Plastic sacks and bags market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Polish plastic sacks and bags market shrank in physical volume from 283.3 thousand tons to 271.1 thousand tons. This decline was driven by European legislative actions restricting single-use plastic bags, which took effect in 2019 and reduced consumption. However, market value rose from $729 million to $736 million over the same period, as producers shifted toward higher-value polypropylene bags with greater strength and transparency, catering to promotional and retail packaging needs.

From 2021 onward, Polish manufacturers expanded their presence in the European market, with exports reaching 240.2 thousand tons in 2021. Investments by major players such as ALPLA Group, including the expansion of production lines in Poland and the commissioning of a third extrusion line in Radomsku in 2024, increased domestic production capacity. Concurrently, growing consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging and new EU labeling requirements accelerated the adoption of biodegradable and compostable sacks.

Import volumes grew until 2022, peaking at 88.9 thousand tons, before moderating slightly in 2023–2024. Export volumes continued their upward trend, supported by stable import prices and rising demand from e‑commerce, which boosted need for lightweight, durable packaging solutions.

Production plastic sacks and bags in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2018, Poland's plastic sacks and bags output reached its peak value of 1 042 million US dollars, marking a 4.5% increase. However, in 2019, production declined by 6.8% to 971 million US dollars, the lowest point during this period. By 2020, output recovered slightly to 988 million US dollars, showing a modest 1.7% advance compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Poland's production volume of plastic sacks and bags has declined for two consecutive years. In 2018, output peaked at 423.6 thousand tonnes, representing a 6.6% increase. By 2020, production fell to 419.1 thousand tonnes, a 0.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production grew by 5.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports plastic sacks and bags from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Poland's exports of plastic sacks and bags have increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 222.8 thousand tonnes, showing a controlled 4.5% advance compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew significantly by 26.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the leading buyer of Polish plastic sacks and bags, accounting for 32.8% of exports in volume terms. France followed with 17.0%, and the Netherlands with 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented 60.2% of Poland's total exports in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Poland's export value of plastic sacks and bags declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports peaked at 566.4 million US dollars, marking a substantial 26.2% increase. However, in 2019, exports fell by 2.7%. By 2020, export value decreased further to 541.6 million US dollars, down 1.8% from the previous year. Despite these recent declines, exports grew by 20.7% over the 2017-2020 period, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany remained the primary destination for Polish plastic sacks and bags in value terms, accounting for 29.7% of exports. France followed with 13.6%, and the Netherlands with 9.9%. Collectively, these three markets represented 53.2% of Poland's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports plastic sacks and bags to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

Poland's imports of plastic sacks and bags showed mixed trends. In 2019, imports declined by 0.9%. However, in 2020, imports rebounded strongly to 74.9 thousand tonnes, representing a substantial 11.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 15.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the largest source of plastic sacks and bags imports to Poland in volume terms, accounting for 25.4% of total imports. Vietnam followed closely with 22.7%, and China with 11.8%. Together, these three countries supplied 60.0% of Poland's imports in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Poland's import value of plastic sacks and bags has increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports reached 290.1 million US dollars, up by 13.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew significantly by 47.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's imports of plastic sacks and bags in value terms were distributed across numerous countries. Germany accounted for the largest share at 29.7%, followed by Vietnam with 11.0%, and China with 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented 49.7% of total import value, indicating a more diversified sourcing pattern compared to other trade metrics.

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

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