Global aluminium aerosol cans shipments by AEROBAL members grow 6.8% in 2022

Global aluminium aerosol cans shipments by AEROBAL members have recorded an increase of 6.8 per cent for 2022 to nearly 6 million units. AEROBAL is an international organisation representing manufacturers of aluminium aerosol cans.

According to AEROBAL, the growth in shipments was mainly due to the increase in demand from the pharmaceutical, hairspray, shaving foam and other personal care sectors by 13 per cent, 17 per cent, 14 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively, compared to the prior year. Demand from the volume-dominant deodorant and perfume market also grew, although at a slower rate, by 4 per cent. Overall, the personal care market accounted for about 82 per cent of the total deliveries in 2022.

Going by the geography, shipments to South and North America grew 6 per cent, accounting for about 71 per cent of the total shipments by AEROBAL members. Demand for cans from 27 EU member states, including the United Kingdom, increased by 10 per cent, and that from Asia/Australia rose 6.7 per cent. Deliveries to the Middle East were down by almost 4 per cent.

AEROBAL’s President Wan Tsang Lin said, “The aluminium aerosol can industry is currently facing two major challenges. First, a lack of adaptability of machinery for the production of innovative aerosol cans. In addition, the availability of technicians and skilled labour has become a crucial competitive factor in the industry.”

“In terms of sustainability, the draft packaging and packaging waste regulation presented by the EU Commission will pose further challenges for manufacturers in Europe and for importers. Stricter requirements for packaging minimisation, improved design for recycling and extensive documentation requirements and declarations of conformity will have a significant impact on the entire value chain. "The proven innovative strength of the can industry, the outstanding material properties of aluminium and the material's optimal recyclability will contribute to resource-efficient packaging solutions that convincingly meet the new legal requirements," added Wan Tsang Lin.

He concluded by saying, “The existing order book in the industry points to a satisfactory market development in the first quarter of 2023. While the situation in the energy markets has eased somewhat, the ongoing war in Ukraine, persistent inflation and a looming recession in numerous countries around the world are unsettling the industry. "It is true that in the past the packaging markets were comparatively resilient even in times of crisis. However, the loss of purchasing power among consumers could ultimately also have a negative impact on the FMCG markets and thus also on the personal care market."