Plastic packaging and closures market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market size for plastic packaging and closures in Spain experienced a gradual decline, dropping from 4.6 billion US dollars to 4.3 billion. This was primarily influenced by increasing environmental regulations and a shift towards alternative materials like corrugated cardboard, as seen in 2019 when production of cardboard rose. The European Commission's proposals for taxes on non-reusable plastic packaging and stricter recycling targets further dampened growth. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains and recycling operations, but a surge in e-commerce demand for hygienic and durable packaging helped stabilize the market, preventing a steeper fall.

In 2021, the market rebounded sharply, expanding by 27% to reach 5.5 billion US dollars. This growth was driven by innovations in packaging design, such as stackable transport boxes that improve handling efficiency, and increased demand for packaging solutions that optimize volume and comply with specific regulations. The packaging sector remained the largest consumer of plastics in Spain, accounting for 36% of total usage, which supported sustained production investments and a rise in the use of post-consumer recycled plastics.

From 2022 onwards, the Spanish plastic packaging market continued to evolve under new regulatory frameworks, including Royal Decree 1055/2022 which set extended producer responsibility and specific labeling requirements for single-use plastics. These measures accelerated the development of recyclable materials and bioplastics. Concurrently, e-commerce and logistics needs fueled demand for lightweight, durable packaging, while technological advances in flexible packaging and smart solutions gained traction. Import volumes rose steadily through 2024, reflecting ongoing market adjustments to sustainability trends and supply chain factors.

Production plastic packaging and closures in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of plastic packaging and closures declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 4 535 million US dollars, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 1.2%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 6.9%, when production peaked at 4 596 million US dollars.

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

Exports plastic packaging and closures from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes of plastic packaging and closures from Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 398.6 thousand tonnes, which is 2.0% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 12.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.0%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 8.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 25.4%, when exports reached their peak of 444.6 thousand tonnes.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Morocco, and Portugal were the key partners for Spain's exports of plastic packaging and closures in volume terms. France accounted for 20.9% of exports, Morocco for 20.5%, and Portugal for 14.2%. Together, these three countries represented 55.6% of total export 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

In 2020, the value of Spain's plastic packaging and closures exports stood at 1 378 million US dollars, indicating a measured rise of 4.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 16.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 2.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 14.3%.

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

An analysis of export values from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. France accounted for 20.1% of exports in value terms, Morocco for 14.6%, and Portugal for 12.0%. Together, these three partners represented 46.7% of total flows, with the remaining 53.3% distributed among other countries.

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 packaging and closures to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of plastic packaging and closures into Spain increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 507.0 thousand tonnes, which is 2.7% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 29.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and Portugal were the main sources for Spain's imports of plastic packaging and closures in volume terms. Italy accounted for 23.4% of imports, France for 19.1%, and Portugal for 17.1%. Collectively, these three countries made up 59.6% of total import 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 packaging and closures declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 191 million US dollars, which is 4.8% less than in 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, at 5.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 9.5%, when imports peaked at 1 316 million US dollars.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Germany continued to lead as the top suppliers of plastic packaging and closures to Spain in value terms. France accounted for 20.3% of imports, Italy for 19.5%, and Germany for 13.2%. Together, these three countries represented 53.1% of total import value.

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

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