Food Cans Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (3-piece, 2-piece and Composite Cans), Material, Capacity, Closure Type, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Food Cans Market is accounted for $4.09 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $6.3 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period. Food cans are sealed containers, typically made of tin-coated steel or aluminum, used for preserving and storing food products for extended periods. These cans protect food from contamination, light, and air, ensuring long shelf life without refrigeration. They are widely used for packaging vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, soups, and ready-to-eat meals. Food cans support the convenience food trend, driven by busy lifestyles and urbanization and they are recyclable, making them a sustainable packaging choice.

According to a new study by the NYU School of Global Public Health researchers, the consumption of ultra-processed foods has risen over a couple of decades across nearly all segments of the US population

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Advancements in canning technology

The food cans industry is evolving due to breakthroughs in canning processes that improve product safety and shelf life. Modern techniques enhance barrier properties, preserving flavor and nutritional content more effectively. Automation and robotics have increased production efficiency, reducing operational costs. Enhanced coatings are also being developed to avoid chemical leaching and corrosion. Lightweight materials like aluminum alloys are being adopted to reduce transportation costs. Additionally, smart packaging with traceability features is gaining traction. These advancements collectively support the growing global demand for durable and sustainable food packaging.

Restraint:

Perception of canned food as less healthy

Despite their convenience, canned foods are often viewed negatively by health-conscious consumers. There’s a widespread belief that preservatives and sodium levels are higher in canned products. Media and health influencers frequently associate fresh food with superior nutritional value. Some consumers also fear contamination from outdated can linings, especially those containing BPA. As a result, they may prefer fresh or frozen alternatives. Misinformation and outdated perceptions continue to limit growth in health-driven markets.

Opportunity:

Innovation in lightweight and BPA-free cans

The push for non-toxic packaging materials is driving innovation in BPA-free can linings. Manufacturers are investing in sustainable technologies to create safer, more appealing packaging options. Lightweight cans contribute to reduced carbon emissions during logistics. These innovations align with the increasing consumer demand for eco-conscious food packaging. Enhanced branding and labeling on these cans are also improving consumer trust. Expansion in this area opens new avenues for premium and health-focused canned food lines.

Threat:

Plastic alternatives

Flexible plastic pouches are gaining popularity due to their resealability and cost-effectiveness. These alternatives offer lighter weight and greater design flexibility, appealing to manufacturers and consumers alike. Innovations in biodegradable and compostable plastics pose additional threats to metal cans. Retailers often favor plastic packaging for shelf optimization and branding. The perception that plastic is more user-friendly also influences purchasing decisions. As sustainable plastic solutions continue to evolve, the market share of metal cans could face erosion. Food can manufacturers must differentiate through innovation and value propositions.
Covid-19 Impact:

The pandemic initially disrupted supply chains and impacted raw material availability for metal cans. Panic buying led to short-term surges in demand for shelf-stable canned foods. Lockdowns increased home consumption, boosting retail sales of canned products. However, restrictions affected production capacity and workforce availability. The foodservice sector, a major consumer of bulk canned goods, saw a significant decline. On the flip side, the crisis highlighted the role of long-shelf-life products in food security. Post-pandemic, there is a renewed interest in emergency preparedness, positively impacting the food cans market.

The steel food cans segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The steel food cans segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to their strength and recyclability. They are widely used for packaging vegetables, fruits, soups, and pet food. Their resistance to pressure and contamination ensures food safety over extended periods. Cost-efficiency and widespread availability of steel make it a preferred material. Steel cans are compatible with high-speed production lines, increasing scalability. The segment is also supported by infrastructure for recycling and repurposing and with consistent demand from the food and beverage sector, steel cans remain integral to the market.

The screw caps segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the screw caps segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. Screw caps offer ease of resealing, which aligns with the trend of portion-controlled consumption. They are increasingly being used in canned beverages and semi-liquid food products. The convenience factor drives their adoption in single-person and on-the-go meal packaging. Screw caps also allow better preservation after the initial opening. Their compatibility with smart packaging features further boosts demand. This segment’s growth is largely driven by innovations in user-friendly, reusable closures and consumers favor packaging that offers both hygiene and ease of use.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to rapid urbanization and changing dietary habits. The region’s expanding middle class is showing a growing preference for convenience foods. Local manufacturing hubs support cost-effective production of food cans. Government initiatives supporting packaged food exports further strengthen demand. High population density and increasing food processing activities add to regional growth. Countries like China, India, and Japan are key contributors to this dominance. Their focus on food safety and shelf-stability also encourages adoption of canned packaging.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, driven by technological advancements and sustainability initiatives. Consumers are leaning toward recyclable and BPA-free packaging solutions. Rising health awareness is fueling the demand for improved canned food options. E-commerce expansion is also promoting shelf-stable products for long-distance distribution. The presence of major industry players fosters innovation and competitive pricing. Regional investments in smart packaging solutions are further accelerating market penetration. Moreover, government regulations promoting sustainable materials are creating favorable conditions for growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Food Cans Market include Aaron Packaging, CANPACK, Colep Packaging, Crown Holdings, CPMC Holdings, Envases, Independent Can Company, Jamestrong Packaging, Kian Joo Group, Lageen Food Packaging, Massilly Holding, Nampak, Silgan Holdings, Sonoco Products and Toyo Seikan Group.

Key Developments:

In March 2025, Crown Holdings unveiled EcoSeal™, a lightweight, fully recyclable food can with a BPA-free lining. The design reduces material use by 15% while maintaining shelf-life integrity for acidic foods like tomatoes.

In February 2025, Silgan introduced SmartCan, a food can with embedded NFC tags for real-time freshness tracking. Consumers can scan the can to check expiration dates and nutritional info via smartphone.

In January 2025, Toyo Seikan launched FreshLock Cans, featuring a resealable aluminum lid with a silicone gasket to extend food freshness after opening, targeting premium ready-to-eat meal brands.

Types Covered:
• 3-piece
• 2-piece
• Composite Cans

Materials Covered:
• Steel Food Cans
• Tin Food Cans
• Aluminium Food Cans
• Plastics Food Cans
• Glass Food Cans

Capacities Covered:
• Less Than 100 gm
• 100 gm–300 gm
• 301 gm–500 gm
• Other Capacities

Closure Types Covered:
• Can Ends
• Screw Caps
• Pull Tabs
• Easy-Open Lids

Applications Covered:
• Fruits And vegetables
• Meat And seafood
• Pet Food
• Ready-To-Eat Meals
• Processed Food
• Powder Products
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements