The packaging sector – Data 2017 (2)
According to the final figures produced by the Italian Institute of Packaging, the global production of packaging expressed in tons closed 2017 at +2.7%, with 16,292 t/000. While on the one hand exports have found new strength (+4.2%), on the other hand domestic demand has also driven Italian production, with a growth rate that should settle at around 2.3%. Imports also saw an upswing (+1.8%).
Imports also saw an upswing (+1.8%). 74.5% of packaging production is destined for the food sector (including beverages). In terms of turnover, the packaging sector grew by 2.7%, reaching over 32.5 billion.
For 2018 production growth is expected to be around +2.5% (latest estimates), which would increase to around 16,700 t/000. As far as foreign trade is concerned, according to the first analyses, we should see a recovery in the trend in exports of around +3% and an increase in imports of 7%.
Regarding raw material prices the the increases registered last year continued during the first six months of 2018. Analysing the price trends registered at the Milan Chamber of Commerce general increases for the raw materials used to produce cellulosic packaging should be experienced (+9.9% the average increase in prices for corrugated cardboard, while prices of paper for bags increased by 3.6%).
Plastics also showed growth, as in the case of PET, whose prices, in the first semester, went up by about 7%, those of polypropylene by 4% and those for polycarbonate by about 5%. Polyethylene showed diverging trends: + 2.8% for high-density PE, -7.2% for low-density PE. During the first half of 2018 aluminium prices were stable with regard to raw materials, while prices for scrap put in an increase of 4.5% (source: ASSOMET). The gauging of price quotations for ferrous and other metals at the Milan Chamber of Commerce is still suspended.
Barbara Iascone
Istituto Italiano Imballaggio
