Plastic sacks and bags market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Lithuanian market for plastic sacks and bags grew in volume from 82.9 thousand tons to 91.0 thousand tons. This expansion was partly influenced by European Union directives aimed at reducing single-use plastic bags, which began shifting consumer preferences towards more durable or reusable alternatives. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 provided an additional, direct stimulus by increasing demand for plastic packaging due to heightened hygiene and safety concerns, particularly in the medical and food sectors. Production facilities adapted to meet this demand, supporting the market's growth.

A sharp market expansion occurred in 2021, with volume reaching 104.7 thousand tons and value surging to 321.7 million USD, driven by a combination of post-pandemic demand and significant structural shifts within the industry. Major state-owned and private producers began investing in bioplastics and innovations, responding to stricter EU and national regulations on single-use plastics and more rigorous packaging labeling requirements that mandated information on recyclability. This regulatory push, aimed at promoting sustainable solutions, altered market access conditions and spurred the emergence of new product segments like biodegradable packaging. The subsequent volume contraction in 2022 to 92.1 thousand tons coincided with the ongoing implementation of these policies and a normalization of post-pandemic demand, though the market value remained high at 326.3 million USD, reflecting a continued focus on higher-value, sustainable products.

The market stabilized in 2023, with volume at 92.5 thousand tons, and then resumed growth in 2024 to 100.9 thousand tons. During these years, the industry continued its transformation, with established players expanding their sustainable production activities and the regulatory framework for labeling and packaging being further refined in line with environmental goals, supporting the market's recovery in volume.

Production plastic sacks and bags in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Lithuania's plastic sacks and bags production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 404.3 million US dollars, marking a significant 25.4% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 25.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 314.6 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 2.3%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Lithuania's plastic sacks and bags production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 139.9 thousand tonnes, representing a gradual 8.2% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 15.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports plastic sacks and bags from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Lithuania exported 48 165 tonnes of plastic sacks and bags, remaining stable year-on-year compared to 2020. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 48 880 tonnes, while the minimum was in 2020 at 48 157 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 1.1%, and the largest decline was in 2020 at 1.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania's exports of plastic sacks and bags in kind were widely dispersed across partner countries. Germany accounted for 16.8% of exports, the United Kingdom for 12.7%, and Sweden for 12.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 41.5% 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

Lithuania's plastic sacks and bags export value has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 132.0 million US dollars, reflecting a small uptick of 1.1% over the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 5.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania's exports of plastic sacks and bags in value terms were widely dispersed across partner countries. Germany accounted for 14.9% of exports, the United Kingdom for 13.2%, and Austria for 9.6%. Together, these three countries represented only 37.7% of total export flows.

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 sacks and bags to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Lithuania imported 12 993 tonnes of plastic sacks and bags, reflecting a dramatic 31.0% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 33.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 0.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania's imports of plastic sacks and bags in kind were widely dispersed across partner countries. Poland accounted for 19.6% of imports, Germany for 14.8%, and Estonia for 13.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 48.2% 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 imports of plastic sacks and bags have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 49.4 million US dollars, corresponding to a notable 16.0% year-on-year increase. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 51.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.8%.

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

The structure of Lithuania's imports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 points to a diversified set of partners. Poland accounted for 18.2% of imports, Germany for 13.7%, and Latvia for 10.4%. Jointly, these three countries represented only 42.2% of total flows, while the remaining 57.8% was dispersed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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