Plastic tableware and kitchenware market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian plastic tableware and kitchenware market began the period at $581.6 million in 2018. The adoption of the European Strategy on Plastics in a Circular Economy and national regulations against single-use plastics started to influence production and demand, shifting focus toward recyclable and biodegradable materials. This contributed to a market contraction to $373.1 million in 2019. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed the trend by boosting demand for home cooking and healthy meal preparation, which increased the market size to $448.3 million.

Growth continued in 2021, with the market reaching $508.9 million, driven by heightened consumer preference for eco-friendly and non-toxic products and increased investment in biopolymer production. After a dip to $356.9 million in 2022, the market recovered to $383.7 million in 2023, supported by material innovations, a strong e-commerce presence, and growing interest in sustainable and multifunctional kitchenware. The upward trend extended into 2024, with the market reaching $403.3 million, aided by the launch of new product lines like PFOA-free ceramic-coated cookware and rising demand for outdoor kitchenware.

Throughout these years, the accelerated shift to online and direct-to-consumer sales channels, which began during the pandemic, permanently altered distribution patterns. The persistent preference for disposable tableware in the commercial sector and the active role of major companies such as Flo SpA and Huhtamaki also shaped market dynamics and innovation.

Production plastic tableware and kitchenware in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of contraction, Italy's plastic tableware and kitchenware production has rebounded. In 2020, output reached 565.9 million US dollars, marking a 12.4% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 25.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 503.5 million US dollars, which also saw the steepest decline of 29.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of decline, plastic tableware and kitchenware production in Italy has shown growth. In 2020, Italy produced 171.5 thousand tonnes, representing a 10.6% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 24.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.0%. The lowest production volume was in 2019 at 155.1 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 24.1%.

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

Exports plastic tableware and kitchenware from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of plastic tableware and kitchenware have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 63 360 tonnes, a 17.4% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 23.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -8.6%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 84 694 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 1.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and the Netherlands remained the top buyers of Italian plastic tableware and kitchenware by volume. France accounted for 28.2% of exports, Germany for 14.6%, and the Netherlands for 11.1%. Together, these three countries represented 53.8% of Italy's total exports in this category.

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 tableware and kitchenware have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value amounted to 288.3 million US dollars, down 13.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 12.1%, with an annualized rate of -4.2%. The highest export value was in 2018 at 370.0 million US dollars, which also recorded the largest increase of 12.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, France, Germany, and Spain were significant but not dominant buyers of Italian plastic tableware and kitchenware by value. France accounted for 26.9% of export value, Germany for 13.5%, and Spain for 8.2%. Their combined share reached 48.6% of Italy's total exports in this category.

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 tableware and kitchenware to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 38 400 tonnes, a 20.5% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 27.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.3%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 48 270 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, China, and Romania were the leading suppliers of plastic tableware and kitchenware to Italy by volume. France accounted for 23.2% of imports, China for 22.1%, and Romania for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 56.0% of Italy's total imports in this category.

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

Italy's imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware have declined for the second year running. In 2020, import value was 201.2 million US dollars, showing a significant drop of 15.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 19.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.1%. The peak import value was in 2018 at 238.6 million US dollars, which also recorded the largest increase of 12.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, China, France, and Belgium were the main sources of Italy's plastic tableware and kitchenware imports by value. China accounted for 23.0% of import value, France for 19.6%, and Belgium for 8.4%. Together, these three countries made up 51.0% of Italy's total imports in this category.

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

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