Plastic packaging and closures market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

European regulatory initiatives, such as the plastics strategy in the circular economy and the ban on single-use plastics, shaped the environment for Lithuania's plastic packaging market in the late 2010s. These measures stimulated the local industry to transition to using secondary raw materials and developing more sustainable solutions, laying the groundwork for subsequent growth.

Market volume growth accelerated in the early 2020s, supported by increased focus on secondary materials and production of monolithic materials to facilitate recycling. The emergence of new biodegradable and bio-based plastic products, along with active discussions on reducing plastic in packaging, significantly boosted demand, leading to a sharp increase in market volume to $399.7 million in 2021. Pressure from consumers and governments on companies regarding social responsibility sustained interest in sustainable packaging, contributing to market stabilization in 2022.

The announcement of a new EU packaging and packaging waste regulation in 2023, aimed at reducing plastic waste by 2040, introduced temporary uncertainty, coinciding with a slight decline in market volume. However, by 2024, the market showed recovery, reaching $443 million, reflecting the industry's adaptation to regulatory requirements and the ongoing transition to a circular economy.

Production plastic packaging and closures in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After declining for two consecutive years, Lithuania's production of plastic packaging and closures rebounded in 2021. Output reached 662.0 million US dollars, representing a 15.6% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 6.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2020 at 572.5 million US dollars, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 4.3%.

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

Exports plastic packaging and closures from Lithuania

Exports in kind, K t

Lithuania's export volume of plastic packaging and closures declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 183.9 thousand tons, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the four-year period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 4.5%, translating to an average annual decline of 1.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Lithuania's exports of plastic packaging and closures by volume were distributed relatively evenly across markets. Germany accounted for 18.5% of export volume, Poland for 12.0%, and Finland for 10.5%. Together, these three countries represented 41.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Lithuania's export value of plastic packaging and closures increased in 2021. Exports reached 425.7 million US dollars, marking a 9.7% year-over-year growth. The lowest export value was recorded in 2020 at 388.2 million US dollars, while the largest annual decrease occurred in 2019 at 5.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania exported plastic packaging and closures to a diverse range of markets. Germany accounted for 16.3% of export value, Sweden for 9.0%, and Poland for 8.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 34.1% of total export value, with numerous smaller destinations making up the remaining 65.9%.

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

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

Imports plastic packaging and closures to Lithuania

Imports in kind, K t

Lithuania's import volume of plastic packaging and closures increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 40.3 thousand tons, reflecting an 11.3% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 30.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.2%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Poland, Latvia, and Germany were the key sources for Lithuania's imports of plastic packaging and closures by volume. Poland accounted for 33.6% of import volume, Latvia for 12.3%, and Germany for 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 53.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Lithuania's import value of plastic packaging and closures increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 163.4 million US dollars, showing a 17.8% gain compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 45.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 13.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Latvia were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Lithuania's imports of plastic packaging and closures by value. Poland accounted for 31.0% of import value, Germany for 10.9%, and Latvia for 8.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 50.3% of total import flows.

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

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