Cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The Polish market for cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip expanded from 249 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 299 thousand tonnes in 2022. This growth was supported by capacity increases, including the 2018 launch of an automated production line for Swisspor Lambda White insulation boards, which improved product availability. The introduction of new Swisspor Lambda Mega White panels in 2019 further broadened the product range. A significant demand driver emerged in late 2022 with the enactment of revised building energy performance laws, which raised insulation requirements and stimulated consumption of polystyrene materials.

Market volume subsequently contracted to 285 thousand tonnes in 2023 and 257 thousand tonnes in 2024. This decline coincided with mounting production pressures from rising raw material and energy costs, alongside stringent new EU regulations. The adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in December 2024 aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting circular economy principles, compelling producers to adapt while facing higher operational expenses.

Production cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's production of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 634.8 million US dollars, marking a 5.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 9.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 715.0 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.4%. The most significant increase was seen in 2018, with a jump of 23.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, Poland's production volume of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip decreased. In 2020, 269.7 thousand tonnes were produced, which is 1.2% lower than the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.7%, translating to an annualized rate of 6.5%. The peak volume was reached in 2019 at 273.1 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 15.6%.

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

Exports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Poland's exports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 27 228 tonnes, reflecting a modest rise of 8.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 23.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Lithuania, and Romania were the primary markets for Poland's exports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in volume terms. Germany accounted for 57.5% of exports, Lithuania for 5.5%, and Romania for 4.1%, together making up 67.1% of total export 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, K $ US

Poland's exports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 96 992 thousand US dollars, showing a 5.7% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 26.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, Romania, and Hungary were the main destinations for Poland's exports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms. Germany held a 51.7% share, Romania 5.5%, and Hungary 4.5%, collectively representing 61.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip to Poland

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Poland's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip amounted to 17 246 tonnes, a 1.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 24.7%, with an annualized rate of 7.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 033 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 17 506 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 5.8%, and the most significant increase was in 2019 at 34.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip to Poland were not highly concentrated among a few key markets. Romania accounted for 18.5% of imports, Germany for 16.8%, and Czechia for 12.1%, together making up only 47.3% of total import 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, K $ US

After two years of growth, Poland's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined. In 2020, imports stood at 42 105 thousand US dollars, down 4.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 29.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 43 891 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 20.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip to Poland in value terms were not heavily concentrated. Germany represented 22.7% of imports, Czechia 13.5%, and Romania 12.6%, together accounting for 48.8% of total import flows.

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

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