Jan 16, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: EU – Non-Cellular Plates, Sheets, Film, Foil and Strip of Plastics – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The EU market for non-cellular plastics plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip saw consumption reach 1.8M tons ($7.3B) in 2024, driven by strong demand. Belgium, Germany, and Italy are the top consumers, while Italy, Germany, and Portugal lead in production value. The market is forecast to grow to 1.9M tons ($8.3B) by 2035, albeit at a decelerating pace. Intra-EU trade is significant, with Germany and Italy being major exporters, and import prices saw a notable decline in 2024.
Key Findings
- Market forecast to grow to 1.9M tons and $8.3B by 2035, continuing an upward but slowing trend
- Belgium, Germany, and Italy were the top consuming nations by volume in 2024, together accounting for 46% of the total
- Italy showed the most dynamic growth in both consumption value and production volume over the past decade
- Intra-EU trade is substantial, with 2024 import prices falling sharply by 17% to $4,039 per ton
- Germany and Italy are the leading exporters, together responsible for nearly half of the EU’s export value
Market Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics in the European Union, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 1.9M tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.2% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $8.3B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionEuropean Union’s Consumption of Non-Cellular Plates, Sheets, Film, Foil and Strip of Plastics
In 2024, approx. 1.8M tons of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics were consumed in the European Union; increasing by 36% against the year before. The total consumption indicated perceptible growth from 2013 to 2024: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak volume and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.
The revenue of the market for non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics in the European Union expanded significantly to $7.3B in 2024, picking up by 14% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The total consumption indicated moderate growth from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -4.0% against 2022 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $7.6B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.
Consumption By Country
The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2024 were Belgium (279K tons), Germany (274K tons) and Italy (263K tons), together comprising 46% of total consumption.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Italy (with a CAGR of +18.5%), while plastics for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, Italy ($1.6B), Germany ($1.3B) and Portugal ($493M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2024, with a combined 47% share of the total market.
Among the main consuming countries, Italy, with a CAGR of +14.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size over the period under review, while plastics for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In 2024, the highest levels of per capita consumption of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics was registered in Belgium (24 kg per person), followed by Portugal (9.2 kg per person), the Czech Republic (8.5 kg per person) and the Netherlands (7 kg per person), while the world average per capita consumption of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics was estimated at 4 kg per person.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the per capita consumption of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics in Belgium stood at +14.9%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Portugal (+9.0% per year) and the Czech Republic (+3.7% per year).
ProductionEuropean Union’s Production of Non-Cellular Plates, Sheets, Film, Foil and Strip of Plastics
Production of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics expanded remarkably to 1.5M tons in 2024, increasing by 11% compared with the previous year’s figure. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the production volume increased by 12% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak volume of 1.7M tons. From 2021 to 2024, production of growth remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, production of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics rose notably to $8.6B in 2024 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the production volume increased by 12% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $9.1B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.
Production By Country
The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2024 were Italy (442K tons), Germany (399K tons) and Portugal (84K tons), with a combined 63% share of total production.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Italy (with a CAGR of +7.9%), while plastics for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
ImportsEuropean Union’s Imports of Non-Cellular Plates, Sheets, Film, Foil and Strip of Plastics
In 2024, the amount of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics imported in the European Union skyrocketed to 1.8M tons, increasing by 24% against the previous year’s figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.
In value terms, imports of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics expanded slightly to $7.3B in 2024. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of attained the maximum at $7.4B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
Imports By Country
The purchases of the nine major importers of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics, namely Belgium, Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic and Austria, represented more than two-thirds of total import. Romania (45K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Belgium (with a CAGR of +13.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, Germany ($1.3B), France ($923M) and Poland ($794M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2024, together comprising 41% of total imports.
Poland, with a CAGR of +7.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the import price in the European Union amounted to $4,039 per ton, falling by -17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the import price increased by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $4,866 per ton in 2023, and then plummeted in the following year.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Austria ($5,089 per ton), while Belgium ($1,162 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+3.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsEuropean Union’s Exports of Non-Cellular Plates, Sheets, Film, Foil and Strip of Plastics
In 2024, shipments abroad of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics increased by 1.4% to 1.5M tons for the first time since 2021, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 11%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 1.6M tons. From 2022 to 2024, the growth of the exports of remained at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, exports of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics shrank slightly to $8.7B in 2024. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs at $9B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Exports By Country
Germany (388K tons) and Italy (294K tons) represented the largest exporters of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics in 2024, accounting for near 26% and 20% of total exports, respectively. Poland (123K tons) took an 8.2% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by France (6%), Austria (5.8%), Belgium (5.3%), Spain (5%) and the Netherlands (4.8%). The Czech Republic (36K tons) took a minor share of total exports.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Poland (with a CAGR of +6.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the largest non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics supplying countries in the European Union were Germany ($2.3B), Italy ($1.5B) and Poland ($687M), with a combined 52% share of total exports.
In terms of the main exporting countries, Poland, with a CAGR of +8.2%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the export price in the European Union amounted to $5,830 per ton, with a decrease of -1.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 11%. The level of export peaked at $5,927 per ton in 2023, and then contracted modestly in the following year.
Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2024, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in France ($7,405 per ton) and Austria ($6,837 per ton), while the Czech Republic ($5,242 per ton) and Italy ($5,262 per ton) were amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+2.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics industry in European Union, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the regional value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between exporters and importers within European Union. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics landscape in European Union.
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Key findings
- Regional demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking supply hubs to import-reliant countries.
- Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
- Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating distinct cost curves across European Union.
- Market concentration varies by country, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
- The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the region.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for European Union. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts across countries and sub-regions.
- Market size and growth in value and volume terms
- Consumption structure by end-use segments and countries
- Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
- Regional trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
- Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
- Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverage
- Prodcom 22214230 – Non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil, strip of condensation or rearrangement polymerisation products, polyesters, r einforced, laminated, supported/similarly comb. with other materials)
- Prodcom 22214250 – Non-cellular plates, strips…, of phenolic resins
- Prodcom 22214275 – Non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil, strip of condensation or rearrangement polymerisation products, amino-resins (high pressure laminates, decorative surface one/both sides)
- Prodcom 22214279 – Other plates, sheets, films, foil and strip, of polymerisation products
- Prodcom 22214280 – Other plates…, non-cellular of plastics other than made by polymerisation
Country coverageCountry profiles and benchmarks
For the regional report, country profiles provide a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators across European Union. The profiles highlight the largest consuming and producing markets and allow direct benchmarking across peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
- International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
- National production and consumption statistics
- Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
- Price series and unit value benchmarks
- Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts within European Union.
- Historical baseline: 2012-2025
- Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
- Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
- Capacity and investment outlook for major producing countries
Each country projection is built from its own historical pattern and the regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
- Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
- Export and import unit value trends
- Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
- Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
- Business focus and production capabilities
- Geographic reach and distribution networks
- Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
- Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
- Quantify regional demand and identify the most attractive country markets
- Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
- Track price dynamics and protect margins
- Benchmark performance against regional competitors
- Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics dynamics in European Union.
FAQ
What is included in the non-cellular plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics market in European Union?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data at country and sub-regional levels, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which countries are profiled in detail?
The report provides profiles for the largest consuming and producing countries in European Union.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.