Aluminium packaging consumption hit 18.5MT in 2024 - but with 2025 tariffs in place, how has the year played out, and what comes next?

Aluminium packaging didn’t arrive in the sustainability conversation by chance. Over time, it has developed into one of the most important pillars of modern sustainable packaging. Light, durable and recyclable, it sits at the centre of food, beverage and pharmaceutical supply chains.

Its strongest advantage is protection. Aluminium shields products from light, oxygen, moisture and contaminants, helping preserve quality and extend shelf life. Because it can be recycled repeatedly without losing integrity, it consumes far less energy than primary production and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. As consumers shift toward greener choices, aluminium has gradually become a foundation of the circular economy, closely aligned with global sustainability ambitions.

When policy collides with cost

The powerful sustainability narrative has run into a new challenge. In the United States, tariffs on aluminium imports first rose to 25 per cent in March 2025 and then doubled to 50 per cent by June. Overnight, cans, foils, trays and closures became more expensive and volatility moved through the supply chain.