Global production of aluminum
aerosol cans falls
The generally weaker global economy in 2019 left its mark on
the annual production figures for aluminum aerosol cans.
After continuous, and in some cases rapid growth at aboveaverage
rates in the past decade, the International Organization
of Aluminum Aerosol Container Manufacturers (AEROBAL) reported
a decline in 2019. Global production fell from the previous
year’s record level of more than 6 billion cans to almost 5.8 billion.
This represents a year-on-year decrease of 3.7%.
Gregor Spengler, Secretary
General of AEROBAL, is not overly
concerned, however.
“Given the very difficult economic
environment, this is a rather moderate
decline compared with other industries,
and it follows record results
in recent years,” Spengler noted.
“Thanks to aluminum’s recyclability
and high intrinsic value, coupled with its good sustainability
record, aerosol cans made from this light metal have been able to
maintain a strong role in the global packaging market. We will continue
to strengthen this position because of the benefits aluminum
aerosol cans offer, especially as our members are at the forefront of
developing promising innovations such as new alloys. That’s why
I’m confident about the future despite the dip in demand last year.”
Important markets for aluminum aerosol cans support this assessment,
according to AEROBAL. Sales of deodorants bucked the
trend and increased 2.4%. The promising pharmaceutical market
also maintained above-average growth with an increase of almost
6%. By contrast, traditional markets such as hair care, household
products and technical applications recorded significant declines.
The European market proved to be a rather stabilizing factor in
2019 as shipments declined only 2.8% year-over-year. In contrast,
the markets in North and South America and Asia, which have
performed better in recent years, suffered greater declines in 2019:
5.2% in the Americas and 8.4% in Asia. Markets in the Middle
East performed extremely well, albeit still at a low level, said
AEROBAL.
It is more than difficult to make a reliable forecast for 2020
due to the continuing difficult global economic situation and the
spread of the COVID-19 virus and its impact on supply chains and
consumer behavior. In the medium- to long-term, however, aluminum
aerosol cans are well-positioned for the packaging market of
the future thanks to their functional benefits and positive sustainability
balance, concluded AEROBAL. Spray
May 2020 SPRAY 29
2019 sees 3.7% decline after years of stable growth...