The disposable tableware market - Italy

1.2 The global market

In ****, the global disposable tableware market reached a total economic value of $**.** billion. Between **** and ****, a compound annual growth rate (***) of *.* percent is expected, due to which the market could touch a total value of $**.** billion by the end of the period.

Disposable tableware market World, ****-****, in billions of dollars Linkedin

Increasing attention to environmental issues and the desire to reduce one's impact on the planet are contributing to the rapid development of the market related to compostable disposable tableware. As plastic products are being phased out, the global market for compostable disposable tableware was worth $***.** million in ****. It is expected that by **** this market could abundantly exceed $* billion in value thanks to a compound annual growth rate (***) of *.* percent.

Market for compostable disposable tableware World, ****-****, in millions of dollars Transparencymarketresearch

1.3 The Italian market

In **** the disposable tableware market is worth just over $*** million, and by **** the market could reach a total value of just under $*** million. However, the projected compound annual growth rate (***) for the Italian market between **** and **** is half of what is projected globally, standing at *.** percent.

Disposable tableware market Italy, ****-****, in millions of euros Mordorintelligence

The market has shown growth due to the presence of many commercial places such as restaurants and hotels, which prefer the use of disposable tableware for their convenience and hygiene. In addition, the adoption of disposable tableware for outdoor activities and the trend toward biodegradable and paper products are some of the distinctive features of the Italian market

1.4 Import - Export

To analyze Italy's international trade in disposable tableware, data for HS code ****** "Plastic tableware and kitchenware" are considered.

Between **** and ****, Italy's trade balance related to this specific sector is positive during the entire period. Over the *-year period considered, the economic value of exports is always higher than that of imports, and this is reflected in a coverage ratio value that is always above *** and fluctuates between ***.*% and ***.*%. However, between **** and **** the value of exports is declining (***).

Import - Export plastic tableware and kitchen equipment Italy, ****-****, in millions of euros UN Comtrade

Analyzing specifically the outflow from Italy, the Italian export of plastic kitchenware and kitchen equipment is characterized by a strong fragmentation of trade partners, which are mainly EU members. The main import destination country is France, which alone collects almost */* of the total. It is followed by Germany (***). Finally, all other countries together collect **.*% of total exports. Main export destinations of plastic tableware and kitchenware Italy, ****, % UN Comtrade Incoming trade flow can also be described as fragmented, albeit to a lesser extent than exports. The main country from which Italy imports plastic tableware and kitchen tools is China (***). Finally, the other countries contribute **.* percent to Italian imports. Main ...

1.5 The consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict

The outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in February **** had major repercussions on the Italian economic system. In the absence of specific data on the disposable tableware sector, the general consumer price index is considered, assuming a correlation between the latter and that for the sector under consideration. As shown in the graph below, between February **** and August ****, the general price index increased by **.* points. This means that over a period of one and a half years, prices for consumers increased by **.* percent. Compared to ****, the increase stands at **.*%.

General consumer price index Italy, ****-****, base ****=*** Istat

The increase in consumer prices is generally a reflection of an increase in producer prices. Considering the production sector of "other plastic items," within which the production of disposable plastic tableware is included, it can be shown that between February **** and August ****, the producer price index increased by *.* points, signifying a price increase of *.*%. However, as shown in the graph below, the trend in **** shows a decrease in the value of the index (***), thus suggesting a decline in consumer prices in the near future.

Producer price index for other plastic items Italy, ****-****, base ****=*** Istat Next, considering the production of wood and paper products, within ...

2.1 Demand in Italy

To analyze the demand for disposable tableware in Italy, the trend in average monthly household spending on glassware, tableware and household utensils, the number of businesses active in the catering and canteen sector and the number of businesses active in the restaurant sector are taken into account. In fact, these three segments represent the main consumers of disposable tableware.(***)

Households

As far as households are concerned, between **** and ****, average annual spending on glassware, tableware, and kitchenware appears to be declining (***).

Average annual household spending on glassware, tableware and household utensils Italy, ****-****, in euros Istat

Canteens The number of businesses in the food service and catering sector is also down. Between **** and ****, the total number of businesses contracted by **.* percent. Unlike household spending, in this case the trend shows a homogeneous trend over the entire period, with a gradual decline in the number of businesses. Consequently, as the number of enterprises in this sector declines, it is assumed that the demand for disposable tableware has contracted. Number of catering and canteen enterprises Italy, ****-****, in number Istat Catering Finally, analyzing the commercial catering sector, the number of active enterprises grew by *.*% between **** and ****. The outbreak of the pandemic in **** led to ...

