Aluminum foil shipments increased by 3.5 % in first 9 months of this year (2006) to reach 660,700 Tons from 638,100 Tons in 2005, which indicates a comparatively better growth this year, as per EAFA (European Aluminum Foil Association), according to news published by Packaging & Converting Essentials. Demand was mainly driven by 5.8 % growth in thicker gauges & 2.9 % in thinner gauges.

Exports outside EAFA regions (EAFA region includes EU15, Bulgaria, Armenia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Russia, Norway, Slovenia, Turkey & Switzerland) increased by 1.9 % for the first 9 months of this year, thus, displaying a positive development.

Q3 comparison indicates a 3.1 % rise despite the summer season. Thicker gauges, used mainly for container & technical applications, increased by 8 % & performed very well in overall growth.

EAFA's new president, Fred McDonogh said the positive growth is likely to continue in near future and highlights the utility of aluminum foil in present & future packaging markets.

Around 3 quarters of aluminum foil is utilized in packaging and its strength, barrier & formability properties makes it an important element in various container & flexible packaging applications.

Number of upcoming products featuring new uses of aluminum foil packaging signifies a favorable future for aluminum foil industry. Other uses include automotive, insulation material, heat exchange parts & other applications.

"Figures indicate a bright future ahead for Aluminum foil industry. Shipments will go over 720,000 Tons by 2007," said a senior analyst at RNCOS, author of "US Aluminum Market (2006)".

Aluminum foil's functioning in packaging industry will be further improved through communications campaign concentrating on making aluminum foil as a convenient & modern packaging material, added McDonogh, to encourage utilization in packaging & technical applications.

In related news, Rusal, a Russian aluminum maker plans to lift the annual production of Armenia's 'Armenal' aluminum foil mill to around 40,000 Tons. It has reportedly finished a US $ 70 Million, 2-year modernization project, which will see the plant's output of 25,000 Tons annually.

EAFA is an international body that represents firms involved in aluminum foil industry. It has over 120 members that include firms from Eastern, Western & Central Europe.