Paper or paperboard labels market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for paper and paperboard labels in Spain expanded steadily, with volume rising from 196 thousand tons to 328 thousand tons. This growth was primarily fueled by the rise of e-commerce, which increased demand for cardboard packaging and labels, and by the substitution of plastic with paper-based materials. Concurrently, the digitalization of printing allowed for shorter runs and higher volumes of digital labels, catering to evolving consumer needs.

Between 2021 and 2022, the market continued its upward trajectory, reaching 662 thousand tons in 2022. Spanish paper industry investments in innovation and production capacity, alongside the introduction of European labeling regulations, laid the groundwork for this increase. The publication of Real Decreto 1055/2022 in December 2022 established new labeling and marking obligations for paper and cardboard packaging, compelling manufacturers to adapt and driving demand for compliant labels.

By 2024, the market volume surged to 3 186 thousand tons, a more than fourfold increase from 2022. This jump was largely attributable to the gradual implementation of Real Decreto 1055/2022, which mandated complete environmental labeling requirements by January 2025. Companies rushed to update their packaging, while ongoing digitalization and sustainability trends encouraged the development of new paper types tailored for traceability and eco-friendly labels.

Production paper or paperboard labels in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's output of paper or paperboard labels was valued at 836.6 million US dollars, marking a 1.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 839.5 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 7.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 1.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 122.0 thousand tonnes of paper or paperboard labels, representing a 1.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 5.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 113.1 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 2.4%. Conversely, the highest volume was in 2019 at 123.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 9.1%.

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

Exports paper or paperboard labels from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain exported 12.2 thousand tonnes of paper or paperboard labels, showing a sharp year-over-year increase of 32.8%. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 30.1%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 9.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 9.2 thousand tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 19.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain's exports of paper or paperboard labels in kind were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. France accounted for 21.6% of exports in kind, Portugal for 14.6%, and Morocco for 10.9%, with these three countries together representing 47.0% of total export flows.

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, M $ US

Spain's exports of paper or paperboard labels in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 78.4 million US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 79.2 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 7.2%. In 2019, exports experienced the largest decline of 1.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for Spain's exports of paper or paperboard labels in value terms. France accounted for 15.6% of exports, Morocco for 15.1%, and Portugal for 10.8%, with these three countries together making up 41.4% of total export value. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports paper or paperboard labels to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's imports of paper or paperboard labels in kind increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 217.8 thousand tonnes, up by 64.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 189.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 42.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the key sources for Spain's imports of paper or paperboard labels in kind. Portugal accounted for 29.9% of imports, the United Kingdom for 19.2%, and Germany for 17.6%, with these three countries together representing 66.7% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Spain's imports of paper or paperboard labels in value terms increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 103.4 million US dollars, reflecting a 6.5% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 97.0 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 5.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and France were the leading suppliers of paper or paperboard labels to Spain in value terms. Germany accounted for 28.4% of imports, Italy for 14.2%, and France for 11.1%, with these three countries jointly representing 53.7% of total import value.

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

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