2.2 Demand drivers

The main drivers of demand for disposable tableware can vary according to use, context and consumer type. Specifically, it is possible to divide the types of consumers (***):

Households

Convenience: disposable tableware is extremely convenient to use, especially in situations where washing dishes is not practical or possible. They are ready to use and require no washing, saving time and energy. Convenience on specific occasions: disposable tableware is often used at parties and events, public or private, where the amount of tableware needed may exceed what is available or where cleaning traditional tableware may be impractical. In addition, disposable dinnerware can be useful in situations where traditional dinnerware might be damaged or lost, such as picnics or outdoor events.

Portability: they are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for outdoor events, picnics, camping, or other mobile situations.

Versatility: they come in a variety of styles, colors and materials, allowing easy customization to fit different themes and events.

Business activities

Superior hygiene: disposable tableware is considered more hygienic than reusable tableware because it is sterile and does not come into contact with other substances besides the food or drink for which it is used only once. Reduced risk of contamination: the ...

2.3 Geographical distribution of demand

In order to analyze the geographic distribution of demand, a map was created with the average monthly expenditure of Italian households on glassware, tableware and household utensils assuming that this reflects the trend related to disposable tableware.

Considering data on Italian macroregions, demand is homogeneously distributed throughout the peninsula, with the exception of the Islands. The South presents the highest average monthly expenditure, with a value of *.** euros per month; it is followed by the Northwest with *.** euros per month. The Northeast and Center present an equal average monthly expenditure (***). Finally, the figure for the Islands is significantly lower than the rest of the peninsula, with average monthly household spending standing at *.** euros.

2.4 New demand trends: increasingly "green" consumption

Consumer preferences regarding disposable tableware are evolving in response to growing environmental awareness and regulations aimed at reducing plastic use. Here are some key trends emerging from consumer preferences:

Eco-friendly materials: In recent years, demand for eco-friendly disposable tableware has grown in response to environmental concerns and regulations limiting plastic use. Tableware made from pulp, a material similar to paper and cardboard, is gaining popularity because it is biodegradable and compostable. These products are a more sustainable choice than traditional plastic tableware, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in the environment. Biodegradability: biodegradable disposable tableware has been identified as a necessity in the Ho.Re.Ca (***) sector to adapt to the needs of consumers seeking more sustainable options. Biodegradable tableware can be disposed of along with organic waste, facilitating separate collection and helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This type of tableware is a response to growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations on plastic use. Sustainable purchasing: the trend toward more sustainable purchases is also reflected in the choice of disposable tableware. Consumers, driven in part by the experience of the pandemic, are prioritizing more sustainable products and practices, and this includes choosing ...

3.1 The main manufacturers

A list of the main Italian manufacturers of disposable tableware is offered below.

ISAP Packaging s.p.a: founded in ****, ISAP Packaging specializes in the production of disposable tableware and rigid packaging for the food industry. In ****, Isap became part of the industrial group formed by three major companies in the sector: the Italian Flo and Dopla and the Spanish Nupik Internacional. A new industrial reality is formed that can develop precise synergies to optimize purchasing, distribution policies, and resource allocation. ISAP Packaging is present in European and international markets and exports its products to ** nations, including countries in Africa and Central and North America.

Usobio (***): is a brand of C.P.B. Componenti Plastici Biodegradabili S.r.l., with its registered office in Trento, Italy, and its operations and logistics headquarters in Entratico, Bergamo, Italy. The company offers a wide range of compostable disposable products intended for the table, such as plates, containers, cutlery, glasses, ice cream kits, napkins and biodegradable bags, known as bioshoppers. These products are made from bioplastic and natural materials, and once used, can be disposed of in the organic waste compartment to be turned into compost.

Flo s.p.a: founded in ****, is a historic ...

3.2 The value chain

3.3 Distribution

The distribution channels of disposable tableware can be divided into three macrocategories: large-scale retail trade (***) as well as the health care and public administration sectors. The main players for each of the above distribution channels are listed below.

Large-scale retail trade

Lidl: present in Italy since ****, the company is today one of the leaders in large-scale retail distribution. In Italy it has a team of more than **,*** employees, *** stores and ** logistics centers present in our regional offices. In its ** years of presence in Italy, the brand has embarked on a path of continuous growth thanks to widespread territorial expansion, careful selection of suppliers and the maintenance of a strong and distinguishable identity. Conad: founded in **** as a consortium of consumer cooperatives with the aim of offering its members high-quality products at competitive prices. Over the years, Conad has continued to expand, opening new stores throughout Italy and collaborating with other food and non-food companies to offer its customers a wide range of products and services. Coop: founded in Milan in ****, is a system of Italian cooperatives that operates a network of supermarkets, superstores and hypermarkets. In ****, the branded product revolution was unveiled, five thousand new products on the shelves in five ...

4.1 Features and products

Disposable tableware has several advantages, since it is:

Hygienic: due to their limited use, which prevents contamination; Economical: due to their low unit cost of production and ease of storage/transportation; Practical: since they allow great flexibility for one-time events; Lightweight: they are more convenient than tableware made of other, stiffer materials that can break or be damaged.

