Market potential

Projections point to continued growth in the presence of aluminum in the packaging market, due to tecnológias-aluminum industry innovations and the growing demand for packaging that provide food security, practicality and sustainability.
In relation to aluminum foil, according to Stefan Glimm, Director General of GLAFRI (Global Aluminium Foil Roller Initiative), 78% of the material is applied in packaging and global growth of flexible consumption is above 2% per annum. To quote markets with significant growth potential for the use of aluminum foil, the Director points out China, whose participation reaches 62% of the world market and the per capita consumption is in 0.5 kg. With 1.372 billion inhabitants, the demand for aluminum foil in the Asian country should raise 303 1000 tons in the coming years, according to projections of the GLAFRI.
In Brazil, according to data from the Abal-Brazilian Association of aluminum, the packaging sector represents 37% of 378 1000 tonnes/year of aluminium produced in the domestic market. The high participation is due to the expansion of consumption of cans, aseptic carton and flexible. And the per capita consumption of aluminum foil is in 0.5 kg, while in the U.S. reaches 1.8 kg. Data demonstrating significant potential for internal expansion.
To Glimm, one of the main responsible for the projection of growth in the use of aluminum foil is the fight against food waste, which reaches 30% of world production, and the sustainability of the planet. The Director points out the protection offered by aluminium for food preservation and packaging innovations made possible by the characteristics of the metal, which meets World Safe Food campaign, which participates in the Eafa – European Association of aluminium foil.
Among the examples highlight the use of Glimm, screw cap for wine, whose waste can reach 3% of production due to the "taste of Cork" or loss of flavor and aroma. The screw caps of aluminum, according to a survey of GLAFRI, are already being used in 95% of drinks produced in New Zealand, 80% in Australia and 60% in South Africa. "An application of aluminum foil which will reach 100% of world production of wine", believes Glimm.
The development of new packaging with aluminium still assist in reducing loss of ready-to-eat foods, whose waste can reach 40% due to the marketing of large portions. In this case, the properties of aluminium favor the creation of smaller or individual packages and also with high power.
To relate the food waste to the need of reducing the world''s carbon footprint, through the rational use of natural resources, Glimm highlights the differentials of the life cycle of aluminum and the infinite metal recycling. In the case of the production of a new can of drink, for example, the use of recycled material can generate 70% reduction of C02 emissions and 71% of energy consumption compared to primary aluminum.
To the Director of GLAFRI, the achievement of positive results for this scenario in the packaging segment depends on a proactive stance in promoting industry of the benefits of using aluminum foil, in all regions, in a World Union. He advocates "a global workforce by the food industry to discuss new market opportunities", he concludes.