Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for plastic boxes, cases, and crates opened the period at 409.6 million US dollars in 2018. Production grew by 12.6% to 503.4 million US dollars in 2019, supported by rising demand for personalized and eco-friendly packaging, alongside increased environmental awareness. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a sharp contraction: production fell by 30.4% and the market shrank by 40.6% to 265.3 million US dollars, although growth in e-commerce sustained demand for packaging used in logistics and distribution.

A recovery followed in 2021, with production rising 33.6% to 467.7 million US dollars and the market expanding 38.5% to 367.3 million US dollars. This rebound was reinforced by the opening of new Amazon distribution centers, which increased need for plastic crates in logistics, and partnerships such as DS Smith's initiative to improve plastic crate recycling. In 2022, the market continued its ascent, reaching 592.5 million US dollars largely due to a 105.1% surge in imports, while production stabilized at 459.3 million US dollars. The launch of new product lines by Supreme Industries and growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions stimulated market activity.

In 2023, production declined by 15.4% to 388.5 million US dollars and the market receded slightly by 4% to 568.7 million US dollars, yet demand in the food and beverage sector remained resilient, supported by packaging innovations and expanding Italian packaging exports. By 2024, production rebounded, growing 22.1% to 474.3 million US dollars, and the market increased 5.2% to 598.3 million US dollars, reflecting the ongoing trend toward sustainable and reusable packaging solutions.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Italy, the production value of plastic boxes, cases and crates reached $350.2 million in 2020, marking a sharp decline of 30.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 38.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 12.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In Italy, the production volume of plastic boxes, cases and crates stood at 129.6 thousand tonnes in 2020, indicating a fall of 33.6% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 29.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.0%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 195.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 42.4%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 76 585 tonnes, showing a slight decline of 2.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 8.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Italy were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Spain accounted for 15.6% of exports in kind, Germany for 11.4%, and France for 11.0%, with these three countries together representing just 37.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy exported $263.8 million worth of these products, which is 3.5% lower year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at $276.3 million, which also saw the largest increase of 1.1%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Italy were spread across a large number of markets. Germany accounted for 13.5% of exports in value terms, Spain for 12.8%, and France for 12.1%, with these three countries jointly representing only 38.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates into Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 37 959 tonnes, indicating a decline of 10.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 18.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%.

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

The analysis of imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Germany accounted for 24.3% of imports in kind, France for 15.0%, and Spain for 8.9%, with these three countries together representing only 48.2% of total flows, while a significant 51.8% fell on other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates into Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled $178.9 million, which is 17.4% lower compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at $238.8 million, which also saw the largest increase of 7.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets — Germany, China, and France — together accounted for 55.3% of total imports in value terms of plastic boxes, cases and crates to Italy.

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

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