Plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in Italy showed considerable volatility from 2018 to 2024. After rising to 406.3 thousand tons in 2019, it fell to 323.5 thousand tons in 2020, then surged to a peak of 514.3 thousand tons in 2021. From 2022 onward, a steady decline brought the market down to 328.4 thousand tons by 2024. In value terms, the market followed a similar path, reaching 1 440 million US dollars in 2021 before decreasing to 1 293 million US dollars in 2024.

The market contraction from 2022 was influenced by a growing consumer preference for more sustainable materials such as stainless steel, driven by heightened environmental awareness against single-use plastics, which reduced demand for plastic items. Simultaneously, the online sales channel expanded to nearly 30% of total kitchenware sales, changing distribution patterns and increasing accessibility to alternative products. The trend toward healthy home cooking continued to support demand for kitchen utensils, but the shift toward durable and eco-friendly materials maintained downward pressure on plastic market volume.

The Italian market has traditionally been dominated by specialty retail chains like IKEA, Zara Home, and Maison du Monde, where store choice is based on price, promotional offers, and proximity. By 2023, the product offering remained broad and diversified, yet overall market volume continued to decline.

Production plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles experienced a decline after two years of growth. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 318 million US dollars, marking a 20.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 19.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 657 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 0.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Italy produced 413.8 thousand tonnes of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles, representing a 17.8% contraction compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 503.5 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase also occurred in 2019 at 7.0%.

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

Exports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 144.4 thousand tonnes, which is 7.9% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy traded plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles with numerous countries. Even the largest destinations—France, Germany, and Spain—together accounted for only 49.9% of total exports in volume terms.

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 export value of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 588.6 million US dollars, equivalent to a 7.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 691.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 7.7% and the largest increase in 2018 at 6.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, Italy supplied plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles to many different markets. Even the largest destinations—France, Germany, and Spain—together represented only 47.9% of total exports in value terms.

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, kitchenware and household articles to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of foreign plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 54.1 thousand tonnes, which is 9.1% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 69.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline in 2019 at 14.5% and the largest increase in 2018 at 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and Romania were the main sources for Italy's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in volume terms. China accounted for 28.7% of imports, France for 18.2%, and Romania for 7.2%, together forming 54.2% of total import 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

Italy's import value of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 295.9 million US dollars, representing a moderate reduction of 5.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 354.3 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 11.7% and the largest increase in 2018 at 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and Germany formed the main cluster of markets for Italy's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms. China accounted for 28.0% of imports, France for 17.1%, and Germany for 9.7%, together representing 54.7% of total import flows.

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

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