Written on: September 5, 2023 by SprayTM
AEROBAL, the International Organization of Aluminum Aerosol Container Manufacturers, reported that global shipments by its members increased by 6.6% to just over 3.2 billion units in the first half of 2023.
According to the organization, market growth is mainly due to an increasing demand from the volume-dominant areas of deodorants, hairspray and hair mousses, which each grew by around 8% compared to the same period last year. Demand from the pharmaceutical sector also developed positively, seeing a growth of almost 5%. Deliveries to the market for shaving foams were extremely satisfactory, even increasing in the mid-double-digit range. In contrast, demand from the food and household products sectors declined by 2.5% and 12.5%, respectively.
Market growth was driven by deliveries to the 27 EU member states (+ the UK), and to South and North America, which rose by 11% and 6%, respectively. Demand from Asia, Australia and Africa remained level, while deliveries to the Middle East declined by approximately 8%.
Meanwhile, sustainability continues to be at the center of interest throughout the industry and among its customers in order to realize the lowest possible CO2 footprint of the packaging. Accordingly, the demand for aluminum cans with the highest possible proportion of post-consumer recycled material is lively, says AEROBAL in its report. However, the global availability of high-quality aluminum scrap needed for the technically demanding production of aluminum aerosol cans is limited.
Another key task is consistent design for recycling to ensure that aluminum aerosol cans are successfully and safely returned to the material recycling loop with a minimum of material input and packaging complexity.
“The manufacturers of aluminum aerosol cans are rising to this challenge and are continuously working together with their partners in the supply chain on innovative and even more sustainable can concepts,” explained AEROBAL Secretary General Gregor Spengler.
Meanwhile, reported AEROBAL, the weakening global economy, persistently high inflation and labor shortages are dampening the mood in the aluminum aerosol can industry, even though demand for aerosol cans is currently still satisfactory.
“In particular, ongoing inflation is causing uncertainty among both our member companies and consumers,” noted Spengler, adding that while companies are facing higher interest rates and investment costs, consumers are suffering from further loss of purchasing power.
“Whether these developments will impact the aerosol can industry with full force remains to be seen. We hope that the level of investment in our industry will remain high to further expand competitiveness,” he said.
Moreover, the Secretary General stated, the demand for fast-moving consumer goods such as aerosol cans has, in the past, been able to largely decouple itself from negative economic cycles.
“We hope that this will continue in the second half of 2023,” concluded Spengler.
