Corrugated board manufacturers have reported that packaging volumes are returning to pre-recession levels, thanks in a large part to the stability of the food sector. According to annual statistics from the European Manufacturers of Corrugated Packaging (FEFCO), volumes in the first few months of 2010 have so far exceeded results from 2007, before the financial crisis hit. This improvement comes on the back of what the trade association called a “difficult year for the industry” as the overall volume of shipments dropped 4.9 per cent from 2008 levels to 39bn sq metres.
Food sector demand
FEFCO said the relative stability of the figures is down to the consumer base, with 46.3 per cent of shipments going to the food and drink, agriculture and tobacco industries. Angelika Christ, secretary general, told FoodProductionDaily.com that demand from the food sector has been pretty stable. While consumers may choose cheaper food products in a recession, Christ said the overall quantity consumed remains similarand it is the quantity and not the quality of food sold that influences packaging demand.