Packing containers of paper or paperboard market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper and paperboard packing containers in Spain demonstrated overall growth from 243.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 379.2 thousand tons in 2024. This expansion was initially supported by the structural shift toward e-commerce and takeaway food delivery, which increased demand for packaging, alongside a growing preference among packagers and consumers for sustainable and recyclable materials. The acquisition of Europac by DS Smith in 2018 further consolidated the presence of large groups in the sector.

A temporary contraction occurred in 2020, with the market volume falling to 221.9 thousand tons, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic which altered consumption patterns—reducing demand in segments like non-alcoholic beverages while boosting others like dry foods. The market rebounded strongly to 280.9 thousand tons in 2021 as post-pandemic recovery drove demand for folding cartons. Subsequent growth was reinforced by regulatory action, including Spain's comprehensive waste reduction regulation approved in April 2022 and Royal Decree 1055/2022 on extended producer responsibility, which promoted reusable and recyclable packaging. Investments in new capacity, such as Plastipak's recycling plant and Huhtamaki's expansion of paper-based packaging production in Nules, also enhanced industry capabilities.

In 2023, the sector faced pressure from high energy costs, international conflicts, and rising labor expenses, which impacted production costs and competitiveness. Despite these challenges, the market continued its upward trajectory into 2024, reaching 379.2 thousand tons, sustained by the enduring trend toward sustainable packaging, the sector's moderate and profitable growth in key industries like food and cosmetics, and the ongoing concentration of turnover in large, efficient companies.

Production packing containers of paper or paperboard in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of paper or paperboard packing containers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 668.9 million US dollars, showing no significant change from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 6.2% to reach its peak value of 718.1 million US dollars. The following year, in 2019, production experienced its largest decline of 6.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Production of paper or paperboard packing containers in Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain produced 221.1 thousand tonnes, reflecting a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, when production rose by 15.7% to reach its peak of 243.3 thousand tonnes. The following year, in 2019, production saw its largest decline of 7.4%.

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

Exports packing containers of paper or paperboard from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of paper or paperboard packing containers declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 4 056 tonnes, which is 4.2% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 60.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 26.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Morocco were the principal buyers of paper or paperboard packing containers from Spain. France accounted for 32.6% of exports in kind, Italy for 23.6%, and Morocco for 9.0%. Together, these three countries represented 65.2% of Spain's total exports in kind during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Spain exported 14 827 thousand US dollars worth of paper or paperboard packing containers, which is 7.2% greater than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 18%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 6.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 20 555 thousand US dollars, when exports increased by 13.7%. The following year, in 2019, exports fell to their minimum of 13 833 thousand US dollars, marking the largest decline of 32.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Cameroon remained the leading destinations for Spain's exports in value terms. France accounted for 42.4% of exports, Italy for 12.0%, and Cameroon for 8.0%. Collectively, these three markets represented 62.4% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Imports packing containers of paper or paperboard to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, Spain's import volume of paper or paperboard packing containers declined. In 2020, Spain imported 13 505 tonnes, showing an intense reduction of 63.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 48.3%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 19.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 13 505 tonnes, when imports increased by 37.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Italy, and Germany formed the key group of partners for Spain's imports in kind of paper or paperboard packing containers. Portugal accounted for 29.7% of imports, Italy for 25.7%, and Germany for 13.5%. Together, these three countries represented 68.9% of total import flows during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Spain's import volume of paper or paperboard packing containers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 15 261 thousand US dollars, reflecting an abrupt contraction of 32.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 33.2%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 12.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 28 537 thousand US dollars, when imports increased by 24.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Spain's imports in value terms were Portugal, China, and France. Together, these countries accounted for 62.6% of total import flows during this period.

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

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