A market on the rise

Metal packaging has reached a very different scale in Brazil over the past several years. In 2009, the market for aluminum beverage cans stood at around 20 billion units. By 2025, sales had reached 34.1 billion, an increase of more than 70% in 16 years and the second-highest volume on record. Over that period, the industry also became more diverse, incorporating new solutions along the way.

It is no coincidence that Brazil now ranks as the world’s third-largest producer of aluminum cans, behind only the United States and China. Around a quarter of all aluminum sold in the country is consumed by the beverage segment, an indication of just how significant this application has become within the Brazilian economy.

But the opportunities extend well beyond the production lines making cans for soft drinks, beer and other beverages. Aerosols, food, paints, cosmetics and consumer goods are expanding the range of applications for steel and aluminum packaging, each bringing its own requirements for materials, equipment, coatings, printing, closures, automation and quality control.

One way to identify where the next business opportunities may emerge is to follow these shifts closely and understand what they will require from companies looking to grow alongside them.

In this article

1. Metal packaging supports a broad network of specialized suppliers
2. New applications are taking cans into different industries
3. Technology is changing what packaging can deliver
4. Design and premiumization create new ways to add value
5. Where are the opportunities for suppliers?
6. OneCan brings together those who produce and those who transform the industry
7. Frequently asked questions about the metal packaging market

1. Metal packaging supports a broad network of specialized suppliers

Producing tens of billions of units a year requires an infrastructure that begins long before packaging reaches the filling line. Metal goes through conversion, coating, printing and forming processes, all of which also depend on closure systems, machinery, inspection and automation to maintain quality and efficiency at scale.

This is where the size of the market becomes particularly relevant to industry suppliers. Production at this scale requires equipment, components, materials, technologies, finishes, specialized services and logistics solutions capable of keeping pace with manufacturing operations and their technical requirements.

In Brazil, the 34.1 billion beverage cans sold in 2025 provide a clear indication of the scale of this activity. The country’s position among the world’s leading producers also points to a well-established industrial structure involving a wide range of companies before each unit ever reaches the consumer.

This pace is also translating into new production requirements, including waste reduction, traceability, automation, better use of resources and circular economy practices, all of which are influencing decisions on the factory floor. Meeting these needs puts suppliers in a strategic position, as much of the evolution of metal packaging depends on the technologies, materials and services they bring to production.

2. New applications are taking cans into different industries

Beverages provide a clear picture of the scale of metal packaging in Brazil, but they represent only part of the applications served by the industry. Canned foods, seafood, chemicals, paints, personal care products, cosmetics and aerosols bring steel and aluminum into production lines with their own specific characteristics and, as a result, require different materials, components, equipment and technical expertise.

Aerosols are a particularly useful example of this potential. Brazil is the world’s fourth-largest producer in the segment, with 1.4 billion units manufactured in 2023, according to the Brazilian Aerosol Association (ABAS). That same year, the segment generated R$30 billion in revenue, with personal care accounting for 63% of domestic production, followed by other applications, insecticides and household products.

This variety is directly relevant to suppliers because each application brings its own requirements for both the package and the production process. Paint cans must meet different conditions from food cans; aerosols incorporate valves, propellants and dedicated filling systems; while canned foods and seafood require secure sealing, coatings suitable for contact with the contents and resistance to preservation processes.

These specific requirements create opportunities for new business, whether for a company supplying an aerosol production line, developing components for food packaging or providing equipment and materials for other categories. As applications become more varied, companies with the expertise to meet the particular requirements of each production process become increasingly relevant.

3. Technology is changing what packaging can deliver

A canned product stored at room temperature is a good example of how much technology can be built into something as seemingly simple as a can. The combination of material, internal coating, sealing and thermal processing makes it possible to offer vegetables, seafood, meat, sauces and ready meals with an extended shelf life without relying on a frozen supply chain.

Part of this evolution also reflects consumer choices shaped by everyday convenience. Easy-open ends found on cans of tuna, corn, peas and other foods show how a technical feature can make a product easier to use without compromising the seal required during processing and storage. The ability to keep certain foods at room temperature for extended periods also supports purchases for later consumption and a wider range of usage occasions. Inside the package, coatings act as a barrier between the food and the metal and can be developed to address specific characteristics of the contents, including more acidic or salty products such as fruit, vegetables and seafood.

Development is also continuing in the materials used inside the package. Internal coatings formulated without the intentional addition of substances such as BPA and PFAS are already available for food and beverage cans, while new formulations aim to combine corrosion resistance, flavor preservation and performance on production lines. Some solutions are designed to withstand processes such as pasteurization, hot filling and retort sterilization, showing how a change that is barely visible from the outside can address highly specific packaging requirements.

