The markets for carton board and folded boxes were difficult during 2008 and 2009. This applied to the packaging industry in general as well as for most converters. But positive signs are on the increase: Cadbury will use folded boxes for the first time for one of their major brands.
Sustainability is also making inroads with retailers - with promising long-term opportunities for carton board. The German Metro Group has created a Sustainability Board to develop and implement binding company standards for the sustainable practices - to increase their competitive advantage.
"We expect carton board packaging to play a greater role in the future for branded products and in the retail trade" stated Stéphane Thiollier, President of Pro Carton.
During 2007 and 2008 the use of carton board dropped by 3.8 per cent in Europe. This trend varied by country, with Germany increasing by 0.5 per cent. 2009 got off to a poor start, but improved during the year. Whilst turnover decreased during the first nine months of 2009, orders have started to pick up and a further increase is expected toward the end of the year.
Production capacities in the carton board industry were consolidated during 2009. Exports from Europe were satisfactory, sales to the Far East declined, not only due to the strong Euro, but also due to local production expansion, especially in China.
Sales to Eastern Europe continued to increase and further growth is expected. At present consumption in Eastern Europe is at 30% of levels in Western Europe, a level of 50% is expected by 2015. The cartonboard manufacturers expect positive impulses over the next few years, as most importing countries are expected to show continued growth and sustainability issues are on the increase.
