Paper and paperboard waste market in Israel

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for paper and paperboard waste in Israel increased from 219 thousand tons to 239 thousand tons. This growth was supported by the expansion of dedicated collection systems, such as blue containers for paper from residential buildings, which improved source separation and raised the quality of recyclable material. At the same time, the growing adoption of digital receipts began to reduce paper consumption, placing a moderating effect on market expansion.

The market contracted to 225 thousand tons in 2021 as digitalization in office and archival services, accelerated by hybrid work and digital signatures, lowered paper generation. Recovery followed in 2022, with volume reaching 241 thousand tons, driven by continued collection efforts from recycling companies targeting factories and offices.

In 2023, market volume eased to 231 thousand tons while the market saw consolidation with Veridis acquiring Infinia, a major player in paper recycling and cardboard production, reinforcing circular economy models. Regulatory developments, including a proposal to open the packaging market to controlled competition and the launch of a new sorting plant, set the stage for further market evolution.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Israel

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

World map of production of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

In 2020, Israel produced 305.0 K t of paper and paperboard waste, showing virtually no change from the previous year. The most significant fluctuations occurred in 2018, with both the largest decline and increase recorded at 0.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Israel's paper and paperboard waste production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 40 900 K $ US, marking an 8.3% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 32%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Israel in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Israel

Exports in kind, K t

Paper and paperboard waste exports from Israel declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 69.2 K t, with only minor fluctuations compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 43.5%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -17.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, India, and Vietnam were the top contributors to Israel's paper and paperboard waste exports in kind. Thailand accounted for 35.7% of exports, India for 27.2%, and Vietnam for 8.7%. Together, these three countries represented 71.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Israel's paper and paperboard waste exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 9 275 K $ US, reflecting a gradual drop of 8.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 61.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -27.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, Thailand, India, and Vietnam remained the principal buyers of paper and paperboard waste from Israel in value terms. Thailand contributed 35.4% of exports, India 25.8%, and Vietnam 9.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 70.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Israel

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2018 at 9.3 K t and dropped to a low of 0.4 K t in 2019, representing a 26-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports reached 3.6 K t, an abrupt increase of 915.2% from 2019. The largest decline of 96.2% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 1,984.6% was recorded in 2018.

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

Over 2017–2020, the United States, Cyprus, and Switzerland made the biggest contributions to Israel's paper and paperboard waste imports in kind. The United States accounted for 28.4% of imports, Cyprus for 24.1%, and Switzerland for 23.1%. Together, these three countries represented 75.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import values fluctuated significantly, with a 24-fold difference between the high of 1 529 K $ US in 2018 and the low of 63 K $ US in 2019. In 2020, imports stood at 602 K $ US, a dramatic increase of 855.6% from the previous year. The largest decline of 95.9% was recorded in 2019.

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

In 2017–2020, the United States, Cyprus, and Switzerland remained the principal suppliers of paper and paperboard waste to Israel in value terms. The United States contributed 37.7% of imports, Cyprus 21.0%, and Switzerland 19.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 78.3% of total import value.

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

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