Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic boxes, cases, and crates in Ireland, valued at 172.2 million USD in 2018, contracted to 159.9 million USD in 2019 and fell sharply to 98.0 million USD in 2020 before recovering to 134.6 million USD in 2021.

Beginning in 2022, the market entered a period of gradual decline influenced by new regulatory pressures. The enforcement of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive and Ireland's Circular Economy Act 2022 introduced stricter rules on plastic packaging, aiming to reduce waste and increase recycling. These measures contributed to a decrease in market size to 126.2 million USD in 2022 and further to 116.7 million USD in 2023. Concurrently, the sector adapted through investments like the Limerick Polymers Production recycling facility and a noted increase in the number of plastic product manufacturing enterprises.

By 2024, the market stabilized at 115.4 million USD. Industry focus shifted towards compliance with the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), with major players such as INEOS and PepsiCo launching packaging containing recycled content. This transition towards sustainable materials and circular economy principles defined the market's trajectory in the latter part of the period.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Ireland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Ireland's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output peaked at 109.2 million US dollars, but by 2020, it had dropped sharply to 66.7 million US dollars, marking a 38.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 27.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 10.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 9.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Ireland produced 44 050 tonnes of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, representing a 29.6% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

Ireland's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 14 227 tonnes, showing a steep rise of 81.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 738.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 103.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom accounted for 81.4% of Ireland's total exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in kind, while the remaining flows were distributed among various smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Ireland's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 51 106 thousand US dollars, reflecting an abrupt gain of 63.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 368.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 67.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands led the export structure in value terms, with shares of 56.9%, 14.0%, and 8.7%, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 79.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

Import levels for plastic boxes, cases, and crates in Ireland showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2018, imports reached a high of 62 599 tonnes, but by 2020, they had fallen to 22 065 tonnes, a sharp decline of 49.7% from the previous year. This resulted in a 2.8-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2020. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 86.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands formed the core group of markets for imports in kind, with shares of 52.2%, 25.7%, and 3.4%, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 81.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Ireland imported 82 337 thousand US dollars worth of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, showing little change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 86 993 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 5.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 15.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany were the largest suppliers of plastic boxes, cases, and crates to Ireland in value terms, with shares of 48.5%, 9.4%, and 8.3%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 66.1% of total imports.

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

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