Cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Starting in 2018, the Italian market for cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip was shaped by legislative developments around the single-use plastics tax (MACSI). The introduction of the tax law in 2018 and its subsequent postponements in 2020 created regulatory uncertainty, affecting the planning of domestic producers and importers.

By 2022, the market volume reached 259.8 thousand tons. It then contracted to 200.7 thousand tons in 2023, coinciding with increased focus on recyclable materials and technological innovations in extrusion processes, which may have temporarily reduced output. In 2024, the market recovered to 257.6 thousand tons, supported by the further delay of the Plastic Tax to 2026, expansion in the high-quality film segment, and growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Production cellular plastic sheets in Italy

According to Faostat, there is no production of cellular plastic sheets in Italy.

Exports cellular plastic sheets from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

After rising for two consecutive years, Italy's exports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined. In 2020, export volume reached 142.9 K t, marking a modest decrease of 8.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 25.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.0%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 155.3 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase occurring in 2018 at 26.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip were distributed across numerous countries. The top three destinations—Germany (12.5% of exports in kind), France (12.2%), and Spain (8.5%)—collectively accounted for only 33.1% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, Italy's exports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in monetary terms experienced a decline. In 2020, export value stood at 613.2 M $ US, reflecting a gradual decrease of 5.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 18.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 649.9 M $ US, while the most significant year-on-year growth occurred in 2018 at 19.9%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Italy's exports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms reached many different markets. Even the largest destinations—France, Germany, and Spain—together represented just 34.8% of total export value, underscoring the broad geographic spread of these shipments.

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

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

Imports cellular plastic sheets to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in kind declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume amounted to 50.9 K t, down by 10.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 23%, corresponding to a compound annual decline rate of 8.3%.

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

The import structure for cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in kind from 2017 to 2020 was highly diversified. The top three suppliers—Germany (20.9% of imports in kind), China (10.1%), and France (7.9%)—together accounted for only 38.9% of total import flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Italy's imports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in monetary terms showed an increase. In 2020, import value reached 243.1 M $ US, remaining nearly unchanged from 243.1 M $ US in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9.2%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 3.2%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 242.1 M $ US, with the largest year-on-year drop occurring that same year at 5.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's imports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms were spread across a wide range of markets. The leading suppliers—Germany (24.1% of imports in value terms), France (7.5%), and China (7.0%)—jointly accounted for only 38.5% of total import flows, highlighting the diverse sourcing strategy.

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

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