Australia Metal Packaging Market Overview, 2030

Australia’s metal packaging and broader manufacturing industry has evolved significantly over the past century, reflecting wider shifts in economic policy, consumer behavior, and environmental priorities. In the early 20th century, Australia developed a strong domestic manufacturing base, bolstered by protective tariffs and resource availability. Steel production hubs like Port Kembla and Whyalla played a foundational role in supporting early metal can and container manufacturing for food preservation and industrial goods. Post-World War II, the Australian packaging industry expanded alongside urbanization, population growth, and a rise in consumer goods. Domestic manufacturers produced a wide range of metal packaging for food, beverages, paints, and chemicals, with steel and tinplate dominating the early decades. By the 1980s and 1990s, economic liberalization and reduced tariff protections led to a decline in traditional manufacturing sectors, prompting the industry to shift toward automation, specialization, and efficiency improvements. Companies like Amcor and Visy began to invest in innovation, sustainable materials, and supply chain integration. Metal packaging continued to serve critical roles in food safety, transport durability, and chemical resistance, especially for canned foods, aerosol products, and industrial chemicals. In recent decades, growing environmental awareness has spurred renewed interest in recyclable and reusable metal packaging formats. Aluminum cans have gained popularity due to their lightweight properties and high recycling rates, aligning with Australia’s circular economy goals. Government initiatives to reduce single-use plastics have indirectly supported the growth of metal alternatives. Today, Australia’s metal packaging industry reflects a blend of legacy infrastructure, modern design innovation, and sustainability-driven market realignment across multiple sectors.

According to the research report ""Australia Metal Packaging Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Australia Metal Packaging market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.28 % CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Australia’s regulatory and sustainability environment for packaging is undergoing significant transformation as the country intensifies efforts to address waste and promote circular economy practices. Central to this shift is the National Packaging Targets, which require that by 2025, all packaging be reusable, recyclable, or compostable, with increasing levels of recycled content. Although these targets were initially industry-led through the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), recent concerns over slow progress have prompted federal and state governments to consider stricter regulatory frameworks. In 2024, a national consultation process was launched to reform packaging regulation, proposing measures such as mandatory recycled content standards, expanded producer responsibility schemes, and bans on problematic materials. The proposed framework aims to align with international best practices while strengthening domestic compliance mechanisms. Australia has also introduced tools like the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL), which provides clear guidance to consumers on the recyclability of packaging components, encouraging better disposal behavior. Simultaneously, industry and government collaboration is advancing the Design for Kerbside Recycling principles, helping manufacturers develop packaging compatible with existing recycling infrastructure. Circular economy integration is being pursued through national strategies that target reduced material use, increased resource recovery, and improved product stewardship. Certification systems are under development, including initiatives like the ReMade in Australia label, which will authenticate products with verified recycled content.

In Australia’s metal packaging industry, aluminum and steel serve as the primary materials, each offering distinct advantages across various end-use sectors. Aluminum is widely favored for its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly recyclable nature, making it especially prevalent in beverage cans, aerosol products, and cosmetic packaging. Australia’s robust domestic supply of bauxite the raw material for aluminum has historically supported the growth of this sector, although most aluminum used in packaging is processed through integrated global supply chains. Aluminum packaging aligns closely with national sustainability goals due to its infinite recyclability without quality loss, and it is increasingly being adopted as an alternative to single-use plastics, especially in response to government-led bans and shifting consumer preferences. Steel, on the other hand, remains integral for applications requiring greater strength and barrier properties, such as canned foods, industrial paints, and chemicals. It is particularly valued for its durability, tamper resistance, and ability to withstand high-pressure contents. Steel packaging in Australia benefits from advanced coating technologies that enhance corrosion resistance and food safety, ensuring compliance with both domestic and international standards. While aluminum is more common in consumer-facing packaging due to its aesthetics and environmental messaging, steel continues to dominate in industrial and long-shelf-life applications. Both materials contribute significantly to Australia’s circular economy initiatives, with well-established collection, sorting, and reprocessing infrastructure.

In Australia’s metal packaging sector, end-use applications are shaped by functionality, regulatory standards, and shifting consumer expectations across diverse industries. The food and beverage segment is the largest user of metal packaging, driven by the popularity of canned goods, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages particularly carbonated drinks, craft beer, and energy drinks. Aluminum cans dominate beverage packaging due to their lightweight and recyclable nature, while steel is preferred for canned foods requiring long shelf life and structural strength. In paints and varnishes, steel cans and drums are essential for ensuring the safe storage and transport of volatile and corrosive materials. This sector relies heavily on metal’s barrier properties and durability, with packaging tailored to meet strict industrial safety and environmental regulations. The personal care and cosmetics industry is increasingly adopting aluminum bottles and containers for premium skincare and grooming products, driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly, refillable, and aesthetically appealing solutions. These products often highlight sustainability credentials, aligning with Australia’s rising environmental consciousness. In the pharmaceutical sector, metal packaging plays a critical role in protecting medicines from moisture, light, and contamination. Applications include aluminum tubes for topical treatments and foil blister packs for pills favored for their tamper resistance and compliance with health regulations. The others category includes specialty and promotional packaging such as metal tins for confectionery, candles, and gift sets, which leverage metal’s premium appearance and durability.

Australia’s metal packaging market by product type reflects the country’s diverse industrial and consumer needs, with a strong emphasis on functionality, safety, and sustainability. Cans are the most prevalent format, particularly in the food and beverage sectors. Aluminum beverage cans are widely used for soft drinks, craft beer, and ready-to-drink products, appreciated for their lightweight, stackability, and high recyclability. Steel food cans are favored for preserved vegetables, meats, soups, and pet food due to their strength and superior barrier properties, allowing long shelf life without refrigeration. Bottles and containers, especially those made from aluminum, are gaining traction in the personal care, cosmetics, and health supplement industries. These containers offer a premium look and support refillable, sustainable packaging models, aligning with shifting consumer expectations for eco-conscious products. Caps and closures play a vital role across all packaging formats, ensuring tamper-resistance, freshness, and user convenience. Metal closures, such as twist-off caps, crown caps, and aerosol valves, are commonly used in beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Barrels and drums, primarily made of steel, are indispensable for industrial uses, including the storage and transport of chemicals, lubricants, and paints. These heavy-duty containers are engineered for high durability, leak resistance, and regulatory compliance. The others category includes specialized items like decorative tins, promotional packaging, and seasonal gift containers, which utilize metal’s durability and aesthetic appeal to enhance product presentation.

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

Aspects covered in this report
• Metal Packaging 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 Type
• Aluminum
• Steel

By End-Use
• Food & Beverages
• Paints & Varnishes
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Product Type
• Cans
• Bottles & Containers
• Caps & closures
• Barrels & drums
• Others Show more