Aluminium aerosol cans shipment grew by 6.6% in first half of 2023, reports AEROBAL

GLOBAL – The global shipment of aluminium aerosol cans increased by 6.6% to just over 3.2 billion units in the first half of 2023, reports the International Organization of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers (AEROBAL).

The market growth is mainly due to buoyant demand from the volume-dominant areas of deodorants, hairspray and hair mousses, which each grew by around 8% compared to the same period last year.

Deliveries to the market for shaving foams were extremely satisfactory, even increasing in the mid-double-digit range.

In contrast, demand from the food and household products sectors, which are less important in terms of volume, declined by 2.5% and 12.5%, respectively. Demand from the pharmaceutical sector also developed positively, growing by almost 5%.

Market growth was driven by deliveries to the 27 EU member states including the UK and to South and North America, which rose by a good 11% and 6% respectively.

Demand from Asia, Australia and Africa stagnated, while deliveries to the Middle East declined by around 8%.

However, the weakening global economy, persistently high inflation and labor shortages are dampening the mood in the aluminum aerosol can industry, even though demand for aerosol cans is currently still satisfactory.

Gregor Spengler, AEROBAL secretary general said: “In particular, ongoing inflation is causing uncertainty among both our member companies and consumers.”

“Companies are facing higher interest rates and investment costs, and consumers are suffering from further loss of purchasing power. Whether these developments will impact the aerosol can industry with full force remains to be seen.”

Spengler says he hopes that the level of investment in the industry will remain high to further expand competitiveness.

“Moreover, demand for fast-moving consumer goods such as aerosol cans has in the past been able to largely decouple itself from negative economic cycles,” adds Spengler.

Sustainability remains key

Sustainability, especially the reduction of CO2 emissions, is highlighted as a point of focus for aluminium aerosol container manufacturers and customers alike.

While demand for the highest available proportion of post-consumer recycled material is growing, AEROBAL warns that there is currently limited global availability of the high-quality aluminium scrap needed for the ‘technically demanding’ production of aerosol cans.

Furthermore, design for recycling is highlighted as an essential facet of successfully and safely closing the loop on aerosol packaging.

“The manufacturers of aluminium aerosol cans are rising to this challenge and are continuously working together with their partners in the supply chain on innovative and even more sustainable can concepts,” concludes Spengler.

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