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Analysis
Optimism remains despite fall in alufoil demand
European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) figures for the first quarter of 2008 show that 216,300 tonnes of alufoil was produced by its membership, some 5% down on the same period in 2007. However, with the figures for 2006 and 2007 being particularly strong the figure is still above average for the last five years.Stefan Glimm, EAFA’s Executive Director, said: “Demand is already recovering for the second quarter and we remain fairly optimistic for a cautious recovery during the rest of 2008.”
Deliveries of thicker gauges, used mainly for the manufacture of semi-rigid foil trays and technical applications, remained stable, while the thinner gauges used mainly in flexible packaging declined by 8.7%.
However, in the light of environmental demands, it is important to remember that continual down gauging of alufoil for flexible applications means that the surface area produced remains more stable.
Usage within EAFA countries fell by 5.7% and with continuing difficulties associated with the US$ region and the high Euro exports fell by 2.9%.
EAFA’s foil roller members account for about 98 per cent of the total European foil market and represent nearly all countries in Europe, including Russia and Turkey.
Approximately three quarters of aluminium foil is used in packaging where its characteristics of strength, formability and barrier properties have made it an essential part of many flexible packaging and container applications.
The European Aluminium Foil Association is the international body representing companies engaged in the rolling and rewinding of alufoil and in the manufacture of alufoil containers and of all kind of flexible packaging. It has more than 120 members include companies in Western, Central and Eastern Europe.
