are a recent success story in the beverage packaging space. Seen as a practical, premium, and sustainable option, aluminum cans are gaining popularity in many beverage packaging categories. Can aluminum bottles capitalize on this success and help metal packaging expand into Settings that are less suitable for canned beverages?

Aluminum cans are still the first choice for beverage packaging

49% of global respondents believe “recyclable” is the top feature of sustainable packaging
Aluminum cans offer the practical benefits of convenience, in terms of the environment, light weight and unlimited recyclability. In general, high consumer engagement in recycling is another plus, although recycling rates vary widely across countries and these advantages are motivating businesses to expand into other areas; There has also been a certain recent trend for canned water and canned wine to be packaged in aluminum cans, albeit from a very low base. However, there are inherent limitations to the scope that such formats and trends may reach.

Broaden the scope of metal packaging
From a low base, the use of aluminium bottles in beverages is also slowly rising – offering many of the same benefits as canned drinks, while being more suitable for outdoor occasions or drinks that are not consumed immediately after opening.
To name a few bottled water examples, Re: water in the UK (featuring aluminium bottles) received a significant boost when it secured distribution from national retailer Marks & Spencer in 2024; In the United States, Proud Source water has used this model for many years. Bottles exceed cans in water. Nonetheless, the premium label on bottles made of aluminum compared to PET will hinder absorption, especially in the current economic climate.

Aluminum bottle was the second fastest growing packaging type for beverages globally from 2018 to 2023, with a 12% CAGR in retail unit volume. Elsewhere in the beverage space, Diagio experimented with a full-size aluminum bottle package in travel retail in 2024, Cointreau Cocktail, a 200ml readymade drink for cream-based Keelies, Bailey and Remy Cointreau, has been launched in the UK.

Innovation-led beverages are leading the way in exploring new types of packaging. But even in the more traditional wine and spirits categories, the need to reduce packaging’s carbon footprint is driving a shift toward lighter or fillable glass solutions and alternative materials. Aluminum bottles are emerging as a promising alternative. Packaging is an essential feature of wine and spirits brand image and the traditional association with glass forms a significant barrier to alternative products, which will be needed to ensure they provide an attractive initial visual impression and a seamless consumer experience to overcome perception issues.

Aluminum bottles represent a shift from existing packaging types; A clear reason is needed to justify such a change. As such, it’s hard to see the growth path for aluminum bottles in beverages not being based on environmental credentials, highlighting the fact that the format favors more premium products. As environmental claims face greater scrutiny from regulators and consumers, clear and explicit communication is critical – not just with respect to the packaging itself, but the entire product.

Actually, aluminum bottles will not achieve significant share growth in beverages in the near future, + Currently aluminum bottles only account for around 1% of retail units. The key packaging type, aluminum cans, is well established, and consumers may be reluctant to move away from familiar options – especially in categories heavily influenced by tradition – given concerns about potential compromise in the product experience. Other types of bags will compete for the same opportunity.
Still, packaging diversification will only accelerate as brand owners look for ways to reduce environmental impact and enhance differentiation on crowded shelves.

Jinan Erjin Import and Export Co., Ltd. specializes in providing customers with one-stop beer beverage metal packaging (aluminum cans, tin cans, aluminum bottles and other packaging Design, production and export) solutions, welcome to consult us at any time

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