Sanjay Bhatia highlights the metal containers industry

In 2023, the industry had to face challenges such as implementation of BIS on various inputs required by industries like copper-wire, aluminium foil, and tinplate etc. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a norm on quality control regarding BIS standards for open top sanitary cans and 15-kgs containers.

In addition to this, the industry is also contesting an anti-dumping duty proceedings filed by a local manufacturer of easy open ends, for import of such ends from China. The industry is struggling to maintain a supply chain of inputs due to the above quality control regulations.

Nippon Steel of Japan got the BIS certification and is now ready to supply tinplate / tin-free steel to the Indian market. However, BIS authorities have put on hold the renewal application of BIS License of Shougang Casey, Jingtang United Iron & Steel China. The difference between rupee and USD is another area of concern.

On 12 December, 2023, the Supreme Court in a 5-0 unanimous ruling upheld the Centre's abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, by which the entire Constitution of India was made applicable to J&K, and all provisions of Article 370 were declared inoperative.

The global metal packaging market size accounted for USD 119.3-billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 170.5-billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 3.8% from 2023 to 2032.

The aerosol cans market size is expected to grow from 18.54-billion units in 2023 to 21.63-billion units by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 3.13%. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for the aerosol cans. The growth of the aerosol cans market in the APAC region can be attributed to multiple factors, including the rising disposable income levels in developing economies like China and India.

Key drivers encompass industrialisation, the expansion of the convenience food industry. "There are chances that it may cross the 7% mark,” said Saumya Kanti Ghosh, chief economist at State Bank of India. He had earlier forecasted growth at 6.7%. 7.7% real GDP growth in the first half of 2023-24, the overall growth for full fiscal would be around 7%; manufacturing activities, elevated disposable incomes, heightened consumption levels, and a surge in retail sales. Furthermore, spending on packaged foods and beauty care products has contributed to the demand for aerosol cans within the region.

Another interesting area of use of metal containers is packaging of tea and coffee. On average, each person is expected to consume 0.13L units of ready-to-drink coffee (RTD) and tea in 2023.

India exports coffee to more than 50 countries around the world. Italy, Germany, Belgium, and the Russian Federation are the largest importers of coffee from India, with an average total share of about 45%. For a traditionally tea-loving country, the overall coffee market size in India was close to USD 1.6-billion in 2020. As per industry estimates, by 2027, the market size is projected to increase to USD 4.05-billion.

There are many more such products like coffee that are preferred by the younger generation, who demand sustainable packaging solutions. Younger generation supports RTD, as they prefer to use recyclable and eco-friendly packaging to save the environment.