PE sacks and bags market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The Greek market for PE sacks and bags entered a period of regulatory change in 2018 with the introduction of an environmental tax on thin plastic carrier bags. The new rules, which included mandatory marking, pricing of the tax on sales receipts, and a ban on free distribution to consumers, were designed to curb usage. This regulatory pressure contributed to a reduction in domestic production, which fell from 65 781 t in 2018 to 62 651 t in 2019, before stabilizing at 62 954 t in 2020. The market volume in physical terms initially rose to 83 361 t in 2019 but then declined to 77 721 t in 2020, aligning with the policy's objective to reduce consumption.

The environmental tax was increased from 3 to 7 lepta per bag in January 2019 and again to 9 lepta in January 2022, maintaining downward pressure on demand. This regulatory framework was further strengthened by Law 4819/2021, which transposed European waste and packaging directives and reinforced the role of the Hellenic Recycling Organization. In the following years, import volumes fluctuated, reaching 27 929 t in 2024, while exports showed growth, peaking at 6 867 t in 2023 before a slight contraction. In value terms, the market demonstrated resilience, growing from $204.6 million in 2018 to $208.5 million in 2020.

Production PE sacks and bags in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Greece's production of PE sacks and bags in monetary terms has shown an increase. In 2020, the output was valued at 171.7 million US dollars, marking a 2.8% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 22.2%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 8.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 167.0 million US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 22.9% decrease.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of decline, Greece's production volume of PE sacks and bags has increased. In 2020, the country produced 62,954 tonnes, showing only a slight fluctuation compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 19.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.1%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 62,651 tonnes, and the largest decline took place in 2018 with a 16.2% drop.

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

Exports PE sacks and bags from Greece

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Greece exported 3,148 tonnes of PE sacks and bags, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 15%, corresponding to a compound annual decline rate of 5.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3,147 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 4,369 tonnes. The largest decline was observed in 2019 with a 28.0% drop, and the most significant increase happened in 2018 with an 18.0% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom remained the primary destinations for Greece's PE sacks and bags exports in volume terms. Cyprus accounted for 25.6% of exports, Bulgaria for 25.5%, and the United Kingdom for 10.6%. Together, these three countries represented 61.7% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Greece's exports of PE sacks and bags in monetary terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports were recorded at 7,776 thousand US dollars, showing no significant change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 18.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 6.4%. The highest value was reached in 2018 at 11,186 thousand US dollars. The largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 30.4% decrease, while the most notable increase was in 2018 with a 17.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom continued to be the key partners for Greece's PE sacks and bags exports in value terms. Cyprus represented 25.9% of exports, Bulgaria 23.7%, and the United Kingdom 12.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 61.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports PE sacks and bags to Greece

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Greece's imports of PE sacks and bags in volume terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 17,915 tonnes, representing a significant decrease of 24.9% compared to 2019. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 23,857 tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring in that year at 25.8%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Turkey, Germany, and Bulgaria were the three main sources for Greece's imports of PE sacks and bags in volume terms, together accounting for 54.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of increase, Greece's imports of PE sacks and bags in monetary terms declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 44,548 thousand US dollars, down 7.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 13.2%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 4.2%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 48,030 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase took place in 2018 with a 16.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Turkey, and China formed the core of Greece's imports of PE sacks and bags in value terms. Germany accounted for 22.4% of imports, Turkey for 20.3%, and China for 9.4%. Together, these three countries represented 52.1% of total import flows.

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

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