Plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles saw notable shifts in volume and value between 2018 and 2024. In physical terms, market volume peaked at 296.7 thousand tons in 2019 before contracting to 241.7 thousand tons in 2024. In contrast, the market's value in dollars grew from $1.2 billion in 2019 to a high of $1.4 billion in 2022, before falling back to $1.2 billion in 2024. This divergence highlights a period where average prices rose, even as consumption tonnage declined. The EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive, implemented from 2021, began reshaping the market by restricting conventional plastic items and encouraging a shift toward alternative materials.

By 2024, the market was heavily influenced by sustainability trends and regulatory action. Stronger consumer demand for biodegradable and recyclable materials, coupled with the ongoing EU bans, fueled growth in the segment for eco-friendly tableware. Major players like Duni Group expanded their focus on reusable solutions, increasing their stake in Relevo to strengthen circular offerings. Concurrently, the market saw product innovations such as PFOA-free ceramic-coated cookware, catering to the demand for safer and more sustainable options. While the COVID-19 pandemic had initially boosted demand for hygienic single-use items, the subsequent regulatory pressure on such plastics further accelerated the transition to sustainable alternatives.

Throughout the period, changing consumer preferences and strict environmental regulations fundamentally altered the product landscape. The growth of the biodegradable tableware segment and the emergence of smart kitchenware with IoT integration represented new market directions. Despite production declines in the broader German plastics industry in 2023, the market for tableware and kitchenware adapted through material substitution and innovation, moving away from traditional single-use plastics toward durable, reusable, and compostable products.

Production plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles was valued at 870.4 million US dollars, representing a 5.6% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 174.0 thousand tons of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles, which marked a 19.8% decline from the year before.

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

Exports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's cross-border shipments of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 103.2 thousand tons, showing a 7.3% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 115.9 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in kind were distributed across various countries. France accounted for 14.7% of exports, Austria for 11.0%, and the Netherlands for 8.9%, with these three partners together making up 34.6% of total flows, indicating no single country dominated the export market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's export volume of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles reached 806 million US dollars, a 2.5% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 817 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 13.5%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline of 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms relied on a diverse range of partner countries. France contributed 12.6% of exports, Austria 11.8%, and Poland 8.1%, with these three together accounting for 32.5% of total flows, reflecting a fragmented export structure.

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

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

Imports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in kind increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 103.2 thousand tons, marking a 4.8% gain compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 7.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Poland, and Italy were the primary suppliers of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles to Germany in kind. China accounted for 26.0% of imports, Poland for 13.0%, and Italy for 11.8%, with these three countries jointly representing 50.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's import volume of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles totaled 1 150 million US dollars, which was 9.2% higher than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 13.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 2.4%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms came from many different markets. Even the largest suppliers—China, Poland, and Italy—together represented only 47.3% of total imports, highlighting the diversity of sources.

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

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