Stable demand for aluminium packaging

Manufacturers of packaging made of aluminium appear to be satisfied with the financial year 2011. At 401,300 tonnes (t) of aluminium foils, tubes, and aerosol and beverage cans, aluminium packaging manufacturers were producing almost at the high level of the previous year (2010: 405,000 t).

“Even though there was a 1 per cent decline in production, the reasons behind it had more to do with technical factors,” explained Christian Wellner, Managing Director of the Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie e.V. (GDA), in Düsseldorf. Thinner aluminium foils and a trend towards lighter packaging led to smaller deliveries. Despite the slight decline in demand at the beginning of 2012, caused by weak economic activity in the euro zone, utilization of capacity among exporting companies remains good. “Because of unpredictable fiscal and currency factors in Europe, and drastic cuts in some European countries, many budgets for 2012 were planned with caution,” reported Wellner. But the slight decline in orders at the beginning of 2012 also had its benefits.

For example, the recent long waiting times for deliveries have returned to normal. Generally, production developed stably in the individual packaging segments last year. Demand for aluminium tubes was at the high levels of the previous year. There was an increase in beverage can production. The inland markets for aluminium foils and thin strips declined slightly, because of reductions in material. Manufacturers of aluminium aerosol cans were again able to grow considerably, and achieved a new record in production.

Reflected in the stable production figures for 2011 is the strong demand in the main sales markets of food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The boom in demand is also evident on the international level.” said Dr. Monika Kopra-Schäfer, Chairwoman of the GDA trade association for tubes, cans and extrusion press parts. “In addition to the basic protection of the product, it’s the convenience attributes which explain the market success of aluminium packaging.” One reason for the strong demand for aerosol cans is the ongoing trend of forming and embossing the cans. Business is increasing for aluminium tubes in the area of non-prescription medication. “Expectations on the package design are increasing; creatively designed tubes are selling better also in the pharmaceutical sector.”