Self-adhesive plastic films and sheets market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for self-adhesive plastic films and sheets in Portugal declined from 25.3 thousand t to 23.4 thousand t. This reduction coincided with the implementation of the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, adopted in 2018, which aimed to curb single-use plastics. Portugal's own Law No. 76/2019, enacted in September 2019, prohibited single-use plastic tableware in the hospitality and retail sectors, with a phased ban starting in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily delayed some restrictions, but by November 2021, a decree-law transposing the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive came into force, banning specific single-use plastic items from the market. These regulatory measures directly suppressed consumption of certain plastic products, leading to the contraction in physical market volume. Despite this, the market's value increased from $130.2 million to $146.0 million, likely reflecting a shift towards higher-value or alternative plastic materials in response to the new rules.

Following the 2021 low, the market rebounded, with volume reaching 26.3 thousand t and value $159.1 million by 2023. This recovery occurred as the regulatory framework evolved further. From January 2022, points of sale were required to offer reusable or non-plastic alternatives for packaging bakery items, fruits, and vegetables. A complete ban on single-use plastic tableware in restaurants and bars took effect in September 2022. Concurrently, the development of a deposit return system for beverage packaging and growing corporate focus on sustainability, driven by EU directives like the forthcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), encouraged market adaptation. These factors likely stimulated demand for compliant, recycled, or specialized plastic films and sheets, supporting the market's expansion in both volume and value.

In 2024, the market volume stabilized at 26.4 thousand t, while its value experienced a slight decrease to $152.9 million. This period saw technological innovation, marked by the announcement of the first transparent recycled polystyrene (rPS) resin approved for direct food contact in Europe, indicating advancements in recycled material supply. The regulatory landscape continued to be shaped by upcoming measures, such as new rules for plastic bottles effective from January 2025 and the EU regulation on recycled plastic for food contact, which set the stage for ongoing changes in market structure and material preferences.

Production self-adhesive plastic films and sheets in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output value of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets in Portugal was 27 666 thousand US dollars, remaining virtually unchanged from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 18.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Portugal produced 7 969 tonnes of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets, showing no significant change compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 19%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports self-adhesive plastic films and sheets from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, exports of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets from Portugal increased in 2021, totaling 2 083 tonnes, up 6.6% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 21.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 953 tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 21.4% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Angola, and the United Kingdom were the main markets for Portugal's exports in kind of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets, accounting for 27.5%, 18.7%, and 4.6% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 50.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets from Portugal increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 15.1 million US dollars, a 38.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 19.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Angola, and France were the leading markets for Portugal's exports in value terms of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets, with shares of 28.4%, 18.5%, and 8.5%, respectively. Combined, these three countries accounted for 55.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports self-adhesive plastic films and sheets to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Portugal's imports of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets increased in 2021, reaching 17 529 tonnes, up 6.1% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 17.5%, corresponding to an annualized rate of decline of 6.2%. The minimum volume was in 2020 at 16 517 tonnes, while the largest decrease was in 2019 at 15.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

In the 2018-2021 period, Spain, Italy, and Germany were the primary sources for Portugal's imports in kind of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets, representing 44.4%, 16.3%, and 8.3% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up 69.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year reduction, Portugal's imports of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets increased in 2021, amounting to 133.5 million US dollars, a 33.3% year-over-year rise. Over the 2018-2021 span, imports grew by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 100.2 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 12.6% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and Italy were the key destinations for Portugal's imports in value terms of self-adhesive plastic films and sheets, accounting for 42.4%, 17.7%, and 11.8% of imports, respectively. Jointly, they represented 71.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021