Paper trays, dishes, plates and cups market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Trade in paper trays, dishes, plates and cups saw import values rise from 23.0 million $ US in 2018 to 27.6 million $ US in 2019, then dip to 25.4 million $ US in 2020. Exports followed a similar pattern, reaching 70.8 million $ US in 2019 before falling to 59.5 million $ US in 2020. The market then entered a phase of strong expansion from 2021 onward.

Domestic production grew substantially, from 99.0 million $ US in 2021 to 146.9 million $ US in 2023. The Polish market size for these paper products expanded in parallel, rising from 58.1 million $ US to 76.2 million $ US over the same period. This growth was driven by regulatory shifts, particularly the ban on placing selected single-use plastic items on the market from May 24, 2023, which included plastic plates and cups. The prohibition created immediate demand for paper-based alternatives, stimulating local production and consumption.

Further regulatory measures in 2024, such as the requirement to provide alternative packaging like paper cups and wheat bran trays from July 1, and the introduction of extended producer responsibility for packaging, reinforced the market's structural shift toward paper. These changes, coupled with growing consumer preference for eco-friendly solutions, supported continued import growth to 46.0 million $ US and export growth to 115.1 million $ US in 2024, indicating a robust and adapting industry.

Production paper trays, dishes, plates and cups in Poland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Poland's production of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 19 068 tonnes, which represents a 13.6% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 16.2%, averaging an annual decline of 5.7%. The peak was reached in 2018, with 25 390 tonnes produced, marking the largest increase of 11.6% that year.

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

Exports paper trays, dishes, plates and cups from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Poland's exports of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups declined in 2020. The country exported 17 488 tonnes, showing a significant drop of 22.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 654 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 14.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Ukraine, and Hungary were the top destinations for Poland's exports of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups in volume terms. Germany accounted for 51.2% of exports, Ukraine for 6.2%, and Hungary for 5.4%. Together, these three countries represented 62.8% 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, K $ US

After two years of growth, Poland's export value of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups declined in 2020. The country exported goods worth 59 478 thousand US dollars, indicating a 16.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, exports increased by 10.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.3%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 70 847 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 21.0% recorded in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Ukraine, and Czechia formed the core group of markets for Poland's exports of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups in value terms. Germany held a 45.5% share, while Ukraine and Czechia each accounted for 6.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 58.5% 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 trays, dishes, plates and cups to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Poland imported approximately 6 609 tonnes of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups in 2020, reflecting a notable decrease of 10.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 16.4%, with a compound annual decline of 5.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 994 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 24.2%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 23.7% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, China, and Germany were the leading suppliers of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups to Poland in volume terms. Italy contributed 35.9% of imports, China 29.0%, and Germany 10.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 75.6% of total import volume.

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, K $ US

Following two years of increase, Poland's import value of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups declined in 2020. The import volume totaled 25 392 thousand US dollars, showing a modest drop of 8.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 31.4%, averaging an annual increase of 9.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 27 588 thousand US dollars, with the largest rise of 19.7% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, China, and Germany were the main suppliers of paper trays, dishes, plates, and cups to Poland in value terms. Italy accounted for 31.8% of imports, China for 30.0%, and Germany for 13.1%. Collectively, these three countries made up 74.9% of total import value.

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

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