Plastic packaging and closures market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, production of plastic packaging and closures in Hungary declined from 1 037 million USD to 965 million USD, while the market size contracted from 878 million USD to 843 million USD. This reduction was primarily driven by the phased implementation of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, which banned lightweight plastic carrier bags and polystyrene food packaging from 2018 onward, directly suppressing demand for certain plastic items. Although the Hungarian government provided nearly 20 billion forints in non-refundable subsidies for packaging industry investments in 2018, encouraging new capacity and entrants, these measures could not offset the regulatory pressure on conventional plastic products. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated e-commerce growth, boosting demand for food delivery packaging; however, this surge benefited warm-holding cellulose and paper-based alternatives, leading companies like UgrinPack-Erdősi Kft. to expand capacity for compostable paper packaging rather than reversing the decline in plastic production.

From 2021 onwards, the regulatory landscape intensified with the full enactment of the SUP Directive—banning single-use plastic cups, straws, and cutlels from July 2021—and a tenfold increase in the product fee on lightweight plastic bags. These changes compelled manufacturers to develop alternative materials like compostable paper and bio-plastics. The subsequent introduction of the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in 2022 imposed stricter recycled content targets and mandatory labeling, preparing the ground for Hungary's Extended Producer Responsibility system. These shifts coincided with a rise in import value to 630 million USD by 2022 and sustained export growth, reaching 774 million USD by 2025, reflecting the industry's adaptation through increased trade in alternative packaging materials and the market entry of new paper-based products from completed projects like UgrinPack's.

Production plastic packaging and closures in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's production of plastic packaging and closures has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 965 million US dollars, representing a 2.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production fell by 6.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports plastic packaging and closures from Hungary

Exports in kind, K t

Hungary's exports of plastic packaging and closures have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 181.3 thousand tons, up 1.5% from the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 5.5%, equating to an average annual increase of 1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 171.6 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 0.1%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 4.1% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's plastic packaging and closures were exported to a wide range of markets. Even the top three destinations—Germany, Romania, and Austria—together accounted for only 39.1% of total exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Hungary's exports of plastic packaging and closures in value terms have risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 738.0 million US dollars, showing a solid 21.8% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 18.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 604.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.3%.

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

An analysis of Hungary's exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. The top three destinations—Germany (18.9% of exports), Serbia (9.4%), and Romania (8.6%)—together accounted for only 36.9% of total flows, with the remaining 63.1% going to other partners.

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

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

Imports plastic packaging and closures to Hungary

Imports in kind, K t

Hungary's imports of plastic packaging and closures have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 181.3 thousand tons, indicating a limited rise of 9.6% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 23.7%, equating to an average annual increase of 7.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, plastic packaging and closures imported into Hungary came from many different markets. Even the largest suppliers—Germany, Poland, and Czechia—together represented only 40.8% of total imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Hungary's imports of plastic packaging and closures in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 590.1 million US dollars, marking a significant 21.9% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 26.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical structure of Hungary's imports in value terms was highly diversified. The top three suppliers—Germany (18.6% of imports), Poland (10.1%), and Serbia (7.7%)—together accounted for only 36.5% of total flows, while the remaining 63.5% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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