The European tube market was somewhat weaker in the first half of 2024. The european tube manufacturers association (etma) reported a decline in deliveries of one per cent to a total volume of around six billion units.
The three types of tube developed differently. While the Demand for aluminium and plastic tubes down by around two percent was, the Deliveries of laminate tubes increase by almost two per cent. Looking at the individual sales markets, deliveries to the dental care, household and food sectors increased, while demand from the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, which are stronger in terms of volume, declined.
„Overall, tube manufacturers have quickly adjusted to the slight decline in demand in the first half of 2024 and are satisfied with the steady average growth on a three-year basis. We have therefore returned to a degree of normality.“
Zoran Joksic, etma President
Stabilisation of supply chains in the event of persistent bottlenecks in recycling materials
Compared to the coronavirus crisis, supply chains in the industry have now stabilised again. The Availability of primary materials has improved significantly. However, in view of the tight supply situation, there is still a strong demand for Competition for high-quality recycled materials, in order to realise customer requests for more recycled content in packaging.
„Especially for plastic packaging we need a further expansion of mechanical recycling facilities throughout Europe, We need to see a de-stigmatisation of chemical recycling for complex composites and predictable political guidelines so that the necessary investments in recycling capacities and closing the supply gap can be realised,“ says Joksic.
Better prospects for the year 2025
While the situation on the commodity and energy markets has continued to ease, the situation in terms of labour costs and the availability of qualified workers. Inflation may be on the decline, but consumers' spending mood is still subdued despite rising purchasing power.
„The numerous crises worldwide are causing European consumers to be cautious, even though the packaging industry has always proven to be very resilient in times of crisis in the past. The current situation has no influence on the strategy of tube manufacturers, who are expecting new growth in 2025,“ summarises Joksic.
Source: etma
