page 20 of 100 segment sales were $ 100.7 million lower in 2009 than in 2008 , primarily as a result of the impact of lower aluminum prices partially offset by an increase in sales volumes . the higher sales volumes in 2009 were the result of incremental volumes from the four plants purchased from ab inbev , partially offset by certain plant closures and lower sales volumes in the existing business . segment earnings in 2010 were $ 122.3 million higher than in 2009 primarily due to a net $ 85 million impact related to the higher sales volumes and $ 45 million of product mix and improved manufacturing performance associated with higher production . also adding to the 2010 improvement was the effect of a $ 7 million out-of-period inventory charge in 2009 . the details of the out-of-period adjustment are included in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included within item 8 of this report . segment earnings in 2009 were higher than in 2008 due to $ 12 million of earnings contribution from the four acquired plants and approximately $ 21 million of savings associated with plant closures . partially offsetting these favorable impacts were lower carbonated soft drink and beer can sales volumes ( excluding the newly acquired plants ) and approximately $ 25 million related to higher cost inventories in the first half of 2009 . metal beverage packaging , europe .

Table:
( $ in millions ) | 2010 | 2009 | 2008
net sales | $ 1697.6 | $ 1739.5 | $ 1868.7
segment earnings | $ 212.9 | $ 214.8 | $ 230.9
business consolidation costs ( a ) | -3.2 ( 3.2 ) | 2212 | 2212
total segment earnings | $ 209.7 | $ 214.8 | $ 230.9
( a ) further details of these items are included in note 5 to the consolidated financial statements within item 8 of this report .
the metal beverage packaging , europe , segment includes metal beverage packaging products manufactured in europe .
ball packaging europe has manufacturing plants located in germany , the united kingdom , france , the netherlands , poland and serbia , and is the second largest metal beverage container business in europe .
segment sales in 2010 decreased $ 41.9 million compared to 2009 , primarily due to unfavorable foreign exchange effects of $ 93 million and price and mix changes , partially offset by higher sales volumes .
segment sales in 2009 as compared to 2008 were $ 129.2 million lower due to $ 110 million of unfavorable foreign exchange effects , partially offset by better commercial terms .
sales volumes in 2009 were essentially flat compared to those in the prior year .
segment earnings in 2010 decreased $ 1.9 million compared to 2009 , primarily the result of a $ 28 million increase related to higher sales volumes , offset by $ 18 million of negative effects from foreign currency translation and $ 12 million of higher inventory and other costs .
while 2009 sales volumes were consistent with the prior year , the adverse effects of foreign currency translation , both within europe and on the conversion of the euro to the u.s .
dollar , reduced segment earnings by $ 8 million .
also contributing to lower segment earnings were higher cost inventory carried into 2009 and a change in sales mix , partially offset by better commercial terms in some of our contracts .
on january 18 , 2011 , ball acquired aerocan s.a.s .
( aerocan ) , a leading european supplier of aluminum aerosol cans and bottles , for 20ac222.4 million ( approximately $ 300 million ) in cash and assumed debt .
aerocan manufactures extruded aluminum aerosol cans and bottles , and the aluminum slugs used to make them , for customers in the personal care , pharmaceutical , beverage and food industries .
it operates three aerosol can manufacturing plants 2013 one each in the czech republic , france and the united kingdom 2013 and is a 51 percent owner of a joint venture aluminum slug plant in france .
the four plants employ approximately 560 people .
the acquisition of aerocan will allow ball to enter a growing part of the metal packaging industry and to broaden the company 2019s market development efforts into a new customer base. .

Question: what was the percentage change in net sales metal beverage packaging , europe between 2008 to 2009?
Answer: -7%
Calculation: subtract(1739.5, 1868.7), divide(#0, 1868.7)