Posted by Rita Mu
Growth in the European aluminium foil sector is expected this year, with first quarter 2011 reports showing an increase in production by 1.3 per cent to 214,400 tonnes compared with the same quarter last year.
Thicker aluminium foil gauges, used mainly for the manufacture of semi-rigid foil trays and technical applications, increased by six per cent, while thinner gauges used mainly in flexible packaging and household foil fell slightly by 0.7 per cent, according to the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA). Exports outside the EAFA region remained stable.
In 2010, the European aluminium foil sector grew an overall 10.6 per cent to 850,300 tonnes.
EAFA’s Executive Director, Stefan Glimm, said he was confident that the sector would remain strong in 2011 due to the successful marketing of aluminium foil as a sustainable and cost-effective packaging option.
"Expectations are positive for the rest of 2011 with a number of events providing the aluminium foil sector with the opportunity to show off its packaging and industrial prowess,” he said.
EAFA is currently showcasing the unique properties of aluminium foil at Interpack 2011, which is currently on show in Germany until 18 May.
Image: tootoo.com