European Aluminium Foil Association figures for the first quarter of 2008 show that 216,300 t of foil was produced by its members, some 5 per cent 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, says: “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 per cent. However, in the light of environmental demands, it is important to remember that continual down gauging of foil for flexible applications means that the surface area produced remains more stable.
Usage within EAFA countries fell by 5.7 per cent and, with continuing difficulties associated with the US$ region and the high Euro, exports fell by 2.9 per cent.
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.
