The Spanish cardboard packaging sector slightly increased its production in 2025. According to industry figures, production reached 525,918 tonnes, while turnover remained almost at the previous year's level at 1.281 billion euros. The sector is thus maintaining its position as an important part of the supply chain for food, consumer goods and other industrial sectors, according to Aspack, the industry association for the cardboard packaging industry in Spain.
The number of companies in Spain is 90, which together employ around 7,000 people. This underlines the industrial importance of the sector, which, according to the Aspack association, has shown itself to be adaptable in a challenging economic environment. Compared to 2024, production volumes increased by 1.84 per cent, while turnover rose by 0.58 per cent.
Profitability improves despite cost pressure
Benchmarking of the sector for the years 2021 to 2024 provides additional indications of a firmer economic basis, with sector turnover rising to EUR 1.274 billion in 2024, up from EUR 979 million in 2021. The EBITDA margin was around 11.2 per cent in 2024. According to industry data, the main driver of this development is the continued technological modernisation with which companies have increased their efficiency and improved their added value, even under the pressure of rising industrial costs.
Food remains the most important sales market
The carton packaging industry in Spain remains particularly closely linked to the fast-moving consumer goods sector, especially the food industry. It accounts for 51 per cent of industry turnover, while 49 per cent is attributable to non-food segments such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, drugstores and textiles.
Within the food sector, fresh and frozen products account for the largest share at 29 per cent. This is followed by beverages with 21 per cent and cereals and confectionery with 16 per cent each. This shows that cartonboard packaging is firmly anchored in the food supply and retail sectors.
Larger companies characterise the sector structure
The sector is characterised by medium-sized companies and is concentrated in parts. Although 56 per cent of companies generate less than 10 million euros in turnover, 29 companies account for 70 per cent of total turnover. 16 companies even account for half of the business.
The growing importance of larger company structures is also striking. 83 per cent of the sector's turnover comes from companies with more than 50 employees. This is indicative of a sector in which size is increasingly associated with investment capacity, efficiency and technological development.
Moderate growth also expected in the coming years
The industry is expecting moderate growth in the coming years. Increasing e-commerce, demand for more sustainable packaging solutions and the substitution of less recyclable materials are seen as important drivers. The industry therefore believes that cartonboard remains a material that could benefit from regulatory and market changes.
Source: Aspack
