Natural and modified natural polymers market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for natural and modified natural polymers experienced significant volatility between 2018 and 2020. Market volume stood at 167.1 thousand tons in 2018, then sharply contracted to 112.3 thousand tons in 2019. This decline was primarily driven by the implementation of Italian regulations that changed the polymer type required for carrier bags, slashing overall bag consumption by nearly 60% over a decade and directly reducing demand for certain polymers used in packaging.

A recovery began in 2020, with market volume rising to 119.5 thousand tons, fueled by growing consumer and industrial interest in bioplastics and bio-based polymers. This trend was supported by environmental awareness campaigns and clearer product definitions, which boosted demand. By 2023, the market expanded further to 127.9 thousand tons. This growth was aided by increased availability of raw materials derived from natural gas and crude oil processing, which improved supply conditions. Additionally, Italian and EU legislative measures favoring compostable bags for organic waste collection created sustained demand for biodegradable polymers.

Throughout the period, notable market developments included Arkema's 2022 announcement of a new series of recycled polyamides produced in Italy under its Virtucycle program, strengthening local advanced manufacturing. The global expansion of bio-based polymer production capacity, reaching 4.2 million tons by 2024, also influenced the Italian market by ensuring material accessibility. Furthermore, evolving EU regulatory clarity and trade agreements continued to shape import dynamics and pricing for polymers such as polyethylene.

Production natural and modified natural polymers in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of natural and modified natural polymers has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 387.6 million US dollars, marking an 8.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 26.7%, with an average annual decline of 9.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of decline, Italy's production of natural and modified natural polymers increased in 2020. Output reached 147.6 thousand tonnes, showing a modest gain of 7.9% compared to 2019. However, over the full period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 28.5%, with an average annual decline of 10.6%. The lowest point was in 2019, at 136.8 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 27.2%.

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

Exports natural and modified natural polymers from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of natural and modified natural polymers have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 33,657 tonnes, indicating a robust rise of 13.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 27.5%, with an average annual increase of 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's export structure in terms of volume remained highly diversified. France accounted for 24.5% of exports, Germany for 10.6%, and the United States for 9.7%. Together, these three countries made up only 44.9% of total flows, with the remaining 55.1% coming from a wide range of smaller markets.

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 natural and modified natural polymers have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 163.2 million US dollars, representing a 7.4% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 48%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 14.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and the United States were the largest buyers of natural and modified natural polymers from Italy in value terms. France accounted for 21.7% of exports, Germany for 11.4%, and the United States for 9.4%. However, their combined share was limited to 42.5% of total exports, reflecting a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports natural and modified natural polymers to Italy

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Italy's imports of natural and modified natural polymers increased in 2020. Volumes amounted to 5,515 tonnes, showing a modest gain of 8.5% over the past year. However, between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 48.7%, with an average annual decline of 20.0%. The lowest point was in 2019, at 5,083 tonnes, following the largest decline of 45.8% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, China, and the Netherlands were the main suppliers of natural and modified natural polymers to Italy in terms of volume. France accounted for 26.7% of imports, China for 22.4%, and the Netherlands for 19.4%. Together, they comprised 68.5% of total imports.

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

In 2020, Italy's imports of natural and modified natural polymers reached 77.7 million US dollars, reflecting a slight rise of 1.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 78.4 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 3.0%. In 2019, imports fell by 1.9%, marking the largest decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for Italy's imports of natural and modified natural polymers in value terms. China accounted for 19.5% of imports, France for 15.3%, and the Netherlands for 10.4%. Together, these three countries took only 45.1% of total imports, while many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

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