Folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for folding cartons in Poland expanded from 407 thousand tons to 525 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by rising demand from e-commerce, food, and industrial sectors, as online trade and supply chain individualization increased the need for cardboard packaging. The push toward sustainable materials also contributed to the shift from plastic to paper-based packaging.

After 2020, the market continued to evolve under the influence of EU sustainability policies and corporate investments. In 2023, Grupa Saica expanded its presence in Poland by acquiring Schumacher Packaging, including modern corrugated board and paper mills. Despite a reported 13% year-on-year drop in overall paper and board production in 2023 due to low demand and high energy costs, the sector saw strategic investments from companies like Arctic Paper and Stora Enso in corrugated board production. Exports rose steadily from 197 thousand tons in 2021 to 241 thousand tons in 2024, while imports declined, reflecting Poland's strengthening position as a net exporter.

Throughout the period, consumer preferences for personalized, minimalist e-commerce packaging and innovative ecological materials such as ConFlex® HeatSeal by Billerud further shaped the market. The EU's focus on reducing non-recyclable plastic packaging supported the growth of paper and board alternatives, even as concerns about a recession in Germany, a key export market, posed potential challenges.

Production folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's production of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 1 007 million US dollars, marking a slight year-on-year rise of 1.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 11.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Poland's production of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 598.5 thousand tonnes, representing a 12.1% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 36.1%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 10.8%.

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

Exports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Poland's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard have grown for the third year running. In 2020, exports amounted to 190.8 thousand tonnes, which is 6.6% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 26.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard were widely distributed across various markets. Germany accounted for 33.1% of exports in volume, France for 7.9%, and Romania for 5.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 46.8% 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, M $ US

Poland's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard have increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 487.2 million US dollars, showing a 7.4% uptick compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 28.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.8%.

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

An analysis of Poland's export value from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across numerous markets. Germany held 28.4% of export value, France 8.8%, and Romania 6.0%. Combined, these three markets accounted for just 43.2% of total flows, with the remaining 56.8% spread among other trading partners.

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

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

Imports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

Poland's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totalled 117.3 thousand tonnes, indicating a measured rise of 5.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 22.2%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 6.9%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Austria, and Belgium were the three largest sources for Poland's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard, together accounting for 68.0% of total import volumes.

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

Poland's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 340.0 million US dollars, showing no significant change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 9.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 343.4 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 11.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and France were the three principal markets for Poland's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms, together accounting for 70.8% 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