Paper and paperboard waste market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper and paperboard waste in Russia expanded from 3.1 million tons in 2018 to 3.4 million tons in 2021. This growth was primarily driven by the 2019 ban on landfill disposal of cardboard and paper packaging, which spurred recycling demand. Simultaneously, a 10.3% increase in containerboard production in 2019 raised the need for waste paper as raw material. The launch of waste reform in 2020 and a subsequent rise in household waste processing further supported consumption.

After peaking in 2021, the market contracted to 3.38 million tons in 2022 amid a sector crisis marked by falling prices and demand. The exit of European packaging suppliers from Russia encouraged domestic recycling efforts, but could not offset the overall decline. By 2023, the market stabilized around 3.36 million tons. Throughout the period, low collection rates among households and a shortage of quality secondary raw materials constrained market potential, despite government programs promoting the use of recycled resources.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia ranked as the 13th largest global producer of paper and paperboard waste.

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Russia produced 3 450 K t of paper and paperboard waste, showing little change from the previous year. Compared to 2019, production remained stable. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 10.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 450 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with no change from the prior year. The largest increase was observed in 2018, reaching 10.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Russia's paper and paperboard waste production declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 628.4 M $ US, marking an 11.5% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 14.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 710.2 M $ US. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018, rising by 23.1%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's cross-border shipments of paper and paperboard waste declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 150.7 K t, reflecting a sharp decrease of 38.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 57%, equating to an annualized decline of 24.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 367.8 K t. The largest increase was also in 2018, at 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Belarus, and Uzbekistan were the core destinations for Russia's exports of paper and paperboard waste in kind. Ukraine accounted for 48.0% of exports, Belarus for 9.5%, and Uzbekistan for 9.0%. Together, these three countries represented 66.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Russia's cross-border shipments of paper and paperboard waste declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 27 445 K $ US, down by 45.4% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 55.4%, with an annualized rate of decline of 23.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 71 820 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 16.7%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Ukraine, Belarus, and Uzbekistan were the primary buyers of paper and paperboard waste from Russia in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 47.0% of exports, Belarus for 12.2%, and Uzbekistan for 7.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 67.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports varied significantly, with a fourfold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2020, imported volumes of paper and paperboard waste in Russia totaled 74.6 K t, reflecting a substantial increase of 132.9% compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 18.8 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 47.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus, Latvia, and Estonia remained the main suppliers of paper and paperboard waste to Russia in kind. Belarus accounted for 52.9% of imports, Latvia for 15.9%, and Estonia for 10.9%. Together, these three countries formed 79.7% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Import levels fluctuated threefold between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2020, cross-border shipments of paper and paperboard waste to Russia were recorded at 10 487 K $ US, indicating a rise of 93.6% from the previous year. The minimum value was in 2018 at 3 472 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 39.3%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Belarus, Latvia, and Estonia led the structure of imports in value terms. Belarus accounted for 54.7% of imports, Latvia for 14.6%, and Estonia for 11.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 80.9% of total import flows.

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

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