Tube’s versatility and presence in consumer-orientated sectors ensure stability in 2009

Packaging Europe

The member companies of etma – european tube manufacturers association have not avoided the economic crisis completely. But in the year when etma celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, the fall in demand in the tube industry was relatively modest compared with other sectors.

According to Gregor Spengler, etma secretary general, there are several reasons for this: “One important reason for the comparatively small fall is the versatility of the tube. This makes it the ideal packaging material for many markets and therefore better able to absorb economic fluctuations. It also helps, of course, that tubes are mainly marketed in consumer-orientated sectors where the crisis is not quite so pronounced. Thanks to its flexibility, the sector has developed additional applications and stabilised markets with new products and solutions.”

On a percentage basis, there have only been minimal changes in the markets for tubes compared with 2008. The most important market for the tube by far is the cosmetics sector, which accounts for 43 per cent of all tubes. The predominant revenue drivers here are hair colourants and personal care products for skin and hair. The most important tube material is plastic, followed by aluminium and laminates. Increasing incomes in eastern Europe, Asia and South America mean that in the long term the prospects for cosmetic products and the tube are equally good.

This also applies, incidentally, to the pharma sector. Here, too, growing prosperity, especially in the above-mentioned regions is creating growing demand in the healthcare sector. Ageing populations in Europe will create additional demand, from which the tube will profit as a packaging material as a result of its excellent properties: high hygiene standards, optimal product protection for sensitive substances and precise dosing. In addition, the tube offers effective protection against manipulation and product piracy thanks to sophisticated systems technology. As a result of their outstanding barrier properties, aluminium tubes have by far the greatest share of the market in the pharma sector. Plastic or laminate tubes are also used for less sensitive products. Overall, the pharma market accounts for 21 per cent of tube production.

A slightly higher percentage, 22 per cent, is used in the toothpaste market. Laminate tubes are used almost exclusively here. Aluminium tubes are only still used for very special dental care products and certain medicinal toothpastes.

The percentage of European tube production used in the food sector is nine per cent. The most important material here continues to be the aluminium tube followed by laminate and plastic tubes. Mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup in particular are available in tubes, as are butter, cheese products and fish pastes. Convenience, easy handling and resealability are arguments in favour of the tube as packaging. The trend towards single-person households and thus smaller packaging units will open up further fields of application in the food sector for the tube, which can be produced in a large range of sizes.

The remaining five per cent of tube production is used for household, care and industrial products. The best known applications here are shoe care products, the most diverse possible range of adhesives, special cleaning products and paints.

At the end of etma’s golden jubilee year, and despite the current economic crisis, Gregor Spengler sees good prospects for the future of the tube industry: “In the coming years, innovation and further developments in production technology, materials, features relating to the tube and additional fields of use will open up new markets for our member companies.”

More info:
www.etma-online.org