The beverage industry has demanded more aluminum packaging. This demand only increased in recent years, especially in categories such as ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and imported beer.

This growth can be attributed to a number of factors that are converging with increased consumer demand for sustainability, including aluminum beverage packaging’s recycling strengths, its convenience and its potential for innovation — our products come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

RTD cocktails continue to trend, which has caused an uptick in aluminum’s appeal.

The growth of the post-pandemic, at-home cocktail culture, and increased preference for convenience, and the enhanced quality and diversity of premium RTD cocktails are factors behind the upsurge in demand. Premiumization of these product categories with respect to flavors, taste and quality, through aluminum package design, shaping and decorating is driving the trend to aluminum.

Additionally, the demand for environmentally friendly containers has led to beverage companies choosing aluminum packaging over other options, experts note.

Aluminum cans, bottles and cups are infinitely recyclable, experience high recycling rates and are truly circular — meaning they can be continuously remade into new products. In fact, 75% of aluminum ever produced is still in use today, and an aluminum can, cup or bottle can be recycled and returned to a store shelf as a new product in about 60 days.

Aluminum beverage can manufacturers have seen “unprecedented demand” for eco-friendly containers by existing and new beverage companies.

Recent trends indicate that more than 70% of new beverage product introductions are in aluminum cans and long-standing customers are moving away from plastic bottles and other packaging substrates to cans due to environmental concerts. It is no surprise that beer, energy, health and soft drink beverage companies are enjoying the many benefits of the aluminum can, which has the highest recycling rate among all beverage packaging.

There are many reasons why beverage producers might opt for aluminum packaging, with benefits for companies and consumers.

Sustainability, taste, convenience and performance are all reasons why beverage companies utilize aluminum packaging.

When it comes to sustainability, aluminum cans lead the way in key measures of recycling rate, recycled content and value per ton, aluminum cans ensure protection from oxygen and light.

Aluminum packaging offers many benefits, such as keeping the beverage both fresh and safe.

Aluminum cans deliver on hitting all the consumer’s senses, “From the moment a consumer sees the 360-degrees graphics to that particular sound a can makes when they crack open the top and they are about to experience the cold, refreshing taste that will put them in the drinker’s desired state.”

Regarding beverage protection, aluminum packaging “offers unsurpassed barrier properties, keeping beverages fresh and safe.”

It guarantees longer shelf life and contributes significantly to the sustainability of beverage products. The lightness of aluminum packaging helps to save resources during filling, product transportation, storage and the transportation of scrap at the end of a product’s life.

Additionally, aluminum is compatible to all printing technologies, granting designers “enormous opportunities” in terms of creating designs with strong shelf presence.

Furthermore, metal cups offer many benefits, as they are sturdy, lightweight, durable and cool to the touch — an improved drinking experience for consumers.

Moreover, with consumers becoming more mindful of the impact everyday choices have on the environment, consuming beverages in an infinitely recyclable cup is attracting the attention of more people