Folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard saw its physical volume contract significantly from 867 thousand tons in 2018 to 637 thousand tons in 2020. This was followed by a sharp rebound in 2021, when market volume jumped to 930 thousand tons. This recovery coincided with the suspension of mandatory environmental labeling for packaging, a regulatory relief that eased compliance for producers.

The upward move reversed in 2022 as market volume fell to 800 thousand tons. This shift aligned with the announced resumption of environmental labeling obligations and a push for higher use of recycled materials, requiring operational adjustments from the industry. The downward trend continued into 2023, with volume declining to 725 thousand tons amid a reported contraction in domestic paper and cardboard packaging production.

By 2024, new European packaging rules that limit empty space and mandate sustainable materials further influenced the market, contributing to a volume decrease to 662 thousand tons. During this period, the sector also saw increased adoption of technological innovations aimed at improving production efficiency.

Production folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's production of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard was valued at 1 433 million US dollars, showing no significant change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 8.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 427 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 8.9% occurring that year. In contrast, the largest increase of 0.7% was observed in 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 669.2 thousand tonnes, marking a significant contraction of 24.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 25.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.2%. The peak was in 2018 at 906.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 1.3%.

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

Exports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year rise, the volume of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard exported from Italy declined. In 2020, exports totaled 88 075 tonnes, representing a controlled decrease of 5.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 4%, with a CAGR of -1.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 93 412 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 1.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Switzerland, and Germany were the leading destinations for Italy's exports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in volume terms. France accounted for 36.5% of exports, Switzerland for 10.7%, and Germany for 8.4%, collectively making up 55.7% of total export flows.

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

Italy's exports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 291.9 million US dollars, down 6.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 3.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.0%. The peak value was in 2018 at 314.3 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 11.0%.

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

During 2017–2020, the top destinations for Italy's exports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms were France, Switzerland, and Germany. France represented 37.9% of export value, Switzerland 10.6%, and Germany 8.0%, together accounting for 56.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 56 151 tonnes, up 3.2% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 3.3%, with an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 53 380 tonnes, which also recorded the largest decline of 1.8%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany, France, and China were the key partners for Italy's imports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in volume terms. Germany accounted for 39.3% of imports, France for 13.3%, and China for 8.6%, collectively representing 61.3% of total import flows.

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

Italy's imports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value amounted to 175.8 million US dollars, down 15.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.4%, with a CAGR of -6.9%. The highest value was in 2018 at 228.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, China, and France were the leading sources for Italy's imports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. Germany represented 36.6% of import value, China 12.6%, and France 9.1%, together making up 58.3% of total import flows.

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

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