Aerosol market sees slight decline in 1H 2019

Aerobal, the International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers, has reported a drop in aerosol production in the first half of 2019 by about 1% to three billion cans.

This follows recent growth in the sector, with a new production record being reported year after year.

Aerobal’s secretary general Gregor Spengler said this result is not surprising given the more difficult economic environment worldwide. “Nobody could seriously expect a successful trend like the one the aluminium aerosol can has enjoyed in recent years to continue unabated and ignore global economic developments. Demand for aluminium aerosol cans is nevertheless still at a high level.”

Demand is increasing in European countries outside the EU and in the Middle East. By contrast, demand has calmed down in Western Europe, North America and the Asian markets. Deodorants remain the most important area of use with a market share of around 60%. A declining trend in the hair care sector is being offset by slight gains in the pharmaceutical field.

Overall, Spengler noted a reluctance by industry clients compared with the record-breaking years. Existing inventories have been reduced and there are signs of a trend towards packaging that has a less complex design. Given the restrained order intake and the weakness of the global economy, Aerobal’s expectations for 2019 as a whole are therefore rather subdued.

Despite this note of caution, Aerobal’s president Leopold Werdich believes that the industry and especially the member companies of Aerobal are nevertheless well positioned.

“Besides the weak phase in the global economy, the most important challenges facing our industry are the development of new, innovative alloys and the use of eco-friendly coating technologies. We are also focussing on improving the recycling of aerosol cans around the globe.

“We at Aerobal regard future challenges more as an opportunity to further strengthen and expand the position of the aluminium aerosol can in the global packaging market of the future.”