the disposable tableware market | Italy

1.1 Definition and presentation

The disposable tableware market represents all disposable plates, glasses, napkins, tablecloths and cutlery, traditionally made of plastic.

The global disposable tableware market has grown in recent years, and the market is expected to continue to grow at a rate of 1.34% per year in the coming years. In particular, the disposable glasses and cups segment is the segment that will grow most rapidly, at a rate of 5.93%.

The European tableware and kitchenware market has developed very unevenly in recent years. European production fell significantly from 2010 to 2016 and then grew rapidly until 2018.

In 2018, Italy was the leading European producer of plastic tableware and kitchenware, with national production accounting for 30% of total European production, followed by Germany with 13%.

In terms of market structure, the number of companies producing tableware and kitchenware (which includes disposable tableware in particular) decreased in the period 2012-2017 from 9282 companies in 2012 to 7553 companies in 2017, or is a decrease of 18.6% in the period. 

Historically dominated by price criteria, the Italian disposable tableware market is now facing a turning point: the ban on the use of disposable plastic approved by the European Union. To comply with this regulatory obligation, while freeing themselves from a brand image degraded by eco-responsible awareness, operators in the disposable tableware market are now focusing on biodegradable products.

The other challenge for the Italian disposable tableware market remains recycling, in a context of waste recovery and reduction of its environmental impact. To respond to these new challenges, players in the disposable tableware market are engaged in a race for industrial and commercial innovation.