In 2023, Germany led Europe in the number of persons employed in the plastics industry, though it faced a decrease of 3.76% from the previous year. Italy, Spain, and France showed slight increases, with Spain experiencing a notable 2.42% growth. Poland, Bulgaria, and Bosnia exhibited strong employment increases, with Poland at 4.28% and Bosnia at 4.99%. The United Kingdom and Romania experienced declines, with Romania seeing a 3.82% decrease. Latvia faced the most significant reduction at 19.73%, indicating a shrinking market. Slovakia's employment fell by 6.15%, suggesting economic challenges. Several countries, including Denmark and Belgium, recorded modest growth.
Looking forward, industry trends to watch include the potential impact of ongoing automation, increased sustainability efforts, and possible shifts due to regulations. As European countries aim to transition to greener economies, employment in the plastics sector may face further pressures, alongside opportunities driven by innovation in recyclable and biodegradable materials. Tracking changes in major players like Germany and observing the adaptability of countries with declining employment will be crucial in shaping future projections.
Top countries in Plastics Number of Persons Employed by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Units (Employees) | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Germany | 35,710 | 2023 | -6.32% | -3.76% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Italy | 13,220 | 2023 | -0.03% | -0.2% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Spain | 12,340 | 2023 | +3.02% | +2.42% | View data |
| 4 | 4 France | 11,740 | 2023 | +1.18% | +1.8% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Poland | 11,280 | 2023 | +1.82% | +4.28% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Netherlands | 10,170 | 2023 | -0.069% | -0.4% | View data |
| 7 | 7 United Kingdom | 9,890 | 2023 | -1.25% | -2.5% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Belgium | 7,340 | 2023 | +0.45% | +1.51% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Sweden | 5,560 | 2023 | +6.71% | +3.64% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Hungary | 4,340 | 2023 | +17.61% | +1.74% | View data |
