the impending EU ban on single-use plastics and the high recycling rates in countries like Spain.
Thriving Demand for Metal Packaging in the Spanish Market Amid Global Growth
The Spanish metal packaging market is witnessing a period of considerable dynamism, reflecting a broader global trend that sees the sector booming on an international scale. Between 2015 and 2022, the global market for metal packaging is projected to enjoy a robust growth rate. This upward trajectory is propelled by several key demand drivers, underpinning the convenience and sustainability of metal packaging. Its ability to ensure extended shelf life, taste preservation, and nutritional integrity of products makes it an attractive choice for manufacturers and consumers alike. Sustainability is central to the growth story of metal packaging, with metals like steel and aluminum leading in terms of recycling rates. In fact, the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association reveals that a staggering 80% of all steel ever produced remains in use today, highlighting its enduring life cycle. Such sustainability credentials resonate with the rising consumer and societal demands for eco-friendlier products.
The market data reveals that, in the global context, metal packaging still occupies a relatively modest segment. However, in comparison to other materials, such as cardboard and plastic, metal packaging is gaining ground, particularly with its strong presence in the food and beverage sector. Turning the spotlight on Europe, with revenues climbing from approximately €16.8 to €19.2 billion. Within this European context, Spain emerges as a leader, ranking as the fourth-largest producer, and showcasing significant market activity. The Spanish metal packaging industry alone saw a remarkable 25% growth in company turnover over a span of five years, with the value leaping from around €2 billion to roughly €2.495 billion. Food manufacturing, a primary consumer of metal packaging, backs much of this demand surge. The industry's commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and shift towards recyclable materials are expected to continue bolstering the sector's expansion.
Despite these positives, the Spanish metal packaging market was not immune to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. Production indexes fell notably during the pandemic but showed signs of recovery as the initial shock waned. Sectors like the beverage industry, which is intricately linked to metal packaging, demonstrated volatility but continued to hint at an overall growth pattern.
Key Players in the Global and Spanish Metal Packaging Market
The metal packaging market is characterized by a mix of major international giants and significant domestic players, each contributing to the industry's growth.
International Metal Packaging Titans
- Crown Holdings stands out as a key global player in the metal packaging market. With a diverse product range that caters to various sectors such as food, beverage, and industrial products, Crown Holdings commands a robust presence across multiple continents. The company's innovation in packaging solutions is evident through its numerous manufacturing facilities, which are strategically located to serve a broad international clientele.
- Ball Corporation is another major force in the metal packaging industry. Best known for its production of aluminum beverage cans, Ball Corporation has carved out a significant share in the market with its sustainable packaging solutions and a commitment to innovation. Their global footprint ensures that they reach customers in all key markets, delivering high-quality, recyclable packaging solutions that meet modern-day consumer demands.
- Ardagh Group is a powerhouse in metal and glass packaging, serving the food, beverage, and consumer care markets with innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Ardagh's extensive network of production facilities emphasizes their pledge to environmental responsibility and their ability to adapt to customer needs across various sectors.
Prominent Spanish Manufacturers
In the context of Spain, prominent domestic players also play a pivotal role in the dynamic metal packaging market.
- Auxiliar Conservera is a notable Spanish name in metal packaging, specializing in the production of tinplate containers that serve mostly the food industry. Their commitment to quality and customer-oriented approach has established them as a trusted supplier in the Spanish market and beyond.
- Domiberia is another prominent player, offering a comprehensive array of metal packaging options tailored to the needs of food, beverage, and industrial applications. Their focus on innovation and quality has enabled them to capture a sizable portion of the domestic market while also exporting to international customers.
- Ramondin Capsulas is recognized for its specialized production of caps and closures in metal packaging. Their products, which primarily find applications in the wine and spirits industry, represent a blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring both the preservation of contents and the aesthetic appeal of the packaging.
Together, these companies form the backbone of the metal packaging industry, highlighting the dynamic interplay between globally recognized players and strong local manufacturers. Their collective contributions drive the market forward, setting trends, and upholding the values of quality, innovation, and sustainability that are central to the sector's growth.
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Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Definition and scope of study
Metal packaging includes packaging made of steel and at aluminium such as cans, which preserve food, hygiene products, beverages, etc.
The market for metal packaging is divided between several players: the producers of minerals and petrochemicals (bauxite, soda, carbon), the suppliers (steel, aluminum), packaging producers and end-users (industry, trade, transport-storage). In this study, we cover the last three categories.
The global metal packaging industry is burgeoning in terms of size and sales thanks to the attractive features of durability, format, preservation and metal recycling. Nevertheless, metal packaging accounts for a relatively small share of total packaging (12.2%), which implies that this material has great potential for development . [ all4pack This development will most likely come from developing countries and Asia, where the I nde The aim of this project, for example, is to increase the use of aluminium cans from 5% to 25% in 2030 .
In Spain, the market is dynamic and the turnover of light metal packaging manufacturers has increased by 25% since 2013 . Although this packaging represents only a minority share of total packaging, it has significant development potential, and their high recycling rate could be a major asset in the years to come
However, the market is facing some major issues with the uncertainty surrounding the price of raw materials and the increasing concentration of players with groups such as Crown Holdings or Ball Corporation, which capture a significant portion of the sector's revenues.
1.2 The global market is booming
The metal packaging industry is booming; between **** and ****, the market is expected to grow at an average annual growth rate of *.*% to reach US$*** billion in ****.
Size of the global metal packaging market World, ****-****, in millions of US dollars Source: ****
There are several factors behind this demand. Firstly, the intrinsic characteristics of metal packaging, including its storage characteristics, contribute to the convenience of this means of packaging. Indeed, metal packaging allows for an extended shelf life, preservation of taste and nutritional integrity. Second, metals are highly recyclable. Steel and aluminum have the highest recycling rates of all packaging materials, which is consistent with society's demand for more sustainable product development MPMA states that **% of all steel ever produced is still in circulation today. Finally, there is a growing demand for metal-based health products, including trays, metal sterilizers and tablet packaging.
Although the Western world dominates the current demand for metal packaging, Asia is recording the highest growth figures, due to a rapid pace of urbanization that puts pressure on communities to find solutions for sustainable consumption with limited negative externalities. In this context, India, for example, has set up a consortium called Aluminum Beverage Can Association of India (***) which aims ...
1.3 The European market is also growing
The European market for rigid metal packaging grew by an average of *.*% per year between **** and ****. Indeed, it has grown from a turnover of **.* to **.* billion euros. After stagnating between **** and ****, the market seems to be regaining its dynamism with a growth of *.*% between **** and ****
European sales of metal packaging Europe, ****-****, in billions of euros Source: ****
Italy is the European leader in this market, with production accounting for **% of the area's turnover, compared with **.*% for the United Kingdom, **.*% for Germany and **.*% for Spain, which is therefore in fourth place. France comes next with *.*% of turnover. These five countries account for **.*% of the zone's revenues
Breakdown of metal packaging production Europe, ****, in % Source: ****
The food industry is driving the growth of the sector, with cans and tins accounting for **% and **% of the market respectively in ****. Lids and caps represent **% of the market. The rest is divided between the general line (***), aerosols and specialities with **%, *% and *% of the market respectively. [***]
1.4 A dynamic Spanish market
As we have seen, the Spanish market is Europe's *ᵉ as far as production is concerned. It is also marked by a certain dynamism
The CNAE **** code for the manufacture of light metal packaging (***) allows us to analyse the turnover of companies in the sector
Turnover of light metal packaging production Spain, ****-****, in billions of euros Source: ****
For example, the turnover of companies manufacturing light metal packaging rose from €* billion in **** to €*.*** billion in ****, an increase of **% in five years. The Spanish market is driven by the food industry, which accounts for the majority of demand. The recyclability of metal also represents a real development opportunity for companies in the sector, which should be able to take advantage of the trend towards reducing the carbon footprint to gain market share for plastic packaging
1.5 A drop in production during the covid-19 crisis
The market for metal packaging experienced a decline in production during the pandemic and containment. Indeed, the industrial production indices for the manufacture of "other metal products" (***), which includes light metal packaging, experienced a marked drop. For information, light metal packaging accounted for **.*% of the turnover of code ***
