UK aerosol filling figures increase
Figures released by the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA) show that UK aerosol fillings increased by 9.4 per cent in 2011.
Nearly 1.4 billion aerosols were filled in 2011 compared with just under 1.3 billion during 2010, according to the latest annual figures from BAMA.
Overall, most UK aerosol sectors showed an increase, with air fresheners and personal care maintaining high filling figures and remaining the main driver of growth in the sector.
Antiperspirants, deodorants and body sprays rose from 593 million units to 647.6 million aerosols filled, an increase of nine per cent. Hairsprays and hair mousses rose from 81.7 million to 89.8 million, a rise of 10% year-on-year. Whilst not all destined for the UK consumer, the trend of continued innovation and advertising spend combined with fashion trends such as the increasing demand for dry shampoos, has influenced overall demand.
The air freshener category, already a strong sector, was especially buoyant with 18 per cent year-on-year growth from 154 million in 2010 to 182.4 million in 2011 accelerating up from the growth of 5% for the previous year. Cleaning products also enjoyed rapid growth during 2011. Bathroom and kitchen, again a small category, rose by 148% reflecting importation of filling from overseas fillers, whilst oven cleaners rose three per cent and ‘other household’ such as glass and carpet cleaners and DIY products by six per cent.
Other personal care products of note were sun tan and bronzing aerosols which, whilst a relatively small category, saw 160% growth.
Although overall the aerosol fillings sector is doing well, growth was not universal with insecticides and industrial products down. Insecticides fell from 12.9 million (2010) to 10.3 million (-20%) and industrial aerosols were down from 15.3 million (2010) to 13.5 million (-11%).
Dr John Morris (pictured above), chief executive of BAMA, said: “These latest figures are particularly pleasing and it is splendid that BAMA can report such strong growth in its 50th anniversary year (2011). The sector shows not just resilience but firm growth. To have achieved such growth when the financial climate and consumer spending make for tough trading is testament to the strength of the aerosol format, which deliver products efficiently and sustainably. “
