Middle East And Africa Metal Packaging Market

Middle East And Africa Metal Packaging Market Analysis

The Middle East And Africa Metal Packaging Market size is worth USD 8.39 Billion in 2025, growing at an 2.71% CAGR and is forecast to hit USD 9.59 Billion by 2030.

• The metal packaging market is growing due to increased industrial activities, higher food and drink consumption, and increasing environmental awareness. Industrial metal packaging, such as IBCs, bulk containers, drums, and closures, is in steady demand from sectors such as chemicals, lubricants, and agriculture because it is durable and protective.
• At the same time, the metal cans segment is increasing due to the rising need for storage cans in food and drinks and increased demand for aerosol cans in industries such as cosmetics, automotive, paints, and pharmaceuticals.
• The move toward sustainable packaging is boosting the use of metal packaging, which can be recycled and is suitable for the environment. With changing consumer preferences and regulations supporting eco-friendly packaging, the Middle East and Africa metal packaging market is set to grow further, offering opportunities for innovation and collaboration among global industry players.
• Metal containers, especially those made of steel and aluminum, are very durable and protective, making them the preferred choice for industries that need to keep their products safe. As developing economies grow and industrialize, the demand for industrial lubricants and fluids will increase, leading to a higher need for reliable packaging solutions, which will help the metal packaging market expand.
• The packaging of industrial lubricants, oils, and fluids has changed significantly over the years due to changes in material availability and rising costs. Advances in packaging components and design have also contributed to this change. Importantly, sustainability has become a key focus in lubricant packaging as the industry aims to be more environmentally responsible.
• Metal packaging faces intense competition from other packaging solutions, especially biodegradable plastics. Plastic is often chosen because it is cheaper than metal. Moreover, plastic drums are lighter than steel drums, making them easier to move and transport. Due to their lighter weight, they also have lower shipping costs, which hinders the growth of the metal packaging market.

Middle East And Africa Metal Packaging Market Trends

Increasing Trade of Canned Fruit in South Africa Aids the Market Growth

• Metal cans are an excellent choice for packaging fruits because they keep them fresh, tasty, and nutritious for a long time. As more people use metal cans for fruits, the market is expected to grow, meeting changing consumer needs and environmental concerns.
• Fruits like peaches, pears, pineapples, and mandarin oranges are often packed in metal cans, making them easy for consumers to use in baking, cooking, or as snacks. Metal cans are also used for fruit purees and concentrates, essential ingredients in foods and drinks like smoothies, desserts, and sauces.
• New canning technologies have led to better ways to pack fruits in metal cans. One example is fruit cocktails and mixed fruits in metal cans, which offer a mix of fruits in syrup or juice for easy snacking or cooking. Manufacturers have also started making single-serve fruit cups and pouches in metal cans, which are great for lunchboxes, picnics, or travel.
• The metal packaging market in South Africa is growing due to factors like population growth and urbanization. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), South Africa is the third-largest exporter of canned fruits like apricots, pears, and peaches, holding 16% of the global market. This is expected to boost the metal packaging market in the region.
• The Canning Fruit Producers' Association reports that South Africa exported about 45 thousand tonnes of canned peaches and 20.6 thousand tonnes of canned pears in 2022-23, a 4% increase from the previous year. Major export markets include the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands. The rise in exports of canned pears and other fruits is driving the demand for metal packaging in the region.
• With about 85% of South Africa's canned fruit production meant for exports, the country's focus on exports fits well with the growth of the food cans market in the region. Local companies like RTG and Langeberg & Ashton Foods (a division of Tiger Brands) show South Africa's strength in canned fruit exports and metal packaging, making it a key player in the global and local food cans market.

Constant Initiatives of Recyclability and Recovery is Poised to Bring Significant Growth Opportunities

• The UAE shows its commitment to sustainability through improvements in its recycling infrastructure. Advanced sorting technology at specialized metal packaging recycling centers increases the efficiency of metal reclamation.
• In January 2023, Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) led a coalition that brought together beverage producers, can manufacturers, and waste management firms to improve aluminum recycling in the UAE. Named the Aluminum Recycling Coalition, this initiative focuses on increasing the recycling of beverage cans. Beyond its immediate focus, the coalition aims to influence aluminum recycling regulations in the UAE and strengthen its overall recycling infrastructure.
• Research from the International Aluminum Institute highlights the potential benefits: aluminum recycling could reduce annual CO2 emissions by 60 million tons by 2030. The study, which assessed waste systems across multiple nations, showed notable recovery rates: Vietnam topped the list at 96%, followed by Cambodia (90%), Thailand (86%), Australia (74%), and the UAE at 33%. Furthermore, projections from the International Aluminum Institute indicate a 2% growth for the UAE's aluminum can market from 2022 to 2030.
• In November 2023, Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) started building the UAE's largest aluminum recycling plant. Located next to EGA's existing smelter in Al Taweelah, the facility has an annual production capacity of 170,000 tonnes. The plant will combine post-consumer aluminum scrap with pre-consumer scrap from extrusion production, resulting in low-carbon, premium aluminum billets. These billets will be a sustainable feedstock for various manufacturing needs, targeting local and international markets.
• The UAE's progress in metal packaging recycling is driven by regulatory support, public engagement, industry collaboration, technological advancements, and a strong commitment to circular economics.

Middle East And Africa Metal Packaging Industry Overview

The Middle East and Africa metal packaging market is semi-consolidated. The key players in the market include Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings Inc., CANPACK SA (CANPACK Group), Greif Inc., Mauser Packaging Solutions, Nampak Limited, and Arabian Can Industry LLC (Al Ghurair Group), among others. The players are focusing on expanding their customer base through strategic partnerships and increasing their capabilities.

•June 2024- Kristal Kola (Kristal) marked one and half years of delivering a sustainable product by launching the Turkish market’s first spring water in metal cans manufactured by Crown Holdings Inc. This company was selected as the packaging partner as it is able to produce cans in-country and help the company reduce its carbon footprint by providing input on sustainability statistics printed on the can itself.

•June 2024- Eviosys Packaging Switzerland GmbH completed one year to the launch of the first version of the Horizon™ metal overcap. The Horizon metal overcap is a seamless, infinitely packaging solution for the product. This overall helps the company reduce CO2 emissions by 33% and facilitates the replacement of plastic lids that are currently used on certain metal tins for reclosing purposes.

Middle East And Africa Metal Packaging Market Leaders

Middle East And Africa Metal Packaging Market News

• May 2024: The Metal Packaging Association of South Africa (MetPac-SA) widened its scope by including aerosol packaging as part of its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) strategy. Moreover, it has launched exclusive contracts and formed strategic partnerships with metal packaging buy-back centers, metal re-melters, and metal recyclers across South Africa to promote post-consumer metal packaging.
• November 2023: Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) officially commenced construction on the UAE's largest aluminum recycling plant. Positioned next to EGA's current smelter in Al Taweelah, the new facility is set to process 170,000 tonnes of aluminum each year. This state-of-the-art recycling plant will convert both post-consumer aluminum scrap and pre-consumer scrap from extrusion production into premium, low-carbon, high-quality aluminum billets. Once operational, EGA intends to emerge as the UAE's leading consumer of aluminum scrap, bolstering the nation's economic growth.