The packaging sector – Data 2019 (2)

According to the elaborations of the Italian Packaging Institute, in 2019 (preliminary figures), the turnover of the national packaging sector exceeded 33.5 billion euros, recording a growth of about 1%.

Also in quantitative terms, analysing the tons of packaging produced in 2019 in Italy, we assume a + 1.1% approximately, exceeding 16.6 billion tons.

The 2019 production was driven by internal demand (+ 1.7%), a trend confirmed by the successful outcome of packaging imports (4.2%), better than exports (0.4%), where the trend of downsizing, in place for some years, continues.

However, the balance of trade remains positive: the tons of exported packaging exceed those imported by about 800 t/000.

If we examine the 2019 situation from the point of view of materials, there is a decidedly negative trend in relation to the production of metal packaging (steel -2.7%, aluminium -5.6%); wooden packaging also fell (approximately -5%).

Positive signs for cellulosics (+ 3%) and plastic packaging, both rigid and flexible, including converter flexibles (+2% as a whole).

Glass packaging is expected to register approximately +3%.

The prospects. Analysing Prometeia’s forecasts, a decidedly difficult 2020 is also expected for the packaging sector, with critical issues due to the almost total stoppage of manufacturing production and the drop in exports.

To underline the fact that the food sector, to which about 70% of packaging is destined, has not suffered production stoppages: although consumption has drastically reduced - with the exception of some foods and household goods - the hope is therefore that the packaging sector will be able to stem losses in 2020, taking advantage of its position in the food sector but also the increase in online sales, which will have a positive influence on corrugated cardboard packaging and flexible plastic bags.

Metal packaging will also be favored by the positive trend in the consumption of vegetable and animal preserves, the demand for which rose sharply during the quarantine period.