The disposable tableware offering can be divided into * segments, aimed at:

professionals: caterers, especially those who deliver to their homes. directly to consumers, who can buy them mainly in supermarkets. vending machines special occasions: these are the top of the market range, as disposable tableware used for special occasions, parties, etc.

The main materials used in production are:

Plastic: polypropylene and polystyrene are two types of plastic commonly used for disposable tableware. These materials are inexpensive, but present significant challenges in terms of recyclability and environmental impact, as they can take up to *,*** years to decompose, leaving pollutants in soil and water. Paper and cardboard: paper, cardboard and coated paper are also commonly used to produce disposable tableware such as cups, plates and napkins. They are relatively inexpensive materials, but like plastic, they can present challenges in terms of environmental impact if they ...

4.2 The prices

The following are prices for some products available in the Italian market. The different types of products have been divided on the basis of the material used for production: plastic, paper, and other materials (***).

Plastic products

Paper product

Manufactured in other materials

4.3 New supply trends: compostability

One of the most significant trends is the production of compostable disposable tableware. These dishes are designed to decompose more rapidly than traditional plastic items, and can be disposed of along with food waste without the need for separation

Raw Materials: CPLA (***): one of the common raw materials used in the production of compostable disposable tableware is CPLA, which is a crystallized form of PLA derived from corn starch. CPLA is particularly suitable for the production of compostable disposable tableware because it can withstand higher temperatures than standard PLA, up to **°C, without losing its structural integrity. Crystallization also causes the material to lose its original transparency, making it milkywhite*. Wheat bran and PLA: Another example of raw materials used is a combination of wheat bran and PLA. This combination allows the creation of disposable tableware that is compostable and, in some cases, edible

(***)

Manufacturing: in the case of CPLA, the crystallization process is a key step that allows the material to withstand higher temperatures. This process changes the structure of the material at the molecular level, making it more suitable for applications that require greater heat resistance, such as disposable tableware for hot drinks or hot food. Environmental Benefits: Plastic ...

5.1 Current regulations

The disposable tableware market, as with many other products, is regulated by various laws and regulations at both national and European levels. These laws are concerned with ensuring quality, food safety and environmental sustainability. Some of the main laws and regulations for the disposable tableware market in Italy are:

European Directive ****/***/EU (***): this directive imposes limits and bans on the use of certain single-use plastic products, including plates, cutlery, straws, and Q-tips. Member states must take measures to reduce the use of these products and promote more sustainable alternatives. EC Regulation ****/**** (***): this European regulation applies to chemicals used in the manufacture of disposable tableware. Companies must register the chemicals used and ensure product safety. EC Regulation ****/**** (***): this regulation establishes requirements for the safety of food contact materials, including disposable tableware. Manufacturers must ensure that their products meet these requirements. Legislative Decree ***/**** (***): this legislative decree regulates waste management in Italy, including waste from the use of disposable tableware. It establishes standards for the collection, treatment and disposal of waste and promotes recycling and reuse. The decree also provides penalties for the uncontrolled abandonment of waste. Legislative Decree ***/**** (***): this decree introduced a tax on single-use plastics, including plastic plates, cutlery, and straws. The ...

5.2 Focus on the EN 13432 standard

European standard EN ***** defines the "characteristics of packaging that can be recovered by composting and biodegradation." It establishes the basis for the "test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging." it was mentioned in the Official Journal of the European Communities (***).

Packaging that meets this standard can then be recovered by composting in the same way as organic waste.

According to NF EN *****, the characteristics of a compostable material must be as follows:

Biodegradability or the metabolic conversion of the compostable material to carbon dioxin (***). For a material to be considered biodegradable, it must be able to achieve **% biodegradation in less than * months. Disintegration, i.e., fragmentation and total loss of visibility in the final compost (***). Samples of test material are composted with organic waste for * months. At the end, the compost is sieved with a * mm sieve. The total residue above * mm must then be less than **% of the initial mass. A very low concentration of heavy metals: a plant growth test (***) is performed on compost samples in which degradation of the test material has occurred. There should be no difference with the control compost. Permanence of chemical and physical parameters. Some of these parameters should remain ...

6.1 Segmentation

Manufacturers

GDO Distributors

Wholesale distributors

COMPANY TURNOVER Cash and Carry (***) €**.***.*** (***) Pregis s.p.a €***.***.*** (***) Toninelli s.p.a €**.***.*** (***)

• IMI Industria Italiana Monouso
• Ilip s.r.l
• ISAP Packaging
• Flo s.p.a
• Pregis s.p.a
• Toninelli s.p.a
• Conad
• Carrefour Italia
• Flo Europe
• Lariplast France