Statistics

 

Calming alufoil production  

The economic slow down in Europe also affected the deliveries of aluminium foil in the first nine months of 2011. According to data published by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) the total production declined by almost 4% to 609,000t.

The thinner foil segments mainly used for flexible packaging and household foil fell by 7% while the thicker foil segments declined slightly by 1%. On the other hand exports outside the EAFA region* grew by almost 5%.

Stefan Glimm, EAFA Executive Director, remains cautious for 2011: “Especially in the third quarter we could see destocking as well as a more cautious behaviour along the whole value chain. Aluminium foil has a healthy future because of its advantages as a sustainable and innovative packaging material. It plays an essential role in the prevention of food waste through its excellent barrier and preservation properties.”

 

Optimism as Alufoil sector continues to grow

First Quarter: Optimism as Alufoil sector continues to grow Signs of buoyancy continue for the European aluminium foil sector with a rise in production of 1.3 % to 214,400 t for the first quarter of 2011 compared with the same period in 2010.

Thicker alufoil gauges, used mainly for the manufacture of semi-rigd foil trays and technical applications rose by 6 %, while thinner gauges used mainly in flexible packaging and household foil fell slightly by -0.7 %. Exports outside the EAFA region* remained stable.

On the back of an overall growth of 10.6 per cent to 850,300 t to for 2010 Stefan Glimm, EAFA's Executive Director, remains confident of a successful 2011 through the sector's successful positioning of Alufoil as a sustainable and cost-effective packaging option.

"Expectations are positive for the rest of 2011 with a number of events providing the aluminium foil sector with the opportunity to show off its packaging and industrial prowess. At interpack 2011, EAFA will be showcasing many of alufoil's unique properties through its alufoil BBQ Arena where visitors will be able to see the materials exceptional advantages and versatility as a grilling aid."

 

Rising Alufoil Production Figures Mark European Optimism for 2011

Soaring growth to bring alufoil production within Europe to the record levels experienced in 2006 before the 2008 economic crisis took hold, is shown by the year-end figures for 2010.

Published by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), these show overall shipment growth of 10.6 per cent to 850,300 t (2009: 768,600 t), creating in confidence in the outlook for aluminium foil products. EAFA President François Coëffic said, "The figures represent a return close to the record pre-crisis levels of 2006 and, even though we live in more unpredictable economic times, confidence is returning and we as EAFA are cautiously optimistic for 2011."

Figures for the last quarter of 2010 (207,100 t) were 3.9% up on 2009 re-enforcing the confidence expressed by the association that both user markets and consumers are more positive about the future.

The 2010 figures show that there is strong demand for both packaging and technical products. Thicker gauges, used for container applications and in automotive, building and other industrial sectors, were up 16 %, and those for thinner gauges, mainly used in flexible packaging applications and for household foil, were up 9.8 %. Exports to non-EAFA countries* were also up by 4.1 %.

The successful positioning of aluminium foil as a sustainable and cost-effective option is believed to have had a positive effect on the upward trend. Coëffic explains, "Alufoil's role in reducing the environmental impact of food and drink products has been successfully outline in our compelling ‘More is Less' report, which shows that alufoil's unique properties can be used to produce ‘smart' packaging solutions for the efficient supply of goods, product preservation and the consequent minimisation of spoilage and wastage of valuable food to contribute to major resource savings."