Alufoil performs well in the First Nine Months

The first nine months of 2012 showed a positive development for the European manufacturers of aluminium foil. According to European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) 618,500 tonnes were delivered in the three quarters (2011: 611,400 tonnes), representing an increase of 1.2%.

Thinner gauges mainly for flexible packaging and household foil were up more than one cent while thicker gauges typically used for semi-rigid containers and technical applications decreased five per cent. Exports outside the EAFA region further improved by twelve per cent, indicating a recovery in demand from emerging markets and others outside Europe.

Manfred Mertens, EAFA Vice-President and Roller Group Chairman, comments the situation: “The slight increase in deliveries should last at least until the end of the year although the uncertainties of the economic situation in the near future grow. The trend for short deliveries continues making predictions and planning more difficult. The European aluminium foil producers can partly serve those needs with their flexibility and close to market operations. “

Aluminium foil characteristics are strength, formability and barrier properties which have made it an essential part of many flexible packaging and container applications. Other uses of aluminium foil include automotive and heat exchange components, insulation material and many industrial applications.