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Middle East and Africa Metal Packaging Market Outlook, 2030

Published Aug 31, 2025
Length 80 Pages
SKU # BORM20367702

Description

The metal packaging market in the Middle East and Africa has evolved into a significant part of the regional packaging landscape, driven by its durability, ability to extend product shelf life, and strong perception as a safe and sustainable material compared to glass and plastics. Historically introduced as an alternative to fragile glass bottles and less protective plastics, metal packaging gained momentum due to its strength, recyclability, and advanced coatings such as epoxy and lacquered linings that safeguard contents from contamination while enhancing storage stability. This evolution has been reinforced by the global shift toward closed-loop recyclability, positioning aluminum and steel as eco-conscious materials favored by consumers who increasingly associate them with sustainability. In comparison with paper or plastic, metal offers unmatched protection against oxygen and light, while regulatory frameworks in regions like Saudi Arabia, which banned non-biodegradable plastics, have accelerated its adoption across food and beverage industries. Technological progress has further shaped the market, with lightweighting strategies reducing material use and transportation costs, alongside the rapid adoption of BPA-free and innovative coatings such as enhanced retort linings that preserve flavors in organic and natural products. Smart packaging concepts, laser-etched QR coding for traceability, and nitrogen-dosable formats for coffee and nutrition cans are being explored to meet diverse industry demands.

According to the research report ""Middle East and Africa Metal Packaging Market Outlook, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Middle East and Africa Metal Packaging market is anticipated to grow at more than 4.46% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Recycling infrastructure is still in early stages in many countries, yet efforts like the January 2023 launch of the Aluminum Recycling Coalition in the UAE led by Emirates Global Aluminum and the November 2023 start of EGA’s 170,000-tonne aluminum recycling plant in Al Taweelah highlight how governments and corporations are working to close the loop and strengthen sustainable feedstock availability. Regulatory and policy frameworks have also played a key role, with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 driving more than USD 9.3 billion in investments in 2024 to expand the nation’s metal and mining sectors, aligning long-term growth with reduced oil dependency. Industry dynamics are equally shaped by new product developments, such as Kristal Kola’s June 2024 launch of Turkey’s first spring water in locally manufactured metal cans by Crown Holdings, and Ball Corporation’s October 2022 introduction of infinitely recyclable aluminum cups in additional sizes for diversified beverage use. The region has also witnessed active M&A moves, including Tecnocap’s September 2024 acquisition of ReefCap in Saudi Arabia to secure distribution across the Middle East, and South Africa’s MetPac-SA integrating aerosol packaging into its EPR framework in May 2024 to promote post-consumer recycling through partnerships with buy-back centers and recyclers. Global majors like Ardagh, Ball, and Crown remain highly competitive, yet regional players such as Pan Gulf International Metals Industry in Sharjah, recycling over 200,000 MT annually, emphasize the fragmented but fast-modernizing supply base.

Market Drivers

Government Regulations on PlasticsPolicies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are reshaping packaging choices by restricting non-biodegradable plastics and promoting alternatives like metal. Saudi Arabia’s nationwide ban on single-use plastics has accelerated the shift toward aluminum and steel cans for food and beverages. Similarly, initiatives like the UAE’s Aluminum Recycling Coalition, launched in January 2023 by Emirates Global Aluminum, aim to strengthen the recycling ecosystem and position metal packaging as a sustainable, regulatory-compliant solution across the region.
Expanding Beverage Industry and Consumer ShiftRapid growth in soft drinks, energy beverages, and bottled water consumption is boosting demand for durable, recyclable packaging formats. In June 2024, Kristal Kola launched Turkey’s first spring water in locally produced metal cans by Crown Holdings to reduce carbon footprint while addressing consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging. Rising disposable incomes and younger demographics in the Middle East and Africa are also driving demand for canned beverages, helping metal packaging gain prominence over plastic bottles.

Market Challenges

Underdeveloped Recycling InfrastructureDespite growing demand, the region struggles with limited recycling networks, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where collection systems and processing facilities remain fragmented. While initiatives like EGA’s November 2023 launch of a 170,000-tonne aluminum recycling plant in the UAE show progress, many African markets still lack the infrastructure needed to sustain closed-loop recycling. This creates supply chain inefficiencies and raises production costs compared to more mature regions.
High Energy Costs and Raw Material DependenceMetal packaging production relies heavily on aluminum and steel, which are energy-intensive to process. Volatility in energy prices, coupled with reliance on imports of high-grade raw materials, often inflates costs in countries without strong mining or smelting bases. For example, South Africa faces electricity supply disruptions that impact smelting operations, while Gulf countries are pushing for new mining investments under programs like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to reduce dependency.

