Market development 2004

Tags: packaging, building, automotive, mass transport

Aluminium packaging consists roughly of 50% semi-rigid and flexible applications (containers, plain foil and foil in laminates) and 50% rigid applications (beverage and food cans, aerosol cans, closures, tubes, etc.)

Aluminium beverage cans

In 2004, the global beverage can market in Europe* recovered from the 'shock' of the unprepared mandatory deposit scheme in Germany and the subsequent chaos. Shipments of empty cans increased from 38 100 million cans in 2003 to 40 100 million in 2004. In Western Europe, the recovery continued to increase from 31 900 million cans to 33 000 million cans, despite the decline on the German market of 350 million cans.

ind_pack_containers Beside Central and Eastern Europe, which continues to show a high growth pattern in the aluminium beverage can market of 14%, the growth in Western Europe is mainly attributable to Denmark (improved functioning of DRS), Austria (success of well-known energy drinks), Belgium (uncertain impact of the eco-tax), Portugal and Turkey.

The aluminium share has pursued its trend from 61.8% to 64.5% in the Greater Europe and from 55.1% to 57.4% in Western Europe.

Aluminium foil

In 2004, shipments of aluminium foil reached a record high with deliveries reaching 820 350 tonnes, representing an increase of 1.1% over the previous year (811 400 tonnes), according to the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA). These figures reveal an even better picture when the ongoing practice of down gauging in aluminium foil rolling is considered. Over the last 30 years the average down gauging effect in packaging applications was around 30%. Deliveries were driven as much by exports as by sales within EAFA regions*.

* EAFA region covers Armenia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, EU 15, Hungary, Norway, Russia, Switzerland and Turkey.

Aluminium aerosol cans

European production of aluminium aerosol cans almost hits the 2 billion mark in 2004.

Good prospects for aluminium aerosol cans

In 2004, 1.932 billion aluminium aerosol cans were produced in Europe representing a 3% increase compared to 2003, thanks to a rather buoyant demand in the second half-year. The market share of aluminium cans in the overall European aerosol can market accounts for about 40%. Industry's turnover remained stable at roughly €283 million in 2004. All in all, aerosols could enlarge their market share in the cosmetics market over the sticks and pump systems, as aerosols allow the consumer to apply the product in a more hygienic and controlled manner.

The main product segment in the cosmetics market continued to be deodorants, which remained at 44% of total production. Deliveries to the hair spray market dropped to 12%, whereas the share of hair mousses jumped to 17%. Shaving foams accounted for 3% of the market. The share of other cosmetics amounted to 6% adding to the predominance of the cosmetics market with 80% of total shipments. The share of deliveries to the pharmaceutical industry increased to 7%.

Aluminium Foil Deliveries (2000-2004)

Production of Aluminium Aerosol Cans in Europe (2000-2004)

Shares of the Different Product Segments in Total Production 2004

For more statistical information please visit the Statistics section.

Rolled aluminium: a wide range of packaging applications

Thickness	Designation	Applications
<50 microns	flexible	Aseptic cartons for beverage, pouches, bags, wraps, push-through packs, bottlenecks, lids, etc.
50-200 microns	semi-flexible	Containers, trays, etc.
>200 microns	rigid	Cans, aerosols, etc.