Paper bags and sacks market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Polish paper bag market volume declined from 106.2 thousand tons to 94.3 thousand tons. In 2018, the market was supported by growing consumer preference for paper bags, especially kraft bags, as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, driven by rising environmental awareness and the introduction of new packaging papers by manufacturers.

After recovering to 118.5 thousand tons in 2022, the market fell to 96.0 thousand tons in 2024. The implementation of the plastic directive in January 2024, which banned single-use plastic items, created additional demand incentives for paper bags, while a significant increase in exports contributed to the reduction in domestic market volume.

Production paper bags and sacks in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's paper bags and sacks production has been growing for three consecutive years. In 2020, the output value reached 345.0 million US dollars, marking an 8.3% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 25.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 8.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of growth, Poland's paper bags and sacks production experienced a decline. In 2020, production amounted to 163.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting an 8.2% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 7.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 177.5 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 8.4%.

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

Exports paper bags and sacks from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Poland's volume of paper bags and sacks exports decreased. In 2020, exports totaled 88 606 tonnes, down by 3.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 36.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%. The peak export volume was in 2019 at 91 937 tonnes, and the largest annual increase also occurred in 2019 at 20.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland's export portfolio for paper bags and sacks in kind was quite diverse. Germany accounted for 20.8% of exports, Russia for 15.3%, and the United Kingdom for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 47.7% 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

After two years of gains, paper bags and sacks exports from Poland declined. In 2020, Poland exported 194.0 million US dollars worth of paper bags and sacks, showing a slight reduction of 0.9% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 55%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 15.7%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 195.7 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 35.3%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Poland's paper bags and sacks exports in value terms. Germany held 22.5% of export value, Russia 12.0%, and the United Kingdom 10.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 45.4% of total export value, with many smaller partners each contributing modest individual shares.

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 bags and sacks to Poland

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Poland's volume of paper bags and sacks imports reached 19 894 tonnes, up by 8.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 15.4%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 4.9%. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Germany, and Italy were the main sources for Poland's paper bags and sacks imports in kind. China accounted for 23.1% of imports, Germany for 22.1%, and Italy for 15.8%. Together, these three countries represented 60.9% of total import flows.

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

In 2020, Poland's paper bags and sacks imports from abroad amounted to 55.8 million US dollars, which is 13.9% higher year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 42.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 12.5%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 9.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 37.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Germany, and Italy were the primary destinations for Poland's paper bags and sacks imports in value terms. China accounted for 31.1% of import value, Germany for 24.3%, and Italy for 8.2%. Together, these three countries made up 63.6% of total import value, remaining the key sources for Poland's imports.

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

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