Following the slump in demand in 2023, the European aluminium foil industry recorded strong growth in 2024. The packaging industry in particular contributed to the recovery - with significant growth in thin and thick films.
The European aluminium foil industry recovered noticeably in 2024 from the challenges of the previous year. According to the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), total production rose to 892,500 tonnes - an increase of 7.3% compared to 2023. The upturn was mainly due to the reduction in stock levels and rising demand from the packaging industry.
Delivery volumes within Europe in particular increased, rising by 7.8 per cent. Exports outside the EAFA region grew by 3.5 per cent. The development of thicker films (61-200 µm), for example for containers or technical applications, was striking, achieving growth of 9.5 per cent. Thinner films (<60 µm), which are typically used for flexible packaging or household products, grew by 6.9 per cent.
Packaging applications with strong growth
Following the decline in 2023 due to inflation and full inventories, the industry benefited from rising consumer demand in 2024. The production of thin films increased by 6.8 per cent, particularly due to stronger demand for food-related packaging. Thick aluminium foil recorded growth of 8.1% - primarily due to applications in the pet food, delivery services and coffee capsule sectors.
There was a particularly strong increase in container films (+23.8%), while demand for household films stabilised at the previous year's level (+0.2%).
Technical applications remain under pressure
Despite the positive overall trend, the situation in some market segments remains tense. Demand from the automotive and construction industries remains weak. High construction costs and a decline in building activity are weighing on the market for technical aluminium foil. The automotive sector is also continuing to struggle with a decline in demand.
Recovery still below pre-crisis level
Bruno Rea, Chairman of the EAFA-Walzer Group, sees the figures as a positive signal for the industry. The momentum in the packaging market is optimistic, but the pre-crisis level has not yet been reached. According to Rea, it will take at least another year of continuous growth to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Source: European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA)
