Plastic bottles and similar articles market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The Estonian market for plastic bottles and similar articles entered a growth phase from 2018, initially propelled by the implementation of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. This regulation introduced precise reporting requirements for using recycled plastic, particularly in PET bottle production. At the same time, increasing environmental consciousness among consumers bolstered demand for packaging made from recycled and safer materials, setting a new direction for the industry.

Market growth accelerated notably around 2020–2021. A key industry development was Anora's launch of spirit bottles containing 25% recycled PET, signaling a strong move towards sustainable packaging and encouraging wider adoption of recycled materials. This shift was further amplified in 2021 by intensified national circular-economy policies, which mandated greater use of recycled content and improved packaging recycling. These drivers prompted manufacturers to invest in greener materials and processes, contributing to a significant 21% increase in the market's value that year.

After a period of rapid expansion, the market's value stabilized between 2023 and 2024, remaining within a range of USD 35–36 million. This plateau suggests the market consolidated following the initial wave of regulatory adaptation and sustainable innovation.

Production plastic bottles and similar articles in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Estonia's production of plastic bottles and similar articles was valued at 25 913 thousand US dollars, marking a 12.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 17.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%. The only decline during this period occurred in 2020, when output decreased by 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports plastic bottles and similar articles from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Estonia's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in volume terms amounted to 1 662 tonnes, representing a 17.3% decrease from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports declined by 9.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The peak volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 010 tonnes, when exports saw their largest increase of 12.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Latvia, and Finland were the key partners for Estonia's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in volume terms. Sweden accounted for 34.2% of exports, Latvia for 18.8%, and Finland for 17.8%. Together, these three countries represented 70.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Estonia's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 8 160 thousand US dollars, showing a modest growth of 2.6% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 7.2%, with an annualized rate of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia remained the main markets for Estonia's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms. Sweden held 41.7% of exports, Finland 17.6%, and Latvia 12.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 72.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021

Imports plastic bottles and similar articles to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Estonia's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in volume terms declined in 2021. Imports totaled 4 886 tonnes, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.8% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 10.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 975 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia were the principal sources for Estonia's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in volume terms. Lithuania accounted for 51.9% of imports, Poland for 22.2%, and Russia for 3.2%. Together, these three countries made up 77.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Estonia's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 12 267 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp rise of 25.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 37.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 267 thousand US dollars, when imports experienced their largest decline of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over 2018–2021, Lithuania, Poland, and China consistently led Estonia's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms. Lithuania accounted for 28.6% of imports, Poland for 21.2%, and China for 10.8%. Together, these three countries represented 60.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021