European alufoil deliveries down in 2011 – Cautious outlook for 2012
Total production fell back by 5.2% to 801,900 tonnes (2010: 846,300 tonnes), with thinner gauges declining by 7.9%. Thicker gauges fared much better registering only a 2.4% drop from 2010 levels. Exports held up better, down by just 0.7%.
EAFA’s Roller Group Chairman Manfred Mertens commented on the outlook: “The general economic uncertainty affects the whole supply chain. Most retailers and fillers are placing orders on a ‘just in time’ basis and in lower volumes. Forecasting future demand remains difficult. As the longer-term outlook for aluminium is positive, we are cautiously optimistic for the next few months.”
The alufoil sector has the advantage of serving to a large extent FMCG markets which are far less volatile than industrial output. Also, EAFA has joined the UN’s SAVE FOOD campaign, highlighting the value of packaging in reducing food waste.
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.
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