Cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for corrugated paperboard cartons and boxes in Poland grew from 2.17 million tons in 2018 to 2.38 million tons in 2019. This expansion was supported by the opening of a new Compack production plant in Podole near Grójec, which increased domestic manufacturing capacity, and by rising demand for digitally printed packaging and designs suited for e-commerce and courier shipments.

In 2020, market volume decreased to 2.26 million tons. During this period, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand for packaging tailored to online retail and home deliveries, shifting consumption patterns within the industry.

By 2023, the market recovered to 2.41 million tons. The years following 2020 saw continued investment in modern printing and production technologies, the introduction of new quality standards for corrugated board, and a strong focus on sustainable, recyclable materials and specialized packaging for e-commerce and industrial applications.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Poland's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined. In 2020, output was valued at 2 504 million US dollars, marking a 4.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 2 632 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 15.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year increase, Poland's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined. In 2020, 2 500 thousand tonnes were produced, down 2.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 575 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 9.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard from Poland increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Poland exported 346.6 thousand tonnes, a strong rise of 12.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 31.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 24.1% of exports in kind, Sweden for 13.4%, and Czechia for 10.6%, with these three countries together representing 48.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard from Poland increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 449.2 million US dollars, a 7.1% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 41%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands were notable but not dominant buyers of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard from Poland. Germany accounted for 25.2% of exports in value terms, Sweden for 12.9%, and the Netherlands for 11.1%, with their combined share reaching 49.2% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Poland's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined. In 2020, Poland imported 104.7 thousand tonnes, a slight drop of 2.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 14.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 106.8 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 14.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Germany, and Czechia were the key sources for Poland's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard. Hungary accounted for 31.3% of imports in kind, Germany for 21.2%, and Czechia for 14.5%, together making up 67.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Poland's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard from abroad declined. In 2020, imports totaled 140.3 million US dollars, reflecting a gradual decline of 5.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 23.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The peak value was in 2019 at 148.0 million US dollars, and the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 20.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Czechia consistently remained the main sources for Poland's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. Germany accounted for 32.6% of imports in value terms, France for 11.5%, and Czechia for 10.9%, together representing 55.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020