Packaging: the amount produced

According to preliminary results, 2011 ended with a limited increase
of around 0.3% in terms of figures expressed in tons.

After a first half of the year characterized by a continuation of the growth trend that emerged in 2010, during the second half of 2011 the situation steadily worsened.
The gradual slowdown in the growth trend in production was due to the downsizing of domestic demand, which is to be seen most sectors, but also by a greater than average decrease in activity of the wood packaging industry: here the decline in production of about 3% is mainly due to the pallet industry and determined by the spread of returnable pallets (resulting in less marketing of new pallets).

As regards foreign trade, the growth trend, based on statements for the first ten months of the year, indicates the year ended positively, although with a slowdown in growth. Domestic demand saw a slowdown and even halting of the growth trend that was seen in all sectors during 2010. Still according to preliminary statements, the overall drop stands at around 0.1%: no sizeable figure, but the worsening general economic situation leads one to assume that in the short term the manufacturing industry will show further decreases of greater magnitude.

An interesting aspect of the packaging industry growth trend is the reaffirmation of the close correlation between trends in packaging production and performance of the manufacturing sector.
See the summary below.
Not only does the correlation stand out, but a new aspect emerges: up to 2009 the growth trend of the packaging sector was better than that of the manufacturing industry, in the years 2010/2011 the growth trend of the packaging sector suffered a slowdown. It is believed that this is due to a reduction in the average weight of packaging, determined by two factors: reduction in the average weight of all packaging categories and higher growth rates of converter packaging.
 
Steel packaging. Overall production in 2011 should have marked a slight increase due to exports, with a contraction in domestic demand.
 
Aluminium packaging. The significant presence in the food industry reduces the consequences of the crisis: aluminium packaging is in fact used in 75% in food and beverages. 2011 is estimated to have ended positively due to the domestic market.
 
Cellulose packaging. Foreign trade in 2011 showed growth, that has helped to offset, at least in part, the weakness of domestic demand.
 
Laminated cellulose packaging. It is estimated that this area of market ended 2011 with a growth of 1.5%.
 
Flexible converter packaging. According to Giflex surveys, in 2011 the sector confirmed a positive growth trend, driven by domestic demand, but in particular by exports.
 
Plastic packaging. According to an initial evaluation, 2011 is estimated as having drawn to a close with a slight growth in production thanks to exports. The drop in consumption is limited, largely due to the significant drop in the numbers of carrier bags used in modern distribution.

Glass packaging. While having to deal with a depressed global economic picture, it is estimated that glass packaging managed to end the year with an albeit slight increase in production. The situation stems from its presence in target areas (beverages, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) generally less affected by the crisis.
 
Wood packaging. Despite positive figures for foreign trade, the sector is estimated to have registered a decline, both in terms of production and consumption.                                     

A cura di Roccandrea Iascone
Istituto Italiano Imballaggio