Plastics packaging 2012 - Stagnation on a high level

After a very successful year 2011, sales of plastics packaging and films in Germany remained at the same level in 2012. Faced with the Eurozone financial crisis and a meagre domestic economic growth, the industry was not able to disconnect itself from the slump in the sales markets. While the production volume shrunk by 1.8 percent to 4.2 million tons mainly due to further material savings in packaging manufacturing, the turnover remained with -0.4 percent relative stable at the record level of the previous year of 13.2 billion Euros.

Following a good start to the year, the plastics packaging manufacturers recorded less orders, particularly in the second half of 2012. This affected not just industry-related packaging, but especially the film industry.

Despite the slightly falling demand, packaging manufacturers had to face further increases in raw material prices. These could only be passed on to the market with a delay, if it was possible at all. At the same time, the industry had to struggle with stronger competition from the rest of Europe. In addition, energy prices had drastically increased due to the renewable energy (EEG) levy, putting further pressure on the mostly medium sized companies within the industry.

For 2013, signs are positive that the German plastics packaging industry may return to growth. In the current IK Economic Trend survey, members are optimistic for the second quarter of 2013.

Production of Plastic Packaging in Germany 2011 – 2012