Market Trends

Investments in Recycling and SustainabilityCompanies and governments are investing in recycling capacity to align with global sustainability goals. In November 2023, Emirates Global Aluminum began constructing the UAE’s largest aluminum recycling plant to produce low-carbon billets, while MetPac-SA in South Africa expanded its Extended Producer Responsibility strategy in May 2024 to include aerosol packaging. These moves reflect a clear trend of embedding sustainability into business models and meeting consumer expectations for greener packaging.
Product Innovation and Market DiversificationPackaging companies are responding to demand for varied formats and functional improvements. Ball Corporation’s October 2022 expansion of its infinitely recyclable aluminum cup range to new sizes highlights innovation tailored to different beverage categories. Similarly, Tecnocap’s September 2024 acquisition of Saudi-based ReefCap signals growing emphasis on closures and specialty packaging formats. Such innovations demonstrate how suppliers are diversifying beyond standard cans to serve emerging niches like flavored water, premium spirits, and health drinks.

Aluminum dominates the Middle East and Africa metal packaging market because it combines portability, recyclability, and performance in ways that align with the region’s consumption and sustainability priorities.

Aluminum has become the material of choice across Middle Eastern and African packaging landscapes largely because of its unmatched ability to combine functionality with environmental responsibility. In Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, soaring demand for canned carbonated drinks, energy beverages, and bottled water in resealable aluminum containers reflects consumer preference for lightweight and portable options suited to hot climates. Aluminum also enables premium product positioning, which is particularly valued in markets like the UAE where global brands and luxury food and beverage products dominate retail shelves. From an industrial perspective, the region’s governments are investing heavily in recycling infrastructure as part of their circular economy strategies, with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizing aluminum recycling to reduce dependency on imports and cut waste. Africa, on the other hand, benefits from its established scrap collection networks where aluminum holds higher resale value compared to steel or tin, creating strong economic incentives to recycle. Additionally, smelting and downstream investments by companies such as Emirates Global Aluminium and Hindalco ensure a consistent supply of rolled aluminum products, making the material more accessible for packaging converters. Its excellent resistance to corrosion, heat conductivity, and compatibility with advanced coatings like BPA-NI solutions further enhance its suitability for diverse applications, ranging from beverage cans to aerosol products and food tins.

Food and beverages hold the leading position in the region’s metal packaging industry since no other sector relies as heavily on durability, freshness, and shelf stability to withstand extreme climates and logistical hurdles.

The food and beverage sector accounts for the strongest pull on metal packaging demand across the Middle East and Africa because these regions face unique challenges in storage, transportation, and product preservation. Harsh desert climates in Gulf countries necessitate packaging formats that protect beverages and perishable foods from heat, light, and contamination, areas where metal outperforms most other materials. Aluminum and steel cans, coupled with advanced lacquer coatings, safeguard flavor integrity and extend product shelf life, critical for both imported goods and locally produced staples. The increasing popularity of canned soft drinks, energy beverages, juices, and dairy-based drinks across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa demonstrates how cans have become integral to urban consumption habits. Metal packaging also plays a vital role in supporting regional food security programs, where governments encourage long-lasting formats such as canned tuna, legumes, and tomato paste to reduce reliance on fresh imports. In Africa, where cold chain logistics remain underdeveloped, canned food offers a reliable way to distribute protein and nutrition across long distances without spoilage, directly contributing to food accessibility. Moreover, rising demand for convenience foods and international brands is driving investment from global giants like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé, who rely heavily on cans and tins to cater to local markets. The introduction of lightweight, resealable can formats and BPA-free coatings further reinforces consumer trust, particularly among health-conscious younger populations.

Caps and closures are gaining momentum as the fastest-expanding product type, driven by rising expectations for convenience, product integrity, and premium presentation across multiple industries.

Caps and closures are experiencing rapid uptake across Middle Eastern and African markets because they bridge the gap between functionality and brand differentiation in sectors that thrive on packaging innovation. Beverage producers in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa are increasingly adopting resealable metal closures for bottled water, carbonated drinks, and functional beverages, where convenience and portability influence consumer choice. Decorative and specialty closures are also gaining momentum in the premium cosmetics and personal care segments, which are booming in markets such as the UAE, Qatar, and South Africa, where global luxury brands use packaging to appeal to affluent consumers. Beyond aesthetics, closures play a crucial technical role in ensuring product safety and compliance with UN transport certifications for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and specialty oils, making them indispensable in regulated industries. The rising demand for nitrogen-dosed coffee cans and aerosol valves for deodorants and household sprays reflects how closures are not only functional but also central to unlocking new product categories. Companies like Silgan Holdings, which expanded into specialty dispensing systems after acquiring Weener Plastics, highlight how global suppliers are investing to capture this regional momentum. Local bottlers and food processors are also turning to advanced closure systems that improve tamper evidence, extend freshness, and reduce leakage during transport. As sustainability becomes a priority, manufacturers are experimenting with lightweight metal closures and integrating laser-etched QR coding for supply chain traceability and consumer engagement.

Saudi Arabia is leading in the Middle East and Africa metal packaging market due its strong regulatory push against plastics combined with large-scale investments in aluminum and steel recycling and production capacity.

Saudi Arabia’s dominance in the MEA metal packaging market stems from a mix of regulatory reforms, industrial investments, and its strategic role in regional supply chains. The country has taken a proactive stance against plastic use, enforcing strict regulations that restrict single-use and non-biodegradable plastics, which has opened opportunities for metal as a sustainable alternative in food, beverage, and personal care packaging. Beyond regulation, Saudi Arabia is actively investing in mining and smelting industries as part of its Vision 2030 plan, aimed at diversifying its economy and reducing dependency on oil. In November 2024, the government announced nine major investment deals in the metals and mining sector, worth over USD 9.3 billion, with global players such as Vedanta from India and Zijin from China joining hands to develop the country’s aluminum and steel value chains. This bolsters the availability of raw materials and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional hub for packaging materials. Furthermore, the food and beverage industry in the country is expanding rapidly due to population growth and shifting consumption habits, with rising demand for canned soft drinks, juices, and ready-to-eat meals driving adoption of metal packaging. Local and international manufacturers are responding by scaling up production capacity and introducing lightweight, BPA-free, and innovative coatings to cater to health-conscious consumers. At the same time, Saudi companies are beginning to align with global sustainability practices, supporting recycling initiatives and infrastructure development to improve the collection and reprocessing of used cans.

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Table of Contents

80 Pages
1. Executive Summary
2. Market Dynamics
2.1. Market Drivers & Opportunities
2.2. Market Restraints & Challenges
2.3. Market Trends
2.4. Supply chain Analysis
2.5. Policy & Regulatory Framework
2.6. Industry Experts Views
3. Research Methodology
3.1. Secondary Research
3.2. Primary Data Collection
3.3. Market Formation & Validation
3.4. Report Writing, Quality Check & Delivery
4. Market Structure
4.1. PharmaceuticalsMarket Considerate
4.2. Assumptions
4.3. Limitations
4.4. Abbreviations
4.5. Sources
4.6. Definitions
5. Economic /Demographic Snapshot
6. Middle East & Africa Metal Packaging Market Outlook
6.1. Market Size By Value
6.2. Market Share By Country
6.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Material Type
6.4. Market Size and Forecast, By End-Use
6.5. Market Size and Forecast, By Product Type
6.6. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Metal Packaging Market Outlook
6.6.1. Market Size by Value
6.6.2. Market Size and Forecast By Material Type
6.6.3. Market Size and Forecast By End-Use
6.6.4. Market Size and Forecast By Product Type
6.7. Saudi Arabia Metal Packaging Market Outlook
6.7.1. Market Size by Value
6.7.2. Market Size and Forecast By Material Type
6.7.3. Market Size and Forecast By End-Use
6.7.4. Market Size and Forecast By Product Type
6.8. South Africa Metal Packaging Market Outlook
6.8.1. Market Size by Value
6.8.2. Market Size and Forecast By Material Type
6.8.3. Market Size and Forecast By End-Use
6.8.4. Market Size and Forecast By Product Type
7. Competitive Landscape
7.1. Competitive Dashboard
7.2. Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players
7.3. Key Players Market Positioning Matrix
7.4. Porter's Five Forces
7.5. Company Profile
7.5.1. Ball Corporation
7.5.1.1. Company Snapshot
7.5.1.2. Company Overview
7.5.1.3. Financial Highlights
7.5.1.4. Geographic Insights
7.5.1.5. Business Segment & Performance
7.5.1.6. Product Portfolio
7.5.1.7. Key Executives
7.5.1.8. Strategic Moves & Developments
7.5.2. Crown Holdings, Inc.
7.5.3. Sonoco Products Company
7.5.4. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
7.5.5. Mauser Packaging Solutions
7.5.6. Greif, Inc.
7.5.7. CANPACK S.A.
7.5.8. Berlin Packaging
8. Strategic Recommendations
9. Annexure
9.1. FAQ`s
9.2. Notes
9.3. Related Reports
10. Disclaimer
List of Figures
Figure 1: Global Metal Packaging Market Size (USD Billion) By Region, 2024 & 2030
Figure 2: Market attractiveness Index, By Region 2030
Figure 3: Market attractiveness Index, By Segment 2030
Figure 4: Middle East & Africa Metal Packaging Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 5: Middle East & Africa Metal Packaging Market Share By Country (2024)
Figure 6: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Metal Packaging Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 7: Saudi Arabia Metal Packaging Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 8: South Africa Metal Packaging Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 9: Porter's Five Forces of Global Metal Packaging Market
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Metal Packaging Market Snapshot, By Segmentation (2024 & 2030) (in USD Billion)
Table 2: Influencing Factors for Metal Packaging Market, 2024
Table 3: Top 10 Counties Economic Snapshot 2022
Table 4: Economic Snapshot of Other Prominent Countries 2022
Table 5: Average Exchange Rates for Converting Foreign Currencies into U.S. Dollars
Table 6: Middle East & Africa Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast, By Material Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 7: Middle East & Africa Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast, By End-Use (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 8: Middle East & Africa Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast, By Product Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 9: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast By Material Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 10: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast By End-Use (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 11: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast By Product Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 12: Saudi Arabia Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast By Material Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 13: Saudi Arabia Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast By End-Use (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 14: Saudi Arabia Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast By Product Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 15: South Africa Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast By Material Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 16: South Africa Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast By End-Use (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 17: South Africa Metal Packaging Market Size and Forecast By Product Type (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 18: Competitive Dashboard of top 5 players, 2024
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