The use of aerosol cans in Oceania and Asia grew by 3 per cent in the first half of this year, and by 4.4 per cent over the rest of the world, to 3.4 billion units. Economic headwinds, and a lack of recycled aluminium, are the biggest challenges to second half growth.
The figures come from the International Organization of Aluminum Aerosol Container Manufacturers (Aerobal), which says that market growth is primarily driven by strong demand from the quantitatively dominant sectors of deodorants and hairsprays, which saw increases of 7 and 8 per cent, respectively.
Demand from the pharmaceutical sector also grew positively by around 3 per cent. The standout growth was in the less significant food sector, which rose by as much as 12 per cent.
Aerosol growth was seen in every region, apart from Africa, which declined by 3 per cent, with the Middle East recording the highest growth at 17 per cent. European usage was up by 5 five per cent, while the Americas saw a double digit 11 per cent rise.
However, Aerobal said that the generally weak economic conditions worldwide (with few exceptions), multiple crisis hotspots, and still relatively high inflation rates, are dampening the mood in the aluminum aerosol can industry despite the clear increase in global deliveries.
Rob Huffman, president of the organisation, said, “This unsatisfactory mix of economic and political challenges is creating headwinds that are slowing growth for both our member companies and customers. But overall, the aluminum aerosol can industry is resilient, so we still expect demand to remain consistent or even see slight growth in the second half of the year. The medium-term outlook for aluminum aerosol cans remains quite positive as well.”
Aerobal says that with sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of packaging remaining a key focus across the packaging industry, there is lively demand for aluminum cans with the highest possible content of post-consumer recycled material.
However, it says the growing global demand is met with limited availability of high-quality aluminum scrap, which is needed for the technically demanding production of aluminum aerosol cans. Additionally, the demand for “green aluminum” produced using renewable energy (having a significantly lower CO2 footprint) is increasing significantly.
According to Aerobal, an efficient Design for Recycling criterion is of central importance to the industry, to ensure that aluminum aerosol cans can be returned to the recycling loop with minimal material use and packaging complexity.
Seifeldin Raslan Mohamed, secretary general, Aerobal, said, “The current draft of a new European packaging regulation already includes requirements for consistent design for recycling, which still need to be further specified by delegated acts from the EU Commission. A consortium of packaging associations is currently working with the Cyclos HTP Institute on a study to develop specific design for recycling criteria and guidelines for various aluminum packaging types. This document is intended to serve as a scientifically sound basis for upcoming discussions with relevant European standardisation and legislative bodies.”
