Introductory thoughts from the Secretary General
After a bullish 2006, aluminium demand remained strong in Europe in 2007, with the transportation, packaging and machine-building sectors all showing sound economic results. However, despite the overall favourable market conditions, we must remain alert to the threats facing our industry in Europe. Indeed, dysfunctional energy markets with skyrocketing prices and rapidly rising CO2 cost pass-through, the introduction of eco-taxes on packaging, and health concerns associated with aluminium use are all issues that need to be addressed.
In response, the relevant EAA committees and market groups initiated studies to fill in data gaps identified in these priority areas. The EAA places particular emphasis on life cycle analysis, which enables us to defend our metal by means of credible data on production, use and end-of-life phases, increasingly required by product designers, retailers, regulators and consumers across Europe. We are entirely committed to providing comprehensive data on all key issues. If we do not, someone else will, but they may not have our best interests at heart.
These issues are real and affect our industry on a local, national, regional and global scale. We must therefore work together to gain greater understanding, develop appropriate study models, gather essential data and communicate openly and transparently through our trade association network and the AFFG programme.
Our industry is a global industry and the challenges we face are global challenges. We need to act locally, but think globally.
Patrick de Schrynmakers
Secretary General
To download the full activity report, please visit the Annual Report section of our Press room.
