Market Research July 2014
Plastics Packaging in Germany: On Course for Further Growth
The German market for plastics packaging and films achieved encouraging results in 2013. Whilst production output rose by
around 2.4 per cent to 4.3 million tons, turnover worth 13.6 billion euro (a surplus of 3.5 per cent) reached a new record level. Whilst turnover rather stagnated in the first half of the year, a marked improvement occurred in the second half. And yet, development presented itself in different ways. Due to strong domestic consumer demand, consumer packaging registered consistent stable growth. For industrial packaging, following a calm period during the first three quarters, substantial increase was only achieved towards the end of the year.
The overall positive development must not distract from the fact that the plastics packaging industry had to face fierce competition from European countries outside Germany. This affected the film industry, in particular. In addition, the dramatic rise in energy costs due to the renewable energy (EEG) levy burdened an industry characterised by small and medium-sized businesses.
According to preliminary figures of the German Federal Statistical Office, over the period January to May 2014, the plastics packaging industry generated an increase in turnover of around 4 per cent, compared to the same period of the previous year. For the months ahead, there are many indications that the economy will remain stable. This is also confirmed by the current IK economic trend survey for the third quarter of 2014. In view of rising energy and raw material prices, however, there is again increased pressure on the margins in the industry.
ENDS
With over 300 members, the German IK Association of Plastic Packaging, IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen e.V., is the largest trade association within the plastics packaging industry in Europe. IK represents the lion's share of the German plastics packaging market, accounting for more than 4 million tons of plastic packaging and films.
phone: +49 6172 92 66 66
fax: +49 6172 92 66 69
mobile: +49 (0) 170 5875483
i.kelkenberg@kunststoffverpackungen.de
http://www.kunststoffverpackungen.de