The metal packaging market - France

The global metal packaging market has continued to grow, with an expected CAGR of 3.3% in 2022, reaching an estimated $153 billion in value by 2022. This industry, involving steel and aluminum packaging, owes its expansion to the durability, recyclability, and preservation qualities of metal packages, with high recycling rates of 80% for steel and 74.5% for aluminum in Europe, and increasing demand in Asia due to rapid urbanization. In France, a minor decline in the market has been noted, with the production value decreasing slightly from €2.08 billion to €1.91 billion in H1 2020. The French market is concentrated, with foreign firms Crown and Ardagh commanding over 60% of sales, and the nation aims to boost its metal recycling rates which currently lag behind the EU average. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the sector, with an increase in demand for metal aerosols by 1% balanced out by a 23% drop in metal bottles for alcohol as of March 2020. The underlying commodities, steel and aluminum, face a drop in demand that could affect pricing and impact industry margins.

Emerging Trends in the French Metal Packaging Market

Metal packaging, encompassing products made from steel and aluminum, represents a niche yet dynamically evolving segment within the French packaging industry. While globally the metal packaging market holds around a 12.2% share, in France it comprises a smaller fraction—about 6.5%—of the overall packaging market. Despite this modest proportion, changes in consumer behavior, societal preferences, and regulatory landscapes are setting the stage for potential growth and evolution in the sector. The French market has largely been stable, yet it has witnessed a slight contraction, decreasing from roughly €2.08 billion to between €1.9 and €2 billion in the first half of 2020. Even so, there are signs of positive momentum, hinting at a resilient industry well-positioned to navigate the ebbs and flows of economic cycles.

A substantial portion of demand in the metal packaging market stems from industries like rubber, plastics, vehicles, metal industries, food, cosmetics, textiles, paper, cardboard, and electronics. Notably, the food and beverage sectors are considerable users of metal packaging solutions, leveraging the durability, recyclability, and preservative qualities of metal cans and containers. The product mix in France follows a similar trend to that of Europe, with steel accounting for about 67.3% and aluminum about 32.7% of metal packaging materials in 2017. Cans, particularly those made from aluminum, remain the most popular product form and are anticipated to see growth by an estimated 4.8% going into 2026. This projection aligns with global expectations and suggests a parallel uptick in usage within France.

Furthermore, the recycling rate of these materials is a significant driving factor for their market demand. France aims to achieve a recycling rate of 75% by 2022, building on the existing rates where steel has already hit a 100% recycle rate and aluminum stands at 44%. Europe has set an ambitious target of an 80% recycling rate, and France is working to align with this objective, which is not only environmentally prudent but also economically sensible due to the country's strong focus on sustainability and circular economy practices. The recent global pandemic, COVID-19, has prompted shifts in consumption patterns. There were expectations for an increase in the use of metal aerosols for household supplies by about 1%, while a decrease of about 23% was anticipated for metal bottles used for alcohol due to the lockdown and restrictions on social.

 Key Players in the Metal Packaging Industry

The metal packaging industry is a competitive field where several prominent players assert their dominance on various scales, from local to global. In this intricate network of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, understanding the positioning and strategic operations of these central entities is essential to appreciate the underlying dynamics of the market.

• One of the most notable companies in the market is Ardagh Metal Packaging, which operates a vast network of production facilities across Europe and North America. With its focus on proximity to customers, Ardagh strategically places its plants near or on-site to the locations of its major clients, such as AB InBev and Coca-Cola, ensuring a tight integration with their supply chains.
• Ball Corporation is another heavyweight, with its footprint visible in the form of branches like Aerocan, Beverage Packaging, and Ball Packaging Europe Biener. As a diversified player, Ball's operations span a broad array of metal packaging solutions, catering to diverse sectors from beverages to aerospace.
• A French touch is added by Boudeville & Fontaine, a local figure in the metal packaging landscape. Although financial details are scant, the company is recognized as part of the larger jigsaw of metal packaging manufacturers in France.
• Crown Holdings, Inc. operates under branches like Emballage and Commercial and boasts a strong European presence. By offering a variety of metal packaging products, Crown serves a multitude of industries, further solidifying its spot in the market.
• Groupe Massily stands out as a quintessentially French company with a significant market share. With its roots and operations entrenched in the national context, it illustrates the capacity for a local firm to leave its mark on a predominantly international playing field.
• Huber Packaging brings another dimension to the industry, offering a range of metal packaging solutions. With operations and revenues that denote its role in metal packaging, is a piece of the larger industry mosaic.
• Tournaire prides itself on its dual production sites in France, reinforcing the idea that not all industry players require a global presence to make an impact.

This reflects a strategy where a concentrated operational footprint can serve a specific market segment effectively. Each of these companies, along with others mentioned in the initial text, contribute to the vibrant market structure of the metal packaging industry. They navigate the challenges of raw material prices, recycling demands, and changing consumer preferences, while capitalizing on their unique strengths and strategic positions. Together, they form a dynamic matrix that fuels the industry's development and responds to the evolving landscape of packaging needs across the globe.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 03/04/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Taille du marché mondial des emballages métalliques
• Marché mondial des emballages, par matériau
• Production d'emballages métalliques (NAF 25.92Z)
• Indice des prix à la production des tôles et feuilles d'acier laminés à chaud et à froid, et de l'aluminium
• Entreprises et effectifs salariés du secteur (NAF 25.92Z)
• Taille du marché des emballages en métal (NAF 25.92Z)
• Niveau de satisfaction pour le système de recyclage des emballages
• Fréquence de tri des emballages légers
• Production par type d'emballages métalliques
• Emballages dans les foyers
• Impact du Covid-19 sur le chiffre d'affaires de l'industrie des emballages métalliques
• Indice des prix de l'acier
• Indice des prix de l'aluminium