Global shipments of aluminium aerosol cans grew by 5.5% in the first half of 2022, to about three billion units, according figures from members of the International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers (AEROBAL).

Biggest sector growth was the 34% shown by the hairspray industry, while the pharmaceutical and household sectors grew at 9% and 15% respectively.

Demand from the volume-dominant deodorant and perfume market
– which accounts for about 57% of the total industry
– was said to be satisfactory, growing by 1.2%.

Strongest regional growth was in the Middle East, which was up by 28%.

In the EU 27 countries and the UK growth was 11%. Deliveries to the Americas grew by 2.6%. Together,
Europe and the Americas account for more than two-thirds of shipments by AEROBAL members.
Deliveries to the Asian/Australian region also increased by 3.2%.

Commenting on the figures, president of AEROBAL Wan Tsang Lin said: “The global energy crisis,
logistics bottlenecks and the lack of skilled workers are amongst the biggest worries of international aluminium aerosol can producers.

“In many regions energy and gas prices have recently skyrocketed and put can producers under great pressure.
In addition, the industry is increasingly struggling to find skilled labour which has become
a strategically important factor for all companies to stay competitive in future.”

But the aluminium aerosol can industry also holds an important ace up its sleeve
because of the excellent sustainability credentials of aluminium, he said.

“The material offers excellent properties such as good formability, lightness and unparalleled recyclability which are relevant for improving the carbon footprint during transport, production and recycling and thus contribute to resource efficient packaging solutions.”

Despite the market growth, AEROBAL reported that aluminium aerosol can producers fear a possible recession in leading markets such as Europe, the Americas and Asia.

Moreover, inflation is curbing consumers’ buying power which might also have a negative impact on the demand for fast moving consumer goods such as body care products. This could considerably impede can producers’ performance because these products account for some four-fifths of members’ shipments.