Paper and paperboard waste market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

Market size for paper and paperboard waste in Lithuania grew from 151 thousand tons in 2018 to 165 thousand tons in 2019, while production increased from 167 thousand tons to 188 thousand tons. This expansion was driven by a structural shift away from plastic packaging, accelerated by the rise of e-commerce, which boosted demand for cardboard and paper packaging. Major local producers like AB "Grigeo Klaipėda" expanded their operations, offering more sustainable packaging solutions. Simultaneously, the waste management framework was strengthened by EU-funded modernization of lamination lines and public procurement contracts, such as the one won by UAB "Grigeo Recycling" for handling military waste.

In 2020, the market volume contracted sharply to 95 thousand tons, with production falling to 128 thousand tons. Regulatory efforts during this period continued to focus on improving waste sorting and recycling rates, including consumer education campaigns against contaminating paper collection streams with non-recyclable items like hygiene products.

The market rebounded in 2021, reaching 154 thousand tons, as the trend toward plastic reduction and e-commerce growth intensified, reportedly increasing paper and cardboard packaging waste volumes by nearly 70% compared to 2019. However, from 2022 onward, the market size gradually declined to 133 thousand tons by 2023. This later phase saw increased innovation in packaging design, such as moisture-resistant paper and cardboard that can be recycled up to 25 times, potentially reducing waste generation. Industry leaders like Smurfit Kappa invested in energy-saving technologies and hydrogen power, aiming for a more circular economy.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Lithuania

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2018-2021

World map of production of paper and paperboard waste, 2018-2021

In 2021, Lithuania produced 188.6 thousand tons of paper and paperboard waste, representing a significant 47.3% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 12.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 128.0 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 31.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

Lithuania's exports of paper and paperboard waste increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 94 153 tons, showing a 19.8% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 15.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 77 708 tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Poland and Germany were the primary markets for Lithuania's exports of paper and paperboard waste, together accounting for 84.8% of total export volumes. Other destinations played a relatively minor role during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The value of exports varied significantly, with a 2.1-fold difference between the peak in 2021 and the low in 2020. In 2021, Lithuania's exports of paper and paperboard waste amounted to 19 596 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic 114.2% increase compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 9 147 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 21.0% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany and Poland remained the main buyers of paper and paperboard waste from Lithuania in value terms, together representing 82.3% of total export value. The remaining share was distributed among various other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Lithuania in value, 2018-2021

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Lithuania's imports of paper and paperboard waste increased in 2021. Imports reached 59 447 tons, showing a substantial 31.3% gain compared to 2020. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 8.6%, with an average annual decline of 3.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 45 269 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 16.6% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania's imports of paper and paperboard waste were heavily concentrated on Latvia and Estonia, which together accounted for 80.6% of total import volumes. Other trading partners represented only a small portion of imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The value of imports varied considerably, with a 2-fold difference between the high in 2021 and the low in 2020. In 2021, Lithuania imported paper and paperboard waste worth 19 596 thousand US dollars, representing a steep 104.2% increase compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 6 574 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 23.8% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland were the key sources for Lithuania's imports of paper and paperboard waste in value terms. Latvia accounted for 58.9% of import value, Estonia for 16.4%, and Poland for 12.7%, together representing 88.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Lithuania in value, 2018-2021