Written on: January 31, 2024 by SprayTM
The International Organization of Aluminum Aerosol Can Manufacturers (AEROBAL) reported that its members’ global shipments increased by 6% to approximately 6.4 billion units in 2023.
Market growth is primarily due to the above-average increase in demand from the hairspray, deodorant and shaving foam sectors, which grew by 12%, 9% and 55%, respectively, compared to 2022. Overall, the Personal Care market accounted for approximately 83% of total deliveries. In contrast, demand from the Pharmaceutical sector saw a below-average increase of approximately 1%. Deliveries to the Food and Household product sectors fell by 3% and 15%, respectively.
Demand in the 27 EU member states, including the UK, rose by 9%. Deliveries to South and North America increased by 10%; these regions account for approximately 72% of total deliveries by AEROBAL members. While demand from the African market also increased by 11%, deliveries to Asia/Australia and the Middle East fell by 2% each.
“Aluminum aerosol can manufacturers are concerned about the shortage of qualified workers and the associated increases in labor costs,” said AEROBAL Secretary General Gregor Spengler.
“Manufacturers must develop effective strategies to keep [experienced workers] in their companies and recruit young talent so that production capacities can continue to be utilized efficiently in the future. There is fierce competition worldwide for well-trained and committed employees,” Spengler noted.
Of central importance is the highest possible recyclability of packaging, which is increasingly demanded by customers, consumers and legislators.
“In this context, consistent design for recycling throughout the aerosol can industry’s supply chain plays a crucial role in the production of sustainable packaging solutions,” added Spengler.
In view of still-high order backlogs, manufacturers of aluminum aerosol cans are optimistic about the first half of 2024.
“Demand is very robust overall; only persistently high inflation in the main sales markets worldwide and the associated impact on consumer purchasing power is somewhat dampening sentiment in the industry,” concluded Spengler.
“On the other hand, the sustainability properties of aluminum, which can be recycled almost infinitely, are boosting sales. In this context, the availability of high-quality post-consumer recycling material is becoming an increasing challenge for the aluminum aerosol can industry.”
