The European tube manufacturers’ association (etma) has announced that the region’s tube industry expanded overall production, albeit modestly, in 2019.
The industry body revealed that tube production grew by 1% year-on-year to reach 11.5 billion units, despite a difficult economic environment and “considerable uncertainty” in the markets.
According to etma, stable demand from dental care, and the pharmaceutical and food sectors provided a positive impact, but this was countered by a flat cosmetics sector – which is by far the most important sector for tube manufacturers, accounting for 45% of production, said the association.
Sales of plastic and aluminium tubes each fell by 3%, but were offset by demand for laminate tubes, which saw sales growth of 8%.
“The result for 2019 is remarkable given the problematic market conditions,” said etma’s General Secretary Gregor Spengler.
“It reflects not only the capability and innovative strength of our industry, but also the growing popularity of the tube with European consumers as a modern, functional, consumer-friendly and sustainable form of packaging.”
Spengler added that, despite a promising first quarter, 2020’s European tubes market will – like all markets – be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s not possible at this stage to make any sort of serious forecast for the coming months because of the fragility of the global supply chains and the fact that conditions in general can change quickly and dramatically at any time,” said Spengler.
“Whatever happens, the health of the employees of etma’s members is of the highest priority and companies have taken appropriate measures concerning hygiene and safety.
“Furthermore, the availability of primary materials and transport capacities is also of fundamental importance in order to maintain production. Disruption of the supply chain must be prevented here.”
