July 2, 2026 12:51

In line with the broader trend for thermoplastics, consumption of virgin PVC in Italy was broadly stable last year, with 542,000 tonnes processed, around half a percentage point higher than in 2024.

Rigid PVC edged down to 276,000 tonnes, equal to 51 per cent of total consumption, with profiles and pipes retaining their position as the main application areas. 
Flexible PVC consumption, by contrast, rose by 2.6 per cent to 266,000 tonnes.

As in previous years, the market data were published by PVC Forum Italia, based on surveys carried out by consultancy Plastic Consult.

For the current year, the supply chain expects a possible but limited recovery in volumes, supported by infrastructure investment, environmental requirements in public procurement - particularly for recycled material - and growing attention to durability and material performance.
These effects could, however, be offset by still-weak end demand and cost volatility, especially in energy, according to the PVC industry association.

Looking in greater detail at end markets, construction remains the main outlet for PVC in Italy, absorbing around 38 per cent of the total, or 205,600 tonnes. It is followed by “other applications”, at 29 per cent, including medical articles - which are growing - technical uses, agriculture and compounds intended for export.
Next come cables and electrical materials, at 12 per cent; packaging, at 8 per cent; consumer goods, furniture and leisure, at 8 per cent; and paper converting, at 4 per cent.

Among two of the polymer’s main applications, window and door profiles and pipes, volumes processed in Italy for the former stood at 67,500 tonnes, down 10 per cent from 2024, reflecting the gradual reduction in building incentives.

The pipe segment, by contrast, remained stable, with volumes of 75,200 tonnes, equal to 40 per cent of the total plastic pipe market.
PVC maintains significant shares in sewerage networks, at 29,400 tonnes, and in civil drainage systems, at 29,600 tonnes, where it retains market shares that are higher than, or clearly predominant over, competing materials.
It also accounts for around 22 per cent of pressure pipes, with 16,200 tonnes processed, 51 per cent of which was destined for export.

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