German aluminium tube and aerosol can manufacturers satisfied with demand in 2022

The manufacturers of aluminium tubes and aerosol cans organised in the Tubes, Cans and Impact Extruded Parts Division of the German Aluminium Association (Aluminium Deutschland) have reported that they are satisfied overall with their deliveries to the German market in 2022.

In the case of aluminium tubes, weaker demand at the end of 2022 led to a slight decline in deliveries of 2%. Nevertheless, the total volume of 765 million units is a thoroughly respectable result in view of the challenging economic situation. Deliveries of aluminium aerosol cans enjoyed a strong increase of 15% to 573 million cans in 2022.

For tubes, the decline in deliveries was moderate, in particular due to brisk demand from the pharmaceutical sector, while the food and household sectors fell short of expectations. In aerosol cans, the volume-wise dominant market for deodorants was particularly convincing, reports the Division. But satisfactory demand for hair care products also contributed to the good overall result.

Sustainability and energy still at the top of the agenda

The topic of sustainability remains a central issue in the industry, along with the threatening development of energy prices in 2022.

Although energy prices have calmed down slightly in the meantime, the situation is likely to remain volatile and somewhat unpredictable overall due to the continuing uncertain global political situation. In addition, energy price declines only reach industry and consumers with a noticeable delay. Further energy savings will therefore remain a central task for companies in 2023; especially since energy prices are not expected to ever return to pre-crisis levels.

Skills shortage as one of the biggest challenges

“One of the biggest challenges in the next few years will be the glaring shortage of skilled workers,” said the Division’s chairman, Clemens Behrenbruch.

“Working on the production line in shifts is not popular with the junior staff of the so-called “Generation Z.” Here it is important to increase the attractiveness of a modern, meaningful and crisis-proof job in the sustainable aluminium packaging industry through innovative company management, production planning and employee concepts. This also includes continuing to work on improving the image of packaging, which is still wrongly reduced to the idea of waste by large sections of the population. Only in this way will the industry be successful in the fierce competition for qualified workers.”

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