Lightweight aluminum cans are currently popular among brewers due to a myriad of key advantages. In the United States alone, the market for craft beers grew by 16.1% in 2023, with the majority of new breweries opting to use aluminum cans over glass bottles. This is largely due to reduced costs, simplicity, and heightened awareness for the environment. Manufacturers often raise the point that aluminum cans are cheaper—$0.05 to $0.10 per unit—than glass bottles, which can be highly expensive, especially for small-sized breweries.
One of the main benefits is aluminum’s energy efficiency. Energy-wise, it takes approximately 95% less energy to produce aluminum cans compared to glass bottles. Such a large decrease in energy usage translates into lower production and a reduced environmental footprint, both of which are appealing to eco-conscious breweries. According to a 2022 survey by the Brewers Association, nearly 74% of United States craft breweries reported that they used aluminum cans in an effort to achieve their sustainability goals.
Aluminum cans also provide optimal protection for the beer inside because they can filter out light and air—two basic substances that help minimize the quality of the beer. In 2021, a study showed that beer placed in aluminum cans is fresher longer with its flavor remaining intact, while the beer inside glass bottles loses 15% of the quality of the taste after six months when it’s exposed to light. This makes aluminum an ideal packaging choice for brewers who care more about product integrity than time.
A second reason empty aluminum cans are desirable is due to their convenience and portability. Brewers looking to sell their items at community festivals or distribute via small retail outlets appreciate the lightness and durability of aluminum cans. A 12 oz can is about 14 grams in weight, much lighter than a glass bottle, so it is easier to store, transport, and ship for less money. The shipping cost for cans, by the way, is about 30% less than that for glass bottles to ship the same quantity of product.
Growing consumer demand for canned beverages has been another consideration. A report by BMC revealed that in 2023 over 70% of all U.S. craft beer sales were accomplished using aluminum cans. Breweries see the trend and are acting to satisfy demand by choosing aluminum as the material of choice for packaging. In addition, aluminum cans have the ability to easily brand using bright colors and logos, which enables breweries to stand out on crowded shelves.
For breweries looking to purchase empty cans, there are many choices. Companies like Baixi provide bulk lots of empty aluminum cans for sale at affordable prices, with special printing to assist in enhancing branding. This is a necessity for most small-scale brewers when they have to scale up operations.
To explore a reliable supplier for your brewing company, look at empty aluminum cans for sale.