Technology also plays an important role in manufacturing quality control. Cameras and automated systems can inspect lids, closures and potential packaging defects, alongside equipment and process controls designed to maintain consistency on high-speed lines. In operations producing millions of units, improvements in precision, maintenance, control and resource use can deliver meaningful gains and create opportunities for additional specialized suppliers.

These demands create opportunities for companies supplying technology, equipment, coatings and components, often through targeted improvements that can make a significant difference to the final result. A more functional lid, a barrier suited to a particular food, more accurate inspection or a process that reduces waste are all examples of solutions that can emerge from production needs while responding to changes in both manufacturing and consumption.

4. Design and premiumization create new ways to add value

There are also applications in which metal plays a highly visible role in product presentation. Cosmetics, beauty products, special kits, commemorative editions and collectible packaging use shapes, finishes and printing techniques to reinforce the identity a brand wants to build.

In these applications, characteristics such as texture, shine, shape, opening mechanisms and print quality can influence the consumer experience. The same metal base can take on very different identities depending on how its surface and structure are developed.

This creates possibilities for companies specializing in printing, decoration, finishes, design, components and closure systems. It also encourages collaboration between brands, packaging manufacturers and suppliers, particularly when the goal is to develop a solution that stands out on the shelf without compromising production efficiency.

Premiumization adds another dimension to this process, with packaging going beyond technical requirements to communicate positioning and increase perceived value, bringing creativity and industrial capabilities together in the development of solutions.

5. Where are the opportunities for suppliers?

There is room for companies supplying materials and components, as well as businesses specializing in technology, efficiency, finishing, control and environmental solutions. Some of the main areas include:

This landscape shows how highly specific improvements can find commercial applications. A solution that improves sealing, reduces waste, increases line precision or delivers a different finish already addresses a concrete need within the supply chain.

Looking only at the number of cans produced therefore tells just part of the story. Billions of units demonstrate the scale of the market, while the variety of applications and changes in production processes reveal how many different areas of expertise are involved.

6. OneCan brings together those who produce and those who transform the industry

A supply chain with so many applications, specialties and possibilities for innovation needs places where these different players can connect. This is the idea behind OneCan Metal Can Summit & Expo, the first event in Latin America dedicated exclusively to the metal packaging industry.

From April 6 to 8, 2027, at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, the inaugural edition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, brands and specialists from across this ecosystem. Raw materials, components, machinery, technologies, design, logistics and recycling will be among the areas represented, creating an environment where companies can showcase projects, learn about emerging demands and speak directly with professionals looking for answers to business challenges.

Taking part in this first edition also means staying close to the discussions shaping a segment that continues to develop new applications and requirements. A solution presented or a conversation started during the event can lead to contacts, partnerships and projects that continue well beyond those three days.

OneCan Metal Can Summit & Expo 2027

Where the industry’s new solutions come together

OneCan brings together metal packaging manufacturers, suppliers, brands and specialists in an event designed to connect companies developing solutions with those looking for new technologies, materials, equipment and partners. For exhibitors, it means three days to showcase their work, build valuable connections and take part in the conversations shaping the industry’s next steps.

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7. Frequently asked questions about the metal packaging market

Is the Brazilian metal packaging market growing?

The aluminum beverage can segment has seen significant expansion over the past few decades. Sales increased from around 20 billion units in 2009 to 34.1 billion in 2025, representing growth of more than 70% in 16 years. Brazil also holds a prominent position among the world’s leading markets and producers.

Which industries use metal packaging?

Applications include beverages, processed and canned foods, aerosols, paints, chemicals, cosmetics, personal care products and other consumer goods. The characteristics of each product create specific requirements for materials, coatings, components, equipment and processes.

What opportunities are available to suppliers in the metal packaging industry?

Opportunities can be found across the supply chain, including materials and coatings, machinery, automation, printing and finishing, valves, lids and closures, inspection, quality control, traceability, logistics, recycling and solutions focused on production efficiency.

What is OneCan Metal Can Summit & Expo?

OneCan is the first event in Latin America dedicated exclusively to the metal packaging industry. Its inaugural edition will take place from April 6 to 8, 2027, at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, brands and specialists from across the supply chain.

