The metal packaging market - UK (2023)

As of 2020, the metal packaging industry is experiencing a vibrant growth phase, with packaging awards in the UK acknowledging innovative designs in aerosol cans, paint cans, and beverage containers. The industry has three dominant players in the UK - Ardagh, Ball, and Crown – which, despite their strong presence, face a market that is volatile and affected by external factors including Brexit and global trade tensions. The UK market itself, while relatively stable in value, has seen a shift in production volumes across various segments, with personal care products accounting for the largest usage of cans. Recycling remains a crucial selling point for the industry, with aluminum recycling rates seeing a significant boost during the COVID-19 pandemic as household recycling surged. Key challenges moving forward include navigating increased production costs due to political uncertainties and potentially shifting trade dynamics post-Brexit and in light of ongoing international trade negotiations.

Evolving Dynamics in the UK's Metal Packaging Market

The UK metal packaging market, a subset of the global industry, is currently experiencing significant shifts influenced by various factors, including consumer behavior, regulatory changes, and larger global economic trends. With an annual production of approximately 14.5 billion metal packages, the UK holds a notable position within the EU market, contributing about 15% of the total EU production. In the domestic sphere, the metal packaging landscape is witnessing a sharp focus on sustainability and recycling as major trends. The country has seen remarkable recycling rates with approximately 70-80% for steel and more than 70% for aluminium beverage cans. These figures are even more striking in light of the recent impact of COVID-19, which appears to have heightened public awareness and action on recycling, especially for aluminium packaging. The market structure is concentrated with a few major players, namely Ball, Crown, and Ardagh, which lead the industry in metal packaging production in the UK. The revenue for the sector, nevertheless, has faced volatility over the years. Specifically, industry revenue has seen a decrease of around 6%, primarily due to fluctuations in the prices of steel and aluminium alongside extraordinary events such as a global crisis in the steel and aluminium industry that occurred in 2016. Demand within the market varies across product categories, with personal care products consuming almost three-fourths of manufactured cans. Household products also command a significant share of the market demand.

Production volumes are estimated to be relatively balanced between tinplate (between 40-45%) and aluminium (between 55-60%) for cans, which underscores the pervasiveness and importance of both materials in the industry. Additionally, macroeconomic factors have played a role in shaping the market. Brexit, for instance, presents potential challenges and uncertainties that may affect the industry's financials through increased raw material prices, labor shortages, and potential shifts in trade dynamics. The global trade war also had implications for the sector, particularly with tariffs impacting the cost of metals and thereby affecting the end consumer prices, which could, in turn, adjust demand patterns. Despite these challenges, the market has several strengths to rely on. The intrinsic qualities of metal packaging, like durability, space efficiency, and preservation capabilities, combined with the high recyclability of metals, contribute positively to the industry's appeal and growth prospects. Moreover, there's an increasing demand for metal-based healthcare products, which adds another dimension to the market's dynamism. As the UK metal packaging.

Key Manufacturers Shaping the Metal Packaging Industry Landscape

The metal packaging market is characterized by the presence of several pivotal players that have established a strong foothold in this domain. While they vary in terms of market reach and specialization, each contributes uniquely to the industry's overall tapestry. Notable among them are global giants such as Crown Holdings, Ball Corporation, and Ardagh Group, each wielding considerable influence within the market. In addition to these international leviathans, the landscape is also graced by smaller local players such as MacBey Metal Packaging and Roberts Metal Packaging, whose operations, although comparatively modest, are critical in their niche markets.

• Crown Holdings stands out as a stalwart in the manufacturing of metal packaging, providing an array of solutions ranging from beverage cans to food containers and metal closures. The company's extensive experience and commitment to innovation have made it a go-to partner for brands looking for reliable and state-of-the-art metal packaging options.
• Ball Corporation mirrors this prowess, particularly known for their expertise in crafting beverage packaging. As one of the largest producers of metal beverage cans in the world, Ball's influence echoes through the corridors of the market, reflective of its venerable heritage and technological advancements in making packaging more sustainable and customer-friendly.
• Ardagh Group, another name synonymous with packaging excellence, extends its reach across various types of metal packaging. It’s not uncommon to find an Ardagh stamp on products adorning supermarket shelves, demonstrating their significant production capabilities and versatility in producing packaging for a broad array of products.
• The market is also characterized by the agility of smaller enterprises such as MacBey Metal Packaging, which, despite their scale, are incredibly responsive to market needs and capable of providing specialized metal packaging solutions. This firm's smaller size allows them to offer personalized services that larger companies may not be able to match in terms of flexibility and turnaround times.
• Roberts Metal Packaging is yet another example of a dynamic and innovative player in the industry. Renowned for their high-quality tinplate and aluminum packaging, they cater to a range of sectors, including cosmetics and healthcare, underlining the sector’s diversity in product applications.

Together, these companies form a robust framework for the metal packaging industry, with the larger players driving mass production and global distribution, while the smaller entities complement by filling niche gaps and offering bespoke solutions. Their joint efforts ensure that manufacturers of all sizes have access to a wide variety of metal packaging options, benefitting retailers and consumers alike with quality, sustainable, and versatile packaging choices.

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

• Marché mondial de l'emballage par matériau
• Taille du marché mondial de l'emballage métallique
• Emballages métalliques, par volumes de production par produit
• Revenue de l'industrie des emballages métalliques légers
• Indice des prix à la production (25920)
• Revenus de la MPMA
• Indice du prix à l'exportation
• Répartition des dépenses de la MPMA
• Répartition de la fabrication de boîtes métalliques, par catégorie
• Répartition de la fabrication de boîtes métalliques de soins à la personne
• Répartition des boîtes métalliques de produits ménagers