AEROBAL reports 2019 decline for global production of aluminium aerosol cans
The generally weaker global economy in 2019 also left its mark on annual production figures for aluminium aerosol cans. After continuous, and in some cases rapid, growth at above-average rates in the past decade, the International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers (AEROBAL) has reported a decline in 2019. Global production fell from the previous year’s record level of over six billion cans to almost 5.8 billion. This represents a year-on-year decrease of 3.7%.
However, Gregor Spengler, secretary general of AEROBAL, is not overly concerned: “Given the very difficult economic environment, this is a rather moderate decline compared with other industries, and it follows record results in recent years. Thanks to aluminium’s outstanding properties, its excellent recyclability and its high intrinsic value, coupled with its extremely good record in terms of sustainability, aerosol cans made from the light metal have been able to maintain the strong role they play in the global packaging market. And we will continue to strengthen this position because of the unique benefits aluminium aerosol cans offer, especially as our members are at the forefront when it comes to developing promising innovations such as new alloys. That’s why I’m confident about the future despite the dip in demand last year.”
A look at the most important markets for aluminium aerosol cans supports Spengler’s assessment. Sales of deodorants, for example, the industry’s most important market, grew by 2.4%. The increasingly important and highly promising pharmaceutical market also maintained its above-average growth with an increase of almost 6%. By contrast, classic markets such as hair care and household products as well as technical applications recorded significant declines.
The European market proved to be a rather stabilising factor in 2019: shipments declined only 2.8% year-on-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. The interesting markets in the Middle East performed extremely well, albeit still at a low level.
It is more than difficult to make a reliable 2020 forecast due to the continuing uncertain global economic situation, the spread of the Coronavirus and its impact on supply chains and consumer behaviour. In the medium to long term, however, aluminium aerosol cans are outstandingly well positioned for the packaging market of the future thanks to their wealth of functional benefits and their positive sustainability balance.