Logistics has evolved far beyond transportation and warehousing to become a strategic driver of competitiveness. As e-commerce continues to expand, markets become increasingly global, cost reduction remains a priority, and sustainability goals grow more ambitious, every stage of the supply chain is being optimized for efficiency. In this context, packaging plays an increasingly important role.

More than simply protecting products, metal packaging directly impacts industrial productivity, cargo optimization, damage reduction, and overall operational performance. Manufactured from steel or aluminum, metal packaging offers high mechanical strength, outstanding preservation capabilities, and is fully recyclable—qualities that make it an essential component of modern industrial logistics.

According to ABRE (Brazilian Packaging Association), Brazil’s packaging industry generated R$ 165.7 billion in 2025, representing approximately 2.8% of the country’s manufacturing sector, highlighting the strategic importance of the industry to the Brazilian economy.

Packaging as Part of the Logistics Strategy

Logistics efficiency begins long before products leave the warehouse. Packaging selection directly influences transportation, storage, material handling, and product loss rates throughout the supply chain.

Metal packaging withstands higher stacking loads, offers exceptional impact resistance, and provides superior stability during transportation, reducing product damage and returns. In addition, its standardized formats support automated filling, palletizing, and warehousing processes, increasing operational productivity.

Another significant advantage is its ability to create a complete barrier against light, oxygen, and moisture, preserving product quality for longer periods and minimizing waste—particularly in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

Logistics Performance Comparison

Why Metal Packaging Is Gaining Ground in Modern Supply Chains

The pursuit of greater operational efficiency has encouraged companies across multiple industries to invest in solutions that improve supply chain reliability.

Steel and aluminum packaging deliver significant competitive advantages, including superior strength, long service life, excellent transportation performance, and enhanced product protection. These characteristics reduce losses, minimize distribution risks, and contribute to food safety.

Compared with other packaging materials, metal packaging stands out in applications requiring superior protection against external factors, such as food, beverages, chemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Rather than replacing all alternative materials, metal packaging excels in applications where durability, product preservation, and structural integrity are essential.

Logistics Performance: Fewer Losses, Greater Efficiency

Reducing waste also means reducing costs. As a result, packaging has become a strategic asset within logistics operations.

Its durability minimizes breakage during transportation and storage, reducing product returns and financial losses. Standardized formats also simplify production line automation and distribution center operations, improving processing speed and efficiency.

These benefits are equally important for international logistics. Exported products often face extended transit times and varying environmental conditions, making robust packaging essential to preserving product quality throughout the journey.

According to ApexBrasil, food and beverages remain among Brazil’s leading export sectors, making packaging quality a critical factor in maintaining international competitiveness.

Industry Highlights

Sources: ABRE, Abralatas.

Sustainability Is Also Logistics Efficiency

Sustainability has evolved from a regulatory requirement into a competitive advantage. Metal packaging plays a significant role in supporting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and circular economy strategies.

Both steel and aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without significant loss of quality, reducing the demand for virgin raw materials and lowering the environmental footprint of manufacturing.

Brazil is recognized as a global leader in aluminum beverage can recycling, maintaining recycling rates above 95%, according to Abralatas. Steel packaging also benefits from well-established recycling systems, strengthening reverse logistics while helping reduce carbon emissions throughout the production cycle.

Additionally, by extending product shelf life and reducing food waste, metal packaging contributes to a more sustainable and efficient supply chain.

The Future of Logistics Depends on Smarter Packaging

As logistics continues to evolve, metal packaging is becoming an increasingly strategic component of supply chain management. Its durability, strength, preservation capabilities, and exceptional recyclability help reduce losses, improve operational productivity, and reinforce circular economy practices.

More than protecting products, metal packaging enables companies to lower costs, improve logistics efficiency, meet sustainability targets, and build more resilient supply chains prepared for future challenges.

OneCan Metal Can Expo & Summit: The Meeting Point for the Metal Packaging Industry

Companies looking to stay ahead of these industry transformations will find the OneCan Metal Can Expo & Summit to be Latin America’s leading event dedicated to metal packaging.

Taking place April 6–8, 2027, at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, Brazil, OneCan is the first event in Latin America exclusively focused on the metal packaging industry.

Over three days, packaging manufacturers, raw material suppliers, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, logistics solution providers, and leading brands from the food, beverage, cosmetics, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries will come together to discuss innovation, sustainability, digitalization, operational efficiency, and the future of the supply chain.

For companies seeking to strengthen their competitive position, showcase new technologies and products, and build strategic partnerships, OneCan provides the ideal platform to accelerate business opportunities, develop valuable industry connections, and anticipate the trends shaping the future of metal packaging.

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