PE sacks and bags market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian market for PE sacks and bags began a transformation in 2018 with the enactment of Law No. 87/2018, which banned plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness under 50 microns and extended producer responsibility. This regulatory shift, aligned with EU environmental goals, spurred demand for compliant thicker bags and accelerated the adoption of certified biodegradable and compostable alternatives, as evidenced by Moviplast's introduction of biodegradable roll bags. Concurrently, an extended tax on most plastic bags, exempting only certified biodegradable types, further reshaped the market structure. These changes contributed to a market volume increase to 67 369 t in 2019.

Following a market contraction to 62 081 t in 2020, a recovery phase was supported by continuous technological investments from manufacturers like Pluriplast, which expanded its range to include micro-perforated and flexible LDPE bags for various industries. The market position of major domestic producers such as RomCarbon and TeraPlast strengthened through a focus on international quality certifications and the expansion of export partnerships for biodegradable packaging. The regulatory landscape evolved further with the implementation of a deposit-return system for primary non-reusable packaging under Government Decision No. 1709/2024, aiming to boost recycling and enforce stricter labeling rules for compostable bags.

The market volume demonstrated sustained growth in the following years, reaching 89 022 t in 2024. This expansion was underpinned by a significant rise in imports, which exceeded 55 000 t, indicating robust domestic demand. In value terms, the market peaked at $184.6 million in 2021, reflecting volatile material costs and a gradual shift in the product mix towards higher-value, environmentally compliant packaging solutions.

Production PE sacks and bags in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Romania, the production value of PE sacks and bags reached 91.2 million US dollars in 2020, showing a controlled year-on-year increase of 5.0%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 102.5 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 15.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 28.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In Romania, the production of PE sacks and bags declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output stood at 32,936 tonnes, marking a moderate year-on-year decrease of 3.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 19.2%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 6.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 35,777 tonnes. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 4.7% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 29.4%.

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

Exports PE sacks and bags from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's export volume of PE sacks and bags fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 4,810 tonnes, representing a 3.8% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 29.1%, which corresponds to an average annual decrease of 10.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy were the primary markets for Romania's PE sacks and bags exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 60.2% of exports, the Netherlands for 8.3%, and Italy for 4.9%. Together, these three countries represented 73.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Romania's export value of PE sacks and bags decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 11,676 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate decline of 3.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 28.5%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 10.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria were the key partners for Romania's PE sacks and bags exports in value terms. Germany held a 49.7% share, the Netherlands 11.5%, and Austria 8.1%. Collectively, these three countries made up 69.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports PE sacks and bags to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year rise, Romania's imports of PE sacks and bags in volume terms declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 33,955 tonnes, showing a substantial decrease of 11.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 6.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 38,260 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 16.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, China, and Germany dominated Romania's imports of PE sacks and bags in volume terms. Poland accounted for 24.1% of imports, China for 15.2%, and Germany for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 54.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, Romania's imports of PE sacks and bags in value terms declined. In 2020, imports reached 66,762 thousand US dollars, indicating a gradual decrease of 9.8% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 74,037 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Germany, and China were the main markets for Romania's imports of PE sacks and bags in value terms. Poland held a 20.2% share, Germany 17.9%, and China 13.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 51.5% of total import flows.

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

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