The Portuguese packaging industry is strengthening its role in the national economy and accelerating its international presence, at a time when sustainability and the restructuring of global supply chains are reshaping the sector.
In the North and Centre regions, turnover reached €3.58 billion, with growth of 85% over the last decade. Exports amount to €1.33 billion, representing 37% of the sector’s activity and 1.69% of national exports, whilst employment exceeds 16,500 workers.
With over 1,200 companies and a presence in more than 150 international markets, the sector has a consolidated industrial base that is strongly exportoriented.
It is against this backdrop that Sustainable Pack PT is being developed, a joint project between AEB – the Braga Business Association – and NERLEI – the Leiria Region Business Association – which aims to strengthen the international competitiveness of Portuguese companies and position the country within the value chains associated with sustainable packaging.
“The sector is undergoing a structural change. It no longer competes solely on the basis of production efficiency, but on its ability to meet global demands for sustainability and innovation,” says Rui Marques, Director-General of the Braga Business Association (AEB).
The project comprises a structured set of activities, including business missions, participation in international trade fairs, and initiatives to foster links between companies, technology centres and institutional bodies, over an implementation period running until 2026.
Through these activities, Portuguese companies have been establishing contacts with organisations representing hundreds of companies and thousands of professionals, as well as with research centres employing over 3,000 specialists, thereby strengthening access to knowledge and applied innovation.
“The aim is not simply to export more, but to export better — with greater added value and greater integration into international supply chains where sustainability is a decisive factor,” emphasises Rui Marques.
The sector’s structure shows significant diversification, with paper and cardboard (31.7% of turnover), plastics (25.59%) and glass (22.05%) standing out. In terms of exports, plastics lead the way (34.49%), followed by glass (22.70%) and paper and cardboard (15.17%).
Against a backdrop of growing regulatory pressure and rapid industrial transformation, Portugal is emerging as a competitive hub for the development of sustainable packaging solutions, combining production capacity, technical expertise and proximity to European markets.
“If it manages to gain scale and international visibility, Portugal could establish itself as one of Europe’s leading suppliers of sustainable packaging solutions in the coming years,” he adds.
Sustainable Pack PT thus emerges as a strategic positioning tool for the sector, at a time when sustainability has ceased to be a trend and has become a key criterion for global competitiveness.
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