Spain’s Coated Cardboard Packaging Production Grows by 1.8%

The Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Carton Packaging and Processed Products (Aspack) has released data for the last fiscal year, according to which Spanish production of coated cardboard packaging reached 525,918 tons, representing an increase of 1.8% from the 516,414 tons obtained in 2015. In a demanding global context, sector turnover barely grew by 0.6%, reaching €1,281 million.

Cardboard packaging maintains a strong link with mass consumption, especially the food industry, which accounts for 51% of sector revenue, compared to 49% for non-food sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, drugstore items, and textiles. Within the food segment, fresh and frozen products stand out (29%), followed by beverages (21%), cereals (16%), and confectionery (16%), highlighting the key role of coated cardboard in the food supply chain.

“Cardboard is establishing itself as one of the key materials in the transition to more sustainable packaging. More and more brands are opting for recyclable and low-environmental-impact solutions,” highlights Josep María Berga, president of Aspack, who adds that “the cardboard packaging sector has demonstrated a great capacity for adaptation in a complex economic environment, maintaining growth and strengthening its industrial competitiveness.”

Improved profitability

The Benchmarking Study data for the period 2021-2024 also reflects a significant improvement in business profitability in recent years, with EBITDA reaching approximately 11.2% in 2024. This is thanks to the strong commitment to technological modernization, consolidating the sector's ability to generate value even in a context marked by rising industrial costs in recent years. During this three-year period, sector revenue increased by 30%, from €979 million in 2021.

Aspack therefore asserts that the Spanish cardboard packaging sector “maintains a solid and stable trajectory, consolidating its position as a strategic industry for the value chain of consumer goods, food, and other industrial sectors.” This sector comprises 90 companies employing approximately 7,000 workers.

The benchmarking study also highlights a specialized business structure. Although 56% of companies in the sector have a turnover of less than €10 million, there is a certain concentration of activity: 70% of total revenue is generated by 29 companies, while 16 companies account for 50% of the business. Furthermore, larger companies have a growing presence in the sector. Specifically, 83% of total revenue comes from companies with more than 50 employees, confirming the trend towards more efficient industrial structures with greater investment capacity.

Industry forecasts point to moderate growth in the coming years, driven by several structural factors such as the growth of e-commerce, the demand for more sustainable packaging, innovation and the replacement of less recyclable materials.