Packing containers of paper or paperboard market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market for paper and paperboard packing containers in Italy expanded in physical volume, peaking at 328.4 thousand tons in 2021, while production showed variability with a significant rise in 2020. In value terms, the market grew substantially, reaching $897.8 million in 2021, driven by strong overall demand.

Beginning in 2022, sharply higher energy and raw material costs pressured domestic production, leading to a decline in output and contributing to a reduction in market volume. These cost increases, however, drove up prices, which supported market value growth. During this period, new regulatory measures were introduced, including mandatory environmental labeling for packaging—effective from January 2023—and European Union rules targeting packaging waste reduction, which started to reshape industry practices and emphasize sustainability.

By 2024, production and market volume continued to trend downward, though the sector adapted to evolving environmental labeling requirements and maintained high recycling rates above 85%. Regulatory focus on sustainable packaging, including the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, underscored a structural shift within the industry, even as market value retreated from its 2023 peak.

Production packing containers of paper or paperboard in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's production of paper or paperboard packing containers was valued at 841.4 million US dollars, showing a controlled increase of 7.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Italy produced 315.6 thousand tonnes of paper or paperboard packing containers, representing a strong rise of 14.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 37.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 11.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a jump of 25.3%.

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

Exports packing containers of paper or paperboard from Italy

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of decline, Italy's cross-border shipments of paper or paperboard packing containers increased in 2020. The country exported 18 152 tonnes that year, which is 15.4% more than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 5.8%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 15 724 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 5.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Switzerland consistently remained the top three markets for Italy's exports of paper or paperboard packing containers in kind. Together, these countries accounted for 65.0% of total export flows during this period.

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

In 2020, Italy exported paper or paperboard packing containers worth 73.1 million US dollars, marking a moderate gain of 4.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 76.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 15.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a decrease of 8.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, France, Germany, and Switzerland were the main markets for Italy's exports of paper or paperboard packing containers in value terms. France accounted for 37.8% of exports, Germany for 23.8%, and Switzerland for 5.5%. Together, these three countries represented 67.1% 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 packing containers of paper or paperboard to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of paper or paperboard packing containers in kind showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2020, imports totaled 24 756 tonnes, marking a sharp decrease of 45.7% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 17 739 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 45 630 tonnes. This represents a 2.6-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2018. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a jump of 157.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Spain, and France formed the key group of partners for Italy's imports of paper or paperboard packing containers in kind. Germany accounted for 34.1% of imports, Spain for 30.8%, and France for 5.1%. Together, these three countries represented 70.1% 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 paper or paperboard packing containers in value terms were characterized by volatility during these years. In 2020, imports registered 75.4 million US dollars, indicating a steep fall of 59.2% versus the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 53.2 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 185.1 million US dollars. This represents a 3.5-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2018. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a surge of 248.0%.

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

In 2017-2020, Spain, Germany, and France accounted for the largest share of Italy's imports of paper or paperboard packing containers in value terms. Spain represented 31.3% of imports, Germany 30.3%, and France 6.4%. Together, these three countries comprised 67.9% 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