The International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers (Aerobal) reports that its members' global shipments increased by 6.8 per cent to approximately 6 billion units in 2022. Demand from Asia/Australia increased by 6.7 per cent.
The market growth was mainly due to above-average demand from the pharmaceutical, hairspray, shaving foam and other personal care sectors, which increased by 13 per cent, 17 per cent, 14 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively, compared to the previous year. Demand from the volume-dominant deodorant and perfume market was also satisfactory, growing by just under 4 per cent. Overall, the personal care market accounts for about 82 per cent of total deliveries.
A look at the individual world regions shows that demand in the 27 EU member states including the UK grew by about 10 per cent. Deliveries to South and North America also increased by 6 per cent. These two regions account for about 71 per cent of the total deliveries of Aerobal members. Demand from Asia/Australia also increased by 6.7 per cent, while only deliveries to the Middle East were down by almost 4 per cent.
Machine parts, technicians and skilled labour are in short supply
"The aluminium aerosol can industry is currently facing two major challenges. First, a lack of adaptability of machinery for the production of innovative aerosol cans. In addition, the availability of technicians and skilled labour has become a crucial competitive factor in the industry," Aerobal's president Wan Tsang Lin said.
In terms of sustainability, the draft packaging and packaging waste regulation presented by the EU Commission will pose further challenges for manufacturers in Europe and for importers. Stricter requirements for packaging minimisation, improved design for recycling and extensive documentation requirements and declarations of conformity will have a significant impact on the entire value chain.
"The proven innovative strength of the can industry, the outstanding material properties of aluminium and the material's optimal recyclability will contribute to resource-efficient packaging solutions that convincingly meet the new legal requirements," added Wan Tsang Lin.
Packaging markets are resilient even in times of crisis
The existing order book in the industry points to a satisfactory market development in the first quarter of 2023. While the situation in the energy markets has eased somewhat, the ongoing war in Ukraine, persistent inflation and a looming recession in numerous countries around the world are unsettling the industry.
"It is true that in the past the packaging markets were comparatively resilient even in times of crisis. However, the loss of purchasing power among consumers could ultimately also have a negative impact on the FMCG markets and thus also on the personal care market," Wan Tsang Lin sums up.
