Despite a difficult economic environment and considerable market uncertainty in 2019, European tube manufacturers managed to expand overall production, according to the European Tube Manufacturers Association (Etma, Düsseldorf / Germany; www.etma-online.org).

Member companies increased output by 1% to nearly 11.5 bn tubes. Although sales of plastic and aluminium tubes each fell by about 3% year on year, Etma said laminate tubes performed “extremely well”, posting a sales rise of just under 8% and keeping the overall market on a “satisfying course of growth.”

“The result for 2019 is remarkable given the problematic market conditions,” commented 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.”

Stable demand from the dental care, pharmaceutical and food sectors had a particularly positive effect last year. By contrast, the cosmetics segment, which remains by far the most important market for tubes accounting for 45% of production, was flat. The toothpaste and pharmaceutical sector each account for about 20% of output, while nearly 10% goes into the food industry, with household products and technical/industrial applications taking the remaining 5%.

Etma said the first quarter of 2020 had started “quite well,” even though the coronavirus pandemic was causing considerable uncertainty. Consequently, Spengler said it was not possible to give any sort of serious forecast for the coming months because of the fragility of global supply chains and fast-changing conditions.

That said, the food packaging and medical/pharmaceutical industries, both core sectors for tube manufacturers, are essential elements in meeting basic needs in times of crisis.