June 2025
International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers
As we move further into 2025, aluminium aerosol can manufacturers find themselves operating in an increasingly complex and demanding environment. While the sector continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, there is no denying that the road ahead is paved with challenges that require both strategic foresight and operational flexibility.
One of the most pressing issues facing manufacturers is the evolving global supply landscape. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, unpredictable trade policies, and continued shipping constraints are placing pressure on the availability and cost of raw materials. For aluminium aerosol cans, this is particularly relevant in the procurement of high-quality slugs—especially those made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminium. While the industry has made notable progress in adopting secondary aluminium to reduce its carbon footprint, the booming demand for PCR materials from other sectors has led to growing competition and price volatility.
Compounding this situation is the growing uncertainty surrounding trade relations, particularly the sudden imposition of additional U.S. tariffs on aluminium and related products, including empty cans. For manufacturers in regions that typically export to North America, these tariffs have direct commercial consequences. Even where tariffs do not directly apply, the resulting volatility in raw material prices, shifts in trade flows, and increased competition for semi-finished aluminium products are likely to be felt globally.
In many western European countries and the USA, the shortage of skilled labour in industrial production continues to be a bottleneck. The problem is especially acute for positions that require on-site presence on production lines—roles that cannot be shifted to remote or hybrid models. The demographic shift in the workforce, combined with changing job expectations, means that attracting and retaining operational staff has become a strategic challenge in itself.
The regulatory environment is becoming more demanding by the day. From the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to evolving chemical and workplace safety legislation, manufacturers are being asked to comply with a growing number of obligations—often within short implementation timeframes and with limited clarity. While the industry strongly supports the EU’s environmental ambitions, the lack of feasibility testing and stakeholder involvement in drafting key provisions risks overburdening manufacturers and creating unintended disruptions across the supply chain.
Keeping up with technological developments is not optional—it’s imperative. Whether it’s the adoption of automation in production, the integration of advanced quality control systems, or the qualification of new alloys to support lightweighting and recyclability goals, the investment burden is significant. The challenge lies not only in the financial outlay but in aligning innovation cycles with regulatory compliance, market expectations, and internal capacity.
Despite these challenges, aluminium aerosol can manufacturers continue to push boundaries, invest in sustainability, and deliver high-quality, safe, and efficient packaging solutions for consumers worldwide. The strength of our sector lies in its ability to adapt, collaborate, and innovate—traits that will be more important than ever as we navigate the rest of 2025 and beyond.