ZHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 15, 2026 – The metal packaging industry is entering the final stretch of 2026 with three issues dominating conversations among beverage brands, can makers and suppliers: the shift away from BPA in can linings, a new round of factory investment, and fast-growing demand across South America and Africa.

SIKUN Import and Export (Zhangzhou) Co., Ltd., a China-based supplier of aluminum can and metal packaging solutions, said those forces are changing how brands choose formats, coatings and supply partners.

BPA Is No Longer a Technical Detail. It Is a Market-Access Issue.

For years, BPA — bisphenol A — has been used in epoxy coatings that line some metal cans to protect flavor and prevent corrosion. The aluminum can body itself does not contain BPA, but the internal coating has become a focal point for regulators, retailers and consumers.

In 2026, the pressure is coming from several directions at once. Food safety authorities continue to review coating materials. Major beverage companies are setting their own timelines for BPA-free or BPA-non-intent (BPA-NI) packaging. Retailers in Europe, North America and parts of Asia are increasingly asking suppliers to confirm what is inside the can.

The result is a steady migration toward acrylic, polyester and other alternative coating systems. But the transition is not simple. Alternative linings must match epoxy in adhesion, flexibility, corrosion resistance and compatibility with acidic drinks. They also need to perform on high-speed filling lines without causing costly downtime.

SIKUN works with partner factories to offer BPA-free internal coating options for aluminum cans, helping customers prepare for regulatory changes and shifting consumer expectations. For beverage brands, the message is clear: BPA compliance is no longer only a technical issue. It is becoming a condition for shelf access.

Factory Investment Focuses on Flexibility, Not Just Capacity

Factory investment is another defining theme of 2026. As beverage brands diversify their portfolios, can factories are under pressure to run more sizes, more often, with faster changeovers. New and upgraded plants in Asia, South America and Africa are investing in digital inspection, energy efficiency and higher-speed output.

For aluminum cans, the focus is on flexibility. A factory may need to produce a 150ml Slim can for an energy shot in the morning and switch to a 330ml Sleek can for a mainstream soft drink later in the week. That kind of agility is becoming a competitive advantage.

SIKUN’s supply network includes factory-direct aluminum can production in multiple formats:

Slim cans: 150ml, 185ml, 250ml
Sleek cans: 200ml, 250ml, 270ml, 310ml, 330ml, 355ml

The range supports energy drinks, carbonated soft drinks, ready-to-drink coffee and tea, functional beverages, sparkling water, beer and other alcoholic drinks. It also gives brands room to test different price points and occasions — a compact 185ml Slim can for on-the-go consumption, for example, or a 355ml Sleek can for sharing and mainstream retail.

South America: Growth With Supply Chain Complications

South America remains one of the more dynamic regions for metal packaging. Rising consumption of beer, soft drinks, energy drinks and sparkling water is driving demand for aluminum cans. The material’s recyclability, premium look and portability continue to appeal to both brands and consumers.

Markets such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru offer clear growth opportunities. But they also bring complications. Currency volatility, logistics costs and import regulations require careful planning. Local factory projects and can line expansions are gradually increasing regional supply, yet imports remain important for specialized formats and coating systems.

SIKUN supports customers in South America with export documentation, container loading and factory coordination, helping brands manage long-distance supply chains. Recycling infrastructure is also improving in several markets. Because aluminum cans carry high scrap value, they are collected through both formal and informal systems — a fact that gives brands a stronger sustainability story to tell on pack.

Africa: Urbanization Drives Beverage and Packaging Demand

In Africa, urbanization, a young population and expanding retail networks are fueling beverage growth. Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Ghana and Tanzania are seeing continued investment in beverage production and packaging.

Aluminum cans are well positioned in this environment. They are recyclable, portable and highly visible on shelf. But infrastructure gaps and fragmented distribution can still make supply challenging. Factory investments in Africa are improving local availability, though many brands continue to rely on imports for specific can sizes and coating technologies.

SIKUN serves African customers with flexible order quantities, BPA-free coating options and mixed-format sourcing from partner factories. For producers targeting affordability and premiumization at the same time, the ability to source 200ml and 250ml Sleek cans for portion-controlled drinks — or 330ml and 355ml cans for mainstream refreshment — can be a practical advantage. Slim 150ml and 185ml formats are also drawing interest for energy shots and functional products.

Outlook: Compliance, Capacity and Access

“The conversation in 2026 is no longer just about the price per can,” said Daniel Huang, Foreign Trade Specialist at SIKUN Import and Export (Zhangzhou) Co., Ltd. “It is about compliance, capacity and access. BPA-free coatings are becoming a baseline expectation. Factory flexibility determines how quickly a brand can launch a new size. And in South America and Africa, reliable supply is a real competitive advantage.”

Aluminum remains one of the most sustainable beverage packaging materials. It is infinitely recyclable, lightweight and supportive of circular economy goals. As factories invest in energy efficiency and BPA-free coating systems, the metal packaging industry is positioning itself for the next stage of growth. South America and Africa will be important to watch — both as markets and as emerging production hubs.

SIKUN Import and Export continues to invest in supplier coordination, quality control and export logistics to ensure stable supply for customers worldwide. Custom decoration, neck finish options and lid specifications are available upon request.

About SIKUN Import and Export (Zhangzhou) Co., Ltd.
SIKUN Import and Export (Zhangzhou) Co., Ltd. is a China-based supplier specializing in metal packaging and aluminum can solutions for the beverage, food and consumer goods industries. With a focus on quality, reliability and customer service, the company provides high-performance packaging products to brands worldwide.

Media Contact:
Daniel Huang
Foreign Trade Specialist
SIKUN Import and Export (Zhangzhou) Co., Ltd.
Email: export11@hj-greatwell.com.cn
Mobile/WhatsApp: +86 17850273090
Website: http://www.chnsikun.com/
Additional websites:
zzexcellent.en.made-in-china.com
https://www.zyexcellent.com/
Address: 1008#, Building 15#, Jinxiu Bihu Area A, No. 112, Shuixian Street, Longwen District, Zhangzhou City, Fujian, P.R. China