Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The Greek market for plastic boxes, cases, and crates increased from 58 235 t in 2018 to 61 738 t in 2020. This growth was supported by regulatory measures that began in 2018 with an environmental levy on thin plastic carrier bags and the announcement of a phased ban on single-use plastic items like cutlery and straws, which encouraged a shift toward reusable transport and packaging solutions. The adoption of the EU Plastics Strategy into national law and the harmonization with EU packaging waste directives further emphasized the move toward more durable and recyclable packaging.

After 2020, import volumes rose consistently from 11 512 t in 2018 to 21 790 t in 2024, indicating strong ongoing demand. This import growth was reinforced by the implementation of a 0.05€ environmental fee on single-use plastic food and drink packaging from January 2022 and the introduction of a deposit return system for beverage containers. Greek producers also adapted to new eco-modulation rules for plastic packaging and prepared for the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which mandates stricter recyclability and reuse targets.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018, with an 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output of plastic boxes, cases and crates in Greece was valued at 158.9 million US dollars, representing a modest year-on-year increase of 3.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 163.2 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 6.3%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, surging by 77.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Greece produced 57 153 tonnes of plastic boxes, cases and crates, showing little change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 55.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 15.8%. The peak production was recorded in 2018 at 58 254 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, dropping by 1.9%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 58.1%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Greece

Exports in kind, t

Exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Greece increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 12 380 tonnes, marking a 3.4% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 27.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Romania, and Germany were the largest buyers of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Greece, accounting for 11.8%, 11.7%, and 11.7% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 35.2% of total exports in kind, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Greece increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, Greece exported 39 520 thousand US dollars worth of these products, indicating a 10.5% uptick compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 32.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for exports in value terms was diverse. Romania, Israel, and Italy accounted for 12.8%, 10.4%, and 9.9% of exports in value terms, respectively. Combined, they made up only 33.0% of total flows, with the remaining 67.0% distributed across many other countries.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates into Greece increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 16 964 tonnes, constituting a 25.2% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 61%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, Turkey, and Bulgaria remained the main sources for imports in kind of plastic boxes, cases and crates into Greece, accounting for 21.2%, 15.2%, and 14.8% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 51.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates into Greece increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 43 087 thousand US dollars, representing a 0.7% gain compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 31.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%.

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

The partner structure for imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Turkey, Italy, and the Netherlands accounted for 14.8%, 12.6%, and 10.6% of imports in value terms, respectively. Together, they represented only 38.0% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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