Paper and paperboard waste market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper and paperboard waste in Poland experienced initial fluctuations between 2018 and 2020. The volume dipped to 2.2 million tons in 2019 after starting at 2.3 million tons the previous year. During this phase, trade disruptions played a key role, especially China's restrictions on imports of low-quality waste paper, which redirected traditional export flows and affected domestic supply. At the same time, growing social awareness and better source segregation increased the availability of raw material, while paper producers' rising use of recycled content—reaching 52.2% by 2020—steadily lifted demand for waste paper.

A strong expansion followed in 2021, with the market volume jumping to 2.7 million tons. This surge was driven by heightened competition among waste paper processors and a marked shift in preferences among consumers and businesses toward recycled products, which amplified demand. The introduction of new standards for selective collection also aimed to improve input quality. However, the market receded over the next two years, falling to 2.6 million tons in 2023, as rising prices for paper and raw materials, including waste paper, weighed on consumption.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Poland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland ranked as the 16th largest global producer of paper and paperboard waste by volume, establishing itself among the world's leading producers during this period.

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

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

Poland's production of paper and paperboard waste grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 000 K t, marking a 3.4% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 7.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of paper and paperboard waste production in Poland declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 352.5 M $ US, down 9.6% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 27.9%, averaging an annual decrease of 10.3%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Poland's export volume of paper and paperboard waste increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 165 K t, up 8.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 43.3%, with an average annual rate of 12.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Ukraine, and Hungary were the key partners for Poland's exports of paper and paperboard waste by volume. Germany accounted for 61.5% of exports, Ukraine for 9.0%, and Hungary for 7.0%, together making up 77.4% 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

The value of Poland's paper and paperboard waste exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 136.9 M $ US, a 4.9% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 3.6%, averaging an annual decline of 1.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 164.7 M $ US, with the largest increase of 15.9% also occurring in 2018. The most significant drop was in 2019, at 12.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Ukraine, and Austria were the top destinations for Poland's paper and paperboard waste exports by value. Germany represented 60.9% of exports, Ukraine 8.8%, and Austria 8.7%, collectively accounting for 78.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Poland's imports of paper and paperboard waste by volume increased. In 2020, imports totaled 525 K t, a sharp rise of 33.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 27.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 392 K t, and the largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 4.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Germany, and Sweden were the primary sources for Poland's imports of paper and paperboard waste by volume, together accounting for 58.3% of total imports.

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

Following a two-year drop, Poland's imports of paper and paperboard waste by value increased. In 2020, imports were valued at 35.0 M $ US, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 41.4%, with a compound annual decline rate of 16.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 35.0 M $ US, and the largest decline was in 2018 at 24.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading sources for Poland's imports of paper and paperboard waste by value were Czechia, Germany, and Sweden. Czechia accounted for 30.6% of imports, Germany for 16.8%, and Sweden for 14.7%, jointly making up 62.1% 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