Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The market size for plastic boxes and cases in Spain declined from $1 043 million in 2018 to $855 million in 2020. This downturn coincided with the introduction of waste-reduction regulations, such as Royal Decree 293/2018, which banned free single-use plastic bags and promoted reusable alternatives. Although directly targeting bags, the decree set a broader trend against disposable plastics, likely affecting demand for plastic packaging. Simultaneously, companies invested in capacity expansion, like RIBAWOOD S.A. in 2018 and PLÁSTICOS ESCANERO in 2019, signaling long-term growth plans despite short-term market contraction.

Market volume rebounded to $1 160 million in 2021, likely reflecting post-pandemic economic recovery. However, in 2022, the market slightly retreated to $1 127 million amid new regulatory headwinds. The Waste and Contaminated Soil Law 7/2022, enacted in April, established stringent extended producer responsibility requirements, and Royal Decree 1055/2022 on packaging and packaging waste, published in December, set targets to reduce single-use plastic packaging. These measures, combined with a sharp rise in energy and raw material costs, put pressure on producers, which may have restrained market growth.

By 2024, the Spanish plastic boxes and cases market reached $1 567 million, marking a significant increase from 2022. This surge was largely fueled by imports, which climbed to $799 million in 2024. The regulatory framework continued to evolve: EU Regulation 2025/40 tightened packaging requirements, and local rules increasingly encouraged the use of recycled materials and enhanced traceability. These circular-economy-driven changes stimulated demand for more sustainable plastic packaging solutions, contributing to market growth even as domestic production faced competitiveness challenges.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 021 million US dollars, down 4.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 081 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of growth, Spain's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates fell. In 2020, output reached 394.5 thousand tonnes, a 17.7% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 11.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 479.3 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest rise of 25.4%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Spain's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 132.3 thousand tonnes, up 2.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 69.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 19.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, France, and Portugal were the main destinations for Spain's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in volume terms. Morocco accounted for 46.3% of exports, France for 11.2%, and Portugal for 9.4%, together making up 66.8% of total 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 plastic boxes, cases, and crates increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 378.3 million US dollars, rising 5.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 51.2%, with an average annual rate of 14.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Morocco, France, and Portugal were the leading markets for Spain's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in value terms. Morocco represented 33.6% of exports, France 14.4%, and Portugal 10.5%, collectively accounting for 58.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Spain's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates declined. In 2020, imports reached 92.9 thousand tonnes, down 7.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 24.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 7.6%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 100.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest rise of 23.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and the Netherlands were the key sources for Spain's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in volume terms. Italy contributed 35.4% of imports, France 17.6%, and the Netherlands 9.3%, together representing 62.2% of total 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

Spain's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at approximately 212.1 million US dollars, a 9.7% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 3.2%, averaging an annual decline of 1.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 257.8 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 17.6%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, France, Italy, and Germany were the primary suppliers of plastic boxes, cases, and crates to Spain in value terms. France accounted for 26.0% of imports, Italy for 22.8%, and Germany for 10.0%, jointly making up 58.8% of total imports.

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

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