European tubes sector grows

In spite of a persisting turbulent international socio-political climate, the concerns comprising Etma (the European Tube Manufacturers Association) produced 10.5 billion tubes in 2014.

«A growth rate of about 2%, under such conditions, is a very respectable result and inspires a certain optimism», remarks on the topic the association’s secretary general, Gregor Spengler, joined by president Monika Kopra- Schäfer, who notes the sector’s capacity for innovation and flexibility (with extremely short supply times and increasingly small runs, the sector has a veritable vocation for production and logistics optimization).
The annual production of Etma’s member companies accounts for about 80% of all tube production in Europe. Aluminium tubes are responsible for about 40%  of total production, followed by laminate and plastic tubes each with a market share of about 30%.

To a large extent these figures have been stable for years, even though the growth in laminate tubes was somewhat more pronounced in 2014. The apportionment of tube production to the individual market segments also remained almost unchanged in 2014. Just under 45% of all tubes produced find use in the cosmetics market, followed by a 20%  market share each for the pharmaceutical and dental care sectors. Industrial products and household uses together total about 5%; the food sector recorded slightly above average gains and now has a market share of some ten 10% .  In particular the market for the tube as packaging for foodstuffs is far from exhausted thanks to outstanding properties such as excellent barrier effects, the highest hygiene standards, ease of handling, good resealability, optimal product safety and numerous convenience aspects.