Paper trays, dishes, plates and cups market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups in Bulgaria showed steady growth from 2018 to 2022, expanding from 4 276 t to 7 642 t. This expansion was primarily driven by the sequential implementation of environmental legislation, starting with the introduction of specific packaging requirements in 2018 and preparation for the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive in 2019. The peak growth occurred in 2021 with the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/904 into Bulgarian law, which imposed fees and restrictions on single-use plastic items, directly stimulating substitution with paper alternatives.

Market dynamics in 2022-2023 were shaped by supply-side factors. A sharp increase of over 100% in the price of offset paper in 2022, due to raw material shortages and logistical difficulties, raised producers' costs but did not halt volume growth, with the market reaching 7 642 t. However, volume dipped to 7 285 t in 2023, coinciding with heightened export of waste paper, which reached 230 thousand t and put pressure on the local raw material supply chain, alongside the introduction of new packaging labeling requirements.

In 2024, the market volume declined to 4 985 t. During this year, additional measures came into force, including ecological requirements for public procurement of paper products and an obligation for retailers to offer alternatives to plastic cups and food containers. However, their impact on market volume in 2024 was limited.

Production paper trays, dishes, plates and cups in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output value reached 8 907 thousand US dollars, marking a 23.5% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 777.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 106.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production volume of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 614 tonnes, showing a significant increase of 51.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 566.7%, averaging an 88.2% annual growth rate.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports paper trays, dishes, plates and cups from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Bulgaria's exports of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups declined. In 2020, exports totaled 629 tonnes, an 8.0% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 64.4%, with an annualized rate of 18.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 683 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 63.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Bulgaria's exports in kind were Romania, accounting for 36.2% of the total, Greece with 13.6%, and North Macedonia at 5.7%. Together, these three countries made up 55.4% of all export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of gains, Bulgaria's exports of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups in value terms saw a decline. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 702 thousand US dollars, a slight drop of 1.9% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 70.2%, averaging 19.4% per year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 755 thousand US dollars, with the largest growth in 2018 at 54.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania was the largest market for Bulgaria's exports in value terms, holding a 30.6% share, followed by Greece at 15.6% and Germany at 12.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 58.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports paper trays, dishes, plates and cups to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After two years of increase, Bulgaria's imports of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups in volume terms fell. In 2020, imports stood at 4 086 tonnes, down by 10.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 16.7%, with an annualized rate of 5.3%. The maximum volume was in 2019 at 4 086 tonnes, and the largest increase also occurred in 2019, at 22.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey dominated Bulgaria's imports in kind, representing 78.4% of the total flows, while other markets accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups in value terms decreased. In 2020, imports totaled 9 308 thousand US dollars, a 4.8% decline from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 17.6%, averaging 5.6% annually. The peak value was in 2019 at 9 777 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 15.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey led Bulgaria's imports in value terms with a 67.1% share, followed by Italy at 11.1% and China at 6.1%. Together, these three markets made up 84.3% of total import value.

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

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