The industrial production index (***) is a short-term indicator that measures the monthly evolution of productive activity, eliminating price changes
Trends in industrial production of other metal products Spain, ****-****, index base *** **** Source: ****
After a significant drop in April **** (***) but without ever reaching the level of previous years observed in August and December. The drop remains **% in May, **.*% in June and *.*% in July
In August, the level of industrial production fell again, but this can be attributed to the cyclicality of production rather than to the health crisis. Indeed, each year the months of December and August **** are the months when activity is weakest
The stall, despite the good performance of the food industry, can be explained by the closure of plants during containment. Producers have thus had to draw on their inventories to meet demand
2 Demand Analysis
2.1 Metal packaging is in the minority but is gaining market share
Metal packaging represents **.*% of total packaging turnover in **** in Spain (***). They are, however, growing, since they represented only **.*% of the market in **** and *.*% in ****. [***]
Packaging market sales by segment Spain, ****, in % of sales Source: ****
This represents a real growth opportunity for the sector. Indeed, with a total market estimated at **.* billion in ****, the opportunities to gain market share are significant. Plastics, whose consumption is expected to decrease, could thus be replaced by other materials, such as metal. The ban on single-use plastics in the European Union from **** could also have an impact on the market. The ban on single-use plastic in the European Union from **** could also have an impact on the market, as take-away and ready meal packaging fall into this category and demand is expected to shift to other materials. [***] However, recyclable plastics are not included in the ban and they represent an increasingly important part of plastic packaging with the development of PET
2.2 The food and beverage industry, the main customer sectors for metal packaging
The food industry is the main customer sector for the manufacture of metal packaging. Indeed, cans and beverage cans are the main outlets for this sector. Their growth is therefore closely linked.
As an indication, in Europe, cans represented **% of the market, tins **%, lids and caps **%, general line **%, aerosols *% and specialities *%. Similar recent data is not available at the Spanish level, but it can be assumed that the trends are similar in both markets
The turnover of metal products increased by **.*% between **** and ****, in line with the growth outlook for the food and beverage industry. Thus, over the same period the manufacture of beverages in Spain grew by **.*%. In ****, the drop in the drinks segment due to covid-** has led to a fall in metal packaging
Turnover indices are not available for light metal packaging only, so it is necessary to use CNAE code **, which designates the manufacture of metal products (***). For information, light metal packaging accounted for *.*% of the turnover of metal products in ****. [***]
Beverage manufacturing turnover compared to metal products Spain, ****-*****, in index base *** **** Source: ****
*The indices for the year **** are based on the months January to July.
The metal products industry is also following similar trends ...
2.3 Recycling, an opportunity for the demand for metal packaging?
** million Spaniards claim to recycle their waste on a daily basis in ****, * million more than in ****. This increase and citizens' awareness is a major opportunity for metal packaging, which has the highest recycling rate. [***]
Indeed, according to El Pais **.*% of plastic packaging was recycled in ****, compared with **.*% in ****. For cardboard and paper packaging, the recycling rate reached **.*% in **** compared to **.*% in ****.
As for metal packaging, the recycling rate rose from **.*% in **** to **.*% in ****. [ Eurostat They are therefore the most recycled packaging in Spain
Recycling rate of metal packaging Spain, ****-****, in % Source: ****
3 Market structure
3.1 Metal packaging value chain
Source: ****
Raw material suppliers: steel and aluminium are the two main raw materials for the manufacture of metal packaging Steel is made from iron. It is produced either from iron ore and coal (***). Aluminum is made by two processes: either the Bayer process of refining bauxite ore to obtain aluminum oxide, or the Hall-Heroult process of smelting aluminum oxide to release pure aluminum. Raw material processing and coating : The coating is used to prevent corrosion of metals. Steel, in particular, is exposed to corrosion if the metal (***) oxidizes; to prevent this, materials such as paint, zinc, cadmium, aluminium, chromium, nickel, nickel-chromium, iron oxide and silver are added to steel. Aluminium is rust resistant and therefore does not require any coating process. Metal processing can involve many points of action, including recycling scrap metal, increasing the concentration of the desired metal, or even extracting the metal itself. This is the case, for example, with steel that is processed from iron (***). In general, the coating protects the surface of metal cans, prevents food spoilage and improves the performance of the packaging material. Coatings are also used industrially on food tanks and containers, and are also used on the side of the packaging that ...
