Plastic household articles and hygienic or toilet articles market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic household and hygienic articles in Italy expanded significantly from 208 thousand tons in 2018 to 288 thousand tons in 2019. This growth was driven by increasing consumer attention toward eco-compatible and non-toxic products, supported by government campaigns promoting hygiene and cleanliness, which boosted demand for effective cleaning agents and their plastic packaging. The trend continued with rising demand for safe and efficient detergents, alongside a growing interest in products featuring innovative fragrances.

Market volume contracted sharply to 184 thousand tons in 2020, likely due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. A swift recovery followed in 2021, with volume reaching 273 thousand tons, as persistent post-COVID demand for deep-cleaning and sustainable products remained strong. The introduction of items with natural and biodegradable ingredients, such as Unilever's dish detergent in fully recyclable plastic packaging, stimulated production. Growth continued into 2022, rising to 289 thousand tons, supported by the ongoing shift toward plant-based formulations and the launch of innovative cleaners with user-friendly, measurable packaging like SC Johnson Professional's disinfectant.

After peaking in 2022, the market declined to 268 thousand tons in 2023 and 197 thousand tons in 2024. Throughout the latter period, consumer focus remained on hygiene, sustainability, and energy efficiency, with manufacturers developing low-temperature washing formulations and emphasizing recyclable packaging. The expansion of the drugstore channel as a growing segment and the rise of organic, low-environmental-impact products such as Rimzaa Organic Toilet Cleaner highlighted ongoing innovation, though these factors did not offset the broader market contraction.

Production plastic household and hygienic articles in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Italy's production of plastic household and hygienic articles declined. In 2020, output was valued at 752 million US dollars, marking a sharp 34.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 153 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 22.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of expansion, Italy's production of plastic household and hygienic articles in physical terms declined. In 2020, output reached 242.3 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 30.4% drop compared to 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 348.4 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual growth of 30.8%.

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

Exports plastic household and hygienic articles from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of plastic household and hygienic articles in physical terms grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 81 066 tonnes, up 1.3% from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 79 352 tonnes, which saw the largest annual decline of 3.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of plastic household and hygienic articles in physical terms were distributed across multiple destinations. France accounted for 21.2% of exports, Germany for 17.9%, and Spain for 9.2%, with these three countries together representing 48.2% 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

Italy's exports of plastic household and hygienic articles in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 300.4 million US dollars, showing a modest 1.7% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 6.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Italy's exports of plastic household and hygienic articles in value terms were spread across numerous markets. France represented 23.1% of exports, Germany 16.4%, and Spain 7.7%, with these three countries collectively accounting for 47.2% 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 household and hygienic articles to Italy

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Italy's imports of plastic household and hygienic articles in physical terms increased. In 2020, import volume amounted to 22 225 tonnes, up 14.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 19 449 tonnes, which saw the largest annual drop of 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Germany, and France were the key sources for Italy's imports of plastic household and hygienic articles in physical terms. China accounted for 41.4% of imports, Germany for 11.1%, and France for 8.9%, together representing 61.3% of total flows.

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

In 2020, Italy's imports of plastic household and hygienic articles in value terms reached 125.2 million US dollars, a 13.2% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 15.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 4.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Germany, and France were the main sources for Italy's imports of plastic household and hygienic articles in value terms. China represented 36.9% of imports, Germany 14.8%, and France 12.6%, with these three countries jointly accounting for 64.3% of total flows.

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

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