Chemical Industry
From the groundbreaking discoveries of Nobel laureate Giulio Natta which revolutionised Polymer Chemistry, to today's leadership in pioneering technologies for Green Chemistry, Italy continues to shape innovation in this sector.
As the third-largest chemical producer in Europe, Italy attracts numerous foreign companies due to its longstanding and in-depth expertise.
A pillar of the Italian economy
With about 2,800 companies, Italy is one of the world’s major chemical centres strongly oriented towards exports, generating a total employment of over 320 K direct and indirect employees.
- Production value of € 67 BLN (€ 43.3 BLN in exports).
- Foreign companies account for 38% of the total production value (45% of them has been operating in Italy for more than 25 years).
Source: Federchimica on Eurostat and Istat data (2023).
Leadership in downstream chemicals
10 internationally significant chemical districts and chemical activities are located across the national territory.
European leader in “downstream chemicals” (fine, specialty, and consumer chemicals) that account for over 60% of the total production value (EU average 39.4%). In specific areas like pharmaceutical active ingredients, Italy holds a global leadership position.
Source: Federchimica on Eurostat and Istat data (2023).
Global hub for Chemicals R&D
More than 1,200 chemical companies are performing in-house R&D: 2ⁿᵈ-highest number in the EU.
- The R&D activity of foreign chemical companies in Italy alone is worth over € 170 MLN annually. Italy is indeed home to several strategic centers of excellence for the entire group on a global scale.
The Italian Research system provides optimal conditions for industrial research in strategic fields like chemical recycling, membrane technology, new materials and nano-materials.
Source: Federchimica on Eurostat and Istat data (2023).
Pioneers in Green Chemistry
Several flagship biorefineries are pioneering global production and technology innovations. Our Bio-based Chemical-Plastics Industry boasts a production value of € 7 BLN.
Italy produced 127 K tons of bioplastics in 2022 (60% of the EU market). A position of leadership has been achieved also due to Biorepack, the world's first consortium for the recycling of compostable packaging materials.
Sources: Intesa Sanpaolo & SPRING Cluster (2023); Assobioplastiche (2023).
A robust network connecting industrial players, universities, research institutes, and globally significant engineering services companies, provides the perfect environment for various projects to flourish
Investing in Italy means joining the ranks of global chemical giants like Basf, Dow, Ineos, LyondellBasell, Versalis-Novamont, Solvay, Covestro, and many others. Chemical companies operating in Italy are highly integrated with global markets and from Italy they serve the European market
