Cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market for corrugated paperboard boxes in Greece grew by over 4% in volume, reaching 325 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by the established presence of large domestic producers with modern facilities, such as EL PACK AE, and a network of traditional family-owned businesses that invested in production know-how and a broad product portfolio. After a 5% contraction in 2020, the market rebounded sharply in 2021 with a 15% surge to 356 thousand tons. This strong recovery was primarily driven by new environmental legislation promoting sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions, the entry of new market players, and the development of specialized product segments like boxes for agricultural produce and display units.

Market volume continued to grow in 2022, increasing by 3% to 365 thousand tons. A key driver was the completion of a major €50 million investment in a new state-of-the-art production facility in Oinofyta, Boeotia, which significantly boosted domestic manufacturing capacity. Consumer demand patterns also shifted due to inflationary pressures, favoring more economical packaging choices. Following a 6% decline in 2023, the market stabilized in 2024 at 345 thousand tons, indicating a return to balance after the previous year's adjustment.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Greece's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 374.7 million US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 1.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 19.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 387.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 23.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, Greece's production volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard decreased. In 2020, the country produced 307.9 thousand tonnes, reflecting a modest decline of 5.1% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, overall production rose by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The peak volume was reached in 2019 at 324.4 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase of 12.6% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Greece

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Greece exported 13 593 tonnes of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard, representing a limited year-on-year increase of 9.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 39.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.8%. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 16 084 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 65.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 22.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria, Albania, and Romania were the top destinations for Greece's exports in kind. Bulgaria accounted for 22.7% of exports, Albania for 18.4%, and Romania for 11.6%. Together, these three countries made up 52.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Greece in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Greece's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard were valued at 16 233 thousand US dollars, marking a modest increase of 6.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 47.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 13.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 17 209 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 56.3%. The most significant decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Greece in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Albania were the main markets for Greece's exports in value terms. Bulgaria represented 19.3% of exports, Cyprus 17.5%, and Albania 15.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 52.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Greece in value, 2017-2020

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Greece's import volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 14 410 tonnes, which is 7.8% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 5.9%, with an average annual rate of 1.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 12 629 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Bulgaria, and Turkey were the primary sources for Greece's imports in kind. Italy accounted for 34.0% of imports, Bulgaria for 20.6%, and Turkey for 15.0%. Together, these three countries made up 69.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Greece in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Greece's import value of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 15 863 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate decrease of 3.6% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 18 147 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 13.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Greece in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Bulgaria, and Turkey were the principal destinations for Greece's imports in value terms. Italy represented 34.1% of imports, Bulgaria 18.1%, and Turkey 12.5%. Jointly, these three countries accounted for 64.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Greece in value, 2017-2020