European tube industry recovered in 2010

Published: 18-Mar-2011

Tube production hits record high


The European Tube Manufacturers Association (etma) has announced record production figures from its member companies in 2010. Following a touch year in 2009, 2010 production jumped 10% to 10.5 billion tubes manufactured.

The biggest growth was recorded in the plastic tube sector, which grew 11.6% in 2010. Aluminium and laminate tubes also had a successful year, both up 9.4%. Aluminium tubes continued to account for the largest share of the tube market at 40%, while plastic and aluminium tubes both accounted for 30% each.

According to etma, the cosmetics industry is the main consumer of tubes, particularly hair colourants, but suffered a significant decline in 2009. 2010 figures saw a good recovery with growth up 11.4%. Shipments to the toothpaste sector, the second largest end-use market, grew by 6% in 2010.

“Overall we can be very satisfied with the market development in 2010,” commented etma president Martin Hintz. “As a consumer-friendly form of packaging that offers excellent product protection, the tube is extremely popular.”

The start of 2011 is also looking positive, according to etma. Orders received in Europe in the first three months of the year are on the rise, says the organisation.

You may also like