EAFA offers dedicated platform for aluminium closure manufacturers

EAFA (European Aluminium Foil Association) serves a wide range of industries, including semi-rigid container manufacturers, household foil manufacturers, foil rollers etc. Aluminium closure manufacturers previously did not benefit from a dedicated association, and so the decision was made to invite aluminium closure manufacturers to join EAFA in a dedicated division.

"We showed them what we could do for them, and there was a great deal of interest from companies. With the support of sheet suppliers to the aluminium closure manufacturers, we founded a new aluminium closures division within our association at the beginning of 2012," Mr Aufdemkamp explains.

Membership is open to all manufacturers of aluminium closures with production facilities in Europe.

"We tried to attract as many manufacturers as possible through our suppliers. We started out with 10 companies. An increasing number of manufacturers have become aware of us, and are considering membership in the future. We already represent about 75 per cent of the global aluminium closure manufacturing market," adds Mr Aufdemkamp.

EAFA offers comprehensive market research, providing statistics, production data and information on sustainability. Aluminium closures are also promoted via the recently launched 'Aluminium Closures - Turn 360°' campaign, featuring a website available in five major European languages, i.e. English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

The 'Aluminium Closures - Turn 360°' campaign is currently being expanded from a focus on wine to a more generic one for aluminium closures in general, such as in the spirit sector - where aluminium closures are standard and often part of the whole brand integrity - and water bottles, for example in restaurants. They are also frequently used for olive oil. Originally funded and supported by the manufacturers and suppliers of aluminium now also other suppliers, like producers of lines and machines for capping, support the campaign.

The aluminium closure can be used for glass and PET bottles - for example bottles used in airline catering, reducing overall bottle weight, which is key in the airline industry. The combination of PET and aluminium is also relevant for security and safety reasons, as it is very difficult to break. Aluminium closures also facilitate the attachment of anti-counterfeiting devices.

In Europe the collection and recycling of aluminium closures is very much dependent on the national legislation. EAFA is very keen to underline the recycling credentials of aluminium closures.

The estimated recycling rate in Europe is 40 per cent, which is impressive for such a small item," Mr Aufdemkamp adds.