Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic boxes, cases, and crates in Austria expanded from 49 266 t in 2018 to 78 514 t in 2020, with a notable surge in 2019. This growth coincided with a population shift from rural to urban areas, which increased demand for packaging and transport solutions to support urban logistics. At the same time, the market began integrating more bio-based plastics like Bio-PE, Bio-PET, and Bio-PP into packaging to meet rising sustainability expectations.

In late 2022, Austria adopted its circular economy strategy, setting binding targets for reusable packaging quotas, eco-modulated fees based on packaging sustainability, and higher recycled content use, which began influencing the market from 2023 onward. This regulatory push was part of a broader industry focus on sustainability and climate protection, aligning with EU-wide challenges.

The regulatory framework intensified in 2024 with the introduction of mandatory reusable quotas for beverage packaging in retail and the requirement for 'tethered caps' on single-use plastic drink containers from July. Simultaneously, the high-tech TriPlast sorting plant opened in Upper Austria in June, significantly boosting recycling capacity for plastic and metal packaging. These developments were accompanied by stricter legal requirements for packaging, particularly food packaging, driving design for circularity and increased consumer acceptance of products made from secondary raw materials.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, Austria's production of plastic boxes, cases and crates reached its peak at 143.2 million US dollars. However, in 2020, output declined to 137.0 million US dollars, marking a 4.3% decrease from the previous year. The lowest production value during the period was recorded in 2018 at 118.3 million US dollars. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.2%, which translates to an average annual increase of 3.9%. The most significant year-on-year growth occurred in 2019, with a 21.0% rise.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Austria's production of plastic boxes, cases and crates in physical terms peaked in 2019 at 57 110 tonnes. In 2020, output fell to 55 021 tonnes, representing a 3.7% decline compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 55.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 15.9%. The largest single-year increase was recorded in 2019, when production surged by 54.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Austria

Exports in kind, t

Austria's exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates in physical terms reached their highest point in 2018 at 14 212 tonnes. By 2020, exports had dropped to 10 000 tonnes, showing a substantial 22.1% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall exports declined by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.4%. The most notable year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with exports rising by 32.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany was the leading destination for Austria's exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates in physical terms, accounting for 30.6% of the total. Switzerland followed with 15.3%, and Hungary with 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented 53.0% of Austria's total export flows in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Austria's exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates in value terms peaked in 2019 at 55.2 million US dollars. In 2020, exports decreased to 45.4 million US dollars, reflecting a 17.8% drop from the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 8.4%, averaging an annual increase of 2.7%. The largest year-on-year rise was recorded in 2018, with a 25.6% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the primary buyer of Austrian plastic boxes, cases and crates in value terms, making up 34.8% of total exports. Switzerland accounted for 13.8%, and Hungary for 5.6%. Collectively, these three markets represented 54.2% of Austria's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Austria

Imports in kind, t

Austria's imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates in physical terms continued to grow, reaching 33 492 tonnes in 2020, which was a 15.7% increase from 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 28.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany dominated Austria's imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates in physical terms, supplying 52.2% of the total. Italy contributed 7.4%, and Switzerland 4.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 64.5% of Austria's total import volume in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Austria's imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates in value terms reached their highest level in 2018 at 113.3 million US dollars. In 2019, imports declined by 1.5% to 111.7 million US dollars, and in 2020, they fell further to 110.4 million US dollars, marking a slight 1.0% decrease from the previous year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The most significant year-on-year increase was in 2018, with a 10.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the largest supplier of plastic boxes, cases and crates to Austria in value terms, accounting for 49.7% of total imports. Switzerland followed with 8.9%, and Italy with 6.7%. Combined, these three countries made up 65.3% of Austria's total import value in this sector.

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

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