3.2 Production of metal packaging
The value of metal packaging production in Spain has been increasing since ****. Data is only available for the years **** and ****, but this gives us a good idea of the trends. Thus, in three years, production has increased by *% in the country
The value of production differs from sales because it only records the goods produced (***)
As a result, companies are producing more and more, and seem to have confidence in the future of the sector
Value of metal packaging production Spain, ****-****, in billions of euros Source: ****
The number of companies in the sector has also increased significantly, with their numbers growing by nearly **% in three years. The number of employees has increased by **.*%. Despite the increase in the number of companies, the sector therefore seems to be becoming more concentrated, with more and more employees per company. With a turnover of around *.* billion euros in **** for this sector and *** companies, the average turnover per company was **.* million euros, which is a relatively large average size
Number of enterprises and employees in the metal packaging industry Spain, ****-****, in thousands of employees and number of companies Source: ****
The geographical distribution of the population can also be analysed using code ***, which groups ...
3.3 The market for metal packaging remains concentrated
Despite a number of important players, some companies capture a large part of the revenues in this sector
El Economista publishes a ranking of companies according to their CNAE code and their revenues. Adding up all the companies that have registered under code **** in ****, it arrives at a turnover of *.* billion euros
Crown Food España represents **.*% of the turnover of metal packaging manufacturers with revenues of €***.* million, Ball Beverage Packaging represents **.*% and Crown Bevcan *.*%. Together, these three companies represent **.*% of the market
The two subsidiaries of the Crown Holdings group (***) account for **.*% of the market, or ***.* million euros, making it the undisputed leader in the sector in Spain
Market shares by value of metal packaging companies Spain, ****, in % Source: ****
The Crown Group has ** production sites in Spain: Seville, Valencia and Agoncillo for beverages and lids; Aldeanueva de Ebro, Las Torres de Cotillas, Llanera, Merida, Osuna, Pontaverdra and Seville for food and lids. In addition, two production lines have been added at the Valencia site to meet the growing demand. [***]
Concentration in the sector has increased in recent years with the acquisition of Rexam by Ball Corporation for £*.* billion in ****. The acquisition has turned the group into a giant with **,*** employees ...
3.4 Les incertitudes sur le plan du commerce international menacent le secteur
À partir de début juin ****, les États-Unis ont introduit des mesures tarifaires sur l'acier (***) sur les exportations européennes. L'Europe qui était exemptée de ces taxes jusqu'alors doit donc s'y soumettre mais a prévu des mesures de rétorsions [***] Ces mesures, décidées par l'administration Trump, visaient à relocaliser une partie des activités industrielles concernées aux États-Unis et à lutter contre les déficits extérieurs croissants du pays. Elles touchent directement l'Espagne.
Le pays compte en effet ** usines, et une cinquantaine de laminoirs et d'installations de transformation, selon les données de l'Unesid, l'association patronale du secteur, qui emploie directement près de ** *** personnes et indirectement plusieurs milliers d'autres. [***]
L'incertitude a par ailleurs conduit à une chute des cours mondiaux de l'acier depuis fin mai **** après un pic atteint lors de la guerre commerciale. [***]
Ce climat incertain autour des prix des matières premières de la fabrication des emballages métalliques touche directement le secteur.
