German packaging manufacturers again experienced strong sales growth in 2011 (8.3%), with the largest volume growth in glass. With a rise of 9%, the production of glass packaging rose the fastest of all compared with 2010, followed by plastics packaging (+5%); metal (+2.6%); and paper/board (+2.3%). The industry benefited from the good domestic economy and growing demand for innovative packaging solutions. The positive development was, however, clouded by mounting raw material and energy costs, which manufacturers were unable to pass on in full to their customers. The Joint Committee of German Packaging Manufacturers (GADV) which represents the interests of all the country's packaging sectors, said total packaging sales were a record 32.1 BN Euros, while production volume rose by only 4% last year to reach 19.9M tonnes. For 2012, all packaging producers are relatively optimistic, although they are still concerned about raw material prices.
