Market Trends of Europe Food Cans Industry
Aluminum Cans Expected to Register Largest Market
- Aluminum cans help preserve food quality for a long time. Aluminum cans are completely impervious to oxygen, light, moisture, and other pollutants. They don't rust, are corrosion-resistant, and have one of any package's most extended shelf life. The safety record of aluminum-based food canning is unrivaled. Consumers may rest certain that their items have been safely prepared and delivered as it is tamper-resistant and tamper-evident packaging.
- The recyclability of product packaging is of increasing interest to consumers seeking more sustainable products. As a result, aluminum, which is touted as infinitely recyclable, is gaining traction among product manufacturers and the consumers they serve. Industries transitioning to aluminum include food packaging and other industries. The move to aluminum is reflected in the expected growth of green packaging. The average price of aluminum was USD 3,496 per metric ton in March 2022, which was USD 3,246 per metric ton in February 2022 (World Bank). Various reasons, including the demand for the material in packaging cause such an increase in the price of aluminum.
- Various companies are also focused on recycling aluminum packaging waste. For instance, in May 2023, The Italian-based non-profit National Aluminum Packaging Consortium (CIAL) released last year's results of the country's existing model for managing and recycling aluminum packaging waste. This waste management initiative aligns with the new principles of the European Green Deal's Circular Economy Action Plan.
- The consortium was responsible for collecting and recycling aluminum packaging, and 73.6% of the aluminum packaging waste that entered the market ecosystem was successfully recycled last year. When energy recovery is included in the data, the overall percentage of recovered material further increases to 78%. According to CIAL, this new achievement means that the current recycling rate of aluminum packaging exceeds Italy's pre-set targets for 2025 (50%) and 2030 (60%).
- In October 2022, Ball Corporation launched one of the most sustainable aluminum aerosol cans globally, with only half the carbon footprint of a standard can. This will enable the company's ambition to attain its 2030 science-based targets and net-zero emissions before 2050. The new cans incorporate up to 50% recycled content and low-carbon aluminum smelted using renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power. Such innovations by major players drive the market for aluminum in the region.
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Food Cans to Witness Growth in Fruits and Vegetables Sector
- The usage of metal cans for the packaging of vegetables is anticipated to witness exciting growth owing to various factors such as increasing health awareness among consumers, increasing implementation of strict rules by the government, for cans to be corrosion-resistant and free from contaminants, such as cadmium Bisphenol-A (BPA), among others.
- An expanding distribution network for canned food items in Europe is anticipated to contribute to market growth. Dedicated online and offline shops for specialty food products are helping to build a significant demand for canned produce. The longevity of canned fruits and vegetables is an important factor supporting the canned vegetables market.
- Regular changes in imports for specific canned products are caused by the size of the harvested raw materials. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all foods, including canned fruits and vegetables sold in the European Union, must be safe. This applies to imported products as well. Harmful contaminants, such as pesticide residues above excessive levels of mycotoxins or preservatives, are banned.
- The import value of fruit and vegetables in the United Kingdom was GBP 12,304 million (USD 15,536.5 million approximately) in 2022, according to Defra and HM Revenue and Customs. Increased imports of fruits and vegetables would drive the market for metal food cans in the region.
- Moreover, cans and other materials used for packaging must be corrosion-resistant and free from contaminants such as cadmium or bisphenol A (BPA). However, physical and chemical contamination still exists. Companies operating in the region need to follow such requirements in the region.
- Various countries in the region are banning the plastic material for packaging. For instance, recently, implementing a February 2020 law, the government published a list of 30 fruits and vegetables that must be sold without plastic packaging. The vegetables include peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, cauliflowers, squashes, parsnips, radishes, and more. Fruits such as apples, pears, oranges, kiwis, lemons, citrus, melon, and more are also included. Such bans would further leverage the market for food cans in the region.
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