The corrugated board market - Italy

The global corrugated board market, valued at $134.7 billion in 2022, has been experiencing substantial growth, forecasted to continue at an annual CAGR of 6.8% through 2030. This growth is being driven by the rise of online shopping and an increased demand for biodegradable, sustainable packaging. Italy, the second-largest producer in Europe, saw its corrugated cardboard production reach 7,354 million cubic meters in 2020. The industry achieved a turnover of €4.5 billion in 2021, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.

Despite the pandemic, the demand for corrugated cardboard surged, facilitated by its extensive use in the e-commerce sector for shipping goods. The Italian market, with 69 production plants, has witnessed a steady rise in corrugated cardboard production, underscoring its necessity in the paper supply chain. Exports and imports in this sector have also displayed growth, with a notable 25% increase in exports and a 51% increase in imports in 2021. The industry's prosperity can largely be attributed to the e-commerce boom and an amplified consumer focus on sustainability.

Italian Corrugated Cardboard Market: A Thriving Sector Fueled by E-Commerce and Eco-Awareness

The Italian corrugated cardboard market has demonstrated remarkable growth, buoyed by a surging demand for packaging solutions that align with e-commerce and sustainability. The country stands as the second-largest producer in Europe. Between 2017 and 2021, Italy experienced a consistent increase in corrugated cardboard production, with figures soaring from approximately 6,500 to over 7,300 thousand tons. This uptick has been driven in part by the robust performance of the online shopping sector, which has seen its value escalate to between €45 and €50 billion by 2021, marking a considerable jump even when compared to a strong previous year. The industry's upward trajectory has also been underpinned by consumer sentiment that favors eco-friendly packaging solutions. Approximately 80% of Europeans are prioritizing climate change, and a significant portion is willing to pay more for sustainable packaging—factors that have tipped the scales in favor of corrugated cardboard, a biodegradable and lightweight alternative to plastics. Geographically, the demand for corrugated cardboard in Italy is predominantly concentrated in the northwest and the northeast, particularly in the "packaging valley" spanning Bologna and Reggio Emilia.

This area is a hub for packaging companies, reinforcing the material's dominance in the market. Despite a contraction in the number of companies within the sector the industry's overall turnover has increased by about 9%. This suggests a consolidation phase, where larger entities are expanding their market share while smaller ones are exiting the landscape. The legal structure of companies in the sector is dominated by limited liability firms, comprising 60% of the total, with the remainder spread across various ownership models. Employment in the industry has also been on an upward trend, indicative of the sector's stability and growth potential. As per the reported turnovers, Smurfit Kappa Italy and DS Smith packaging Italy lead the Italian market, with revenues surpassing €700 million and €400 million respectively in 2021. The Italian corrugated cardboard market enjoys a predominantly export-oriented trade balance, recording a substantial increase in both exports and imports, particularly in 2021. France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Romania emerge as primary export destinations, while Germany and France are also key import sources, followed by China. This flourishing market has not been without its challenges.

Key Players in the Corrugated Cardboard Market: Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Packaging

The corrugated cardboard market is a dynamic landscape, featuring players that not only drive innovation in packaging solutions but are also progressively responding to the global demand for sustainable practices. As the industry witnesses significant growth spurred by e-commerce and environmental consciousness, these market players stand out for their extensive reach, product offerings, and substantial role in shaping the future of packaging.

• Smurfit Kappa Italy – A subsidiary of the global Smurfit Kappa Group, this company is well-known for its broad range of packaging solutions and has made significant strides in sustainable packaging, often using recycled materials in their corrugated products. Their commitment to reducing environmental impact is reflected in their ongoing initiatives to innovate in design and resource efficiency.
• DS Smith Packaging Italy – As part of DS Smith's international network, the Italian branch upholds the company's reputation for producing high-quality, recyclable packaging tailored to various market sectors. With a focus on sustainability and the circular economy, DS Smith Packaging Italy is at the forefront of creating packaging that reduces waste and enhances supply chain efficiency.
• Seda Italy – Seda International Packaging Group, with its Italian operations, emphasizes innovation in packaging designs, offering solutions that cater to food and beverage, household, and personal care industries. Their offerings extend globally, with a keen eye on eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials that reduce environmental footprints.
• Amcor Flexibles Italy – This division of Amcor, a leader in flexible packaging, provides a range of corrugated solutions that prioritize sustainability and consumer convenience. Amcor Flexibles Italy's expertise lies in their adaptable packaging, which maintains product integrity while improving recyclability.
• Sandra – This Italy-based company has carved its niche in the corrugated cardboard sector by focusing on delivering high-quality, heavy-duty packaging solutions suitable for a variety of industrial applications. Their commitment to quality ensures their products meet the rigorous demands of shipping and logistics.
• Tetra Pak Paper – Specializing in the food processing and packaging solutions sector, Tetra Pak Paper leverages cutting-edge technology to produce packaging that preserves the nutritional value and freshness of food. Their corrugated solutions are designed with an eye on environmental impact, driving the industry towards more sustainable packaging options.
• DS Smith Paper Italia – Another member of the DS Smith family, DS Smith Paper Italia supplies the foundational paper material essential for the manufacture of corrugated cardboard.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 21/11/2021

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