Greater application of customized aluminum cans for labeling brands is driven by their cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and promotional impact. Organizations across different sectors, including craft beers, energy drinks, and specialty beverages companies, use aluminum cans to differentiate products and capture customers’ attention. With over 200 billion aluminum cans produced globally every year, packaging customization provides businesses with a unique way of standing out in the competitive market.
The cost-effectiveness of custom aluminum cans makes them a business favorite of any size. The price of aluminum is between $2,200 and $2,800 per metric ton, but its recyclability and light weight reduce overall expense. A 12-ounce aluminum can has a weight of approximately 13.5 grams, a significant reduction in shipping expense compared to glass or plastic. Customization solutions such as digital printing and shrink sleeve labelling allow brands to produce limited runs of packaging, seasonal offers, and personalized packaging without significantly increasing manufacturing costs.
Sustainability is also among the major drivers for custom aluminium cans demand. Aluminium boasts a global recycling rate in excess of 70%, and over 90% in a number of nations through deposit return schemes. In contrast to plastic bottles, which will take up to 450 years to break down, aluminum cans can be recycled and back on supermarket shelves within 60 days. Large beverage corporations like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Red Bull have pledged to use 50% recycled aluminum in their cans by 2025, highlighting the environmental benefits of aluminum packaging.
Personalization boosts brand recognition and customer engagement, with studies showing that 80% of customers are more likely to purchase products with attractive packaging. Can designs can allow companies to express their brand character through color schemes, logos, typography, and limited-edition collaborations. The development of variable printing technology allows brands to create personalized cans with names, artwork, or QR codes linking to online marketing campaigns.
Long-term custom aluminum cans ensure product integrity, preventing beverages from coming into contact with light, oxygen, and contamination. Aluminum provides a 100% barrier against UV light and preserves the flavor and carbonation of sodas, beers, and energy drinks. The internal polymer coating of a thin layer, typically 1 to 2 microns, prevents corrosion and keeps the beverage intact by not permitting the contact of the metal to impact it. Such characteristics make aluminum the ideal packaging material for acidic and carbonated drinks.
Market trends show a 30% increase in demand for custom beverage cans over the past five years, particularly in the craft beer and functional beverage markets. Small brands are assisted by low minimum order quantities (MOQs) for custom printed cans, allowing them to try out new designs without the need to produce high volumes. Digital printing technology also allows for rapid design changes, keeping up with trends and promotional events.
The ability to create appealing, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective packaging provides custom aluminum cans with a marketing competitive edge for businesses. To learn more about market trends and customization, go to custom aluminum cans.