4 Analysis of the offer
4.1 Product presentation
Below you will find an overview of the product range based on the descriptions of metalpackagingeurope :
Aerosols : complete UV protection and excellent storage characteristics, which help prevent the penetration of moisture and oxygen. The product remains airtight thanks to a sealed lid, and is highly functional and durable. Cans and bottles can be adopted for all beverages. They cool down faster than other packaging, are lightweight and almost unbreakable. Plugs and lids The bottles: ensure freshness, adapt to almost any bottle (***), are recyclable, etc. Cans used to store liquids, have great durability. Tin cans vitamins and nutrients are kept until consumption, even if this is several years after the canning date. Cans do not use any preservatives and still extend the shelf life of foods. They save up to **% of energy throughout the supply chain. General line the products in this range are generally impact resistant, from the small ** ml can to the *** litre barrel. It is widely regarded as the best packaging method. General line cans do not lose their contents, do not burst or break, and withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. Special packaging other metal packaging for special products.
4.2 A decrease in the cost of raw materials that is not reflected in packaging prices
Prices for metal packaging raw materials, mainly aluminium and steel, have been falling since January ****. Aluminium prices have been falling in Spain since August **** despite occasional variations. It fell by *.*% between August **** and June ****
Aluminum Price Index Spain, ****-****, index base *** **** Source: ****
Steel prices have been falling more steadily since October ****, with a *% decrease between October **** and June ****
Steel Price Index Spain, ****-****, index base *** **** Source: ****
These relatively moderate decreases have not been passed on to the industrial price of metal packaging
These increased slightly between November **** and August ****. The largest increase was between November **** and March ****. Another price peak was observed in February ****
Beyond these two peaks, prices remained stable, particularly during containment
Evolution of industrial prices for light metal packaging Spain, ****-****, index base *** **** Source: ****
4.4 Recycling is not always the most cost-effective option
Metals are permanent materials, which means that they can be recycled endlessly without losing their properties. This makes them preferred materials for eco-responsible packaging
However, the process and execution of metal recycling is much more complicated than industry players claim. While consumers are willing to sort their waste and recycle it, it is not always profitable for industry to follow the same approach
*** million tonnes of aluminium and **** million tonnes of steel are produced each year. To produce them, **% and **% recycled aluminium and steel are used respectively. However, the use of these materials is jeopardized by falling raw material prices with shrinking margins, according to Ranjit Baxi, President of the International Recycling Bureau. A fall in raw material prices leads to greater reluctance to recycle, as recycling becomes relatively more expensive. For example, the fall in world metal prices in ****-**** has had a significant impact on recycling activity. [***]
In a study conducted by the MIT neither steel nor aluminium has been included among the metals that will be the most demanded for recycling worldwide in the future. This can be explained by the fact that some materials, such as tin (***), are already largely recycled, and the recycled product already ...
5 Regulation
5.1 Regulations
Spain is subject to European Community law. Within this legal framework we find Directive **/**/EC on packaging and packaging waste as a central element. This directive was created in **** and has been in force since ****. Some of the points included in its scope and which relate to metal packaging in general are :
Recycling targets By ****, at least **% of aluminium and **% of ferrous metals must be recycled. By ****, these figures should be **% and **% respectively. The form the weight, volume and hazardous components of the packaging must be reduced to a minimum. In addition, the packaging design must respect adequate levels of recycling and energy recovery. The producer's responsibility manufacturers in the metal packaging industry must meet waste management criteria.
The Directive is subject to continuous amendment. Updates and changes can be tracked here .
Spain has incorporated Directive **/**/EC into its regulations by amending the royal decree ***/**** on the packaging
The country also has UNE standards, drafted by AENOR (***) MundoLatas
The UNE *** reference groups together all the standards that directly concern light metal packaging, such as UNE ******:****, which deals with hermetic metal containers for food and drinks, or standard ******:****, which deals with metal packaging for preserving fish or fishery products
6 Positioning of the players
6.1 Segmentation
- Crown Holdings, Inc
- Ball corporation
- Ardagh Group
- Auxiliar Conservera
- Domiberia SLU
- Ramondin Capsulas
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