Plastic sacks and bags market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the Romanian plastic sacks and bags market increased to 95 000 t in 2019 from 92 000 t in 2018, then declined to 91 000 t in 2020. This movement was primarily driven by the ban on thin plastic carrier bags with handles, which took effect in July 2018 and was fully enforced from January 2019. The prohibition led to a shift toward heavier, often biodegradable or compostable alternatives, contributing to the initial rise in tonnage. In 2020, the continued replacement of thin bags and growing consumer awareness of reusable options resulted in a slight market contraction.

Legislative measures were further reinforced through extended producer responsibility schemes and taxes on plastic bags at retail. By 2022, recycling rates for plastic packaging placed on the market reached 47%, reflecting the regulatory push. Despite these restrictions, imports of plastic sacks and bags grew steadily, exceeding 63 000 t by 2024, indicating sustained demand and adaptation within the supply chain.

Major retailers such as Lidl and Kaufland actively introduced biodegradable and compostable bags, while producers aligned with packaging waste management obligations. These factors collectively shaped the market's structure and volume trajectory throughout the period, emphasizing a transition away from single-use thin plastic bags toward more sustainable alternatives.

Production plastic sacks and bags in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of plastic sacks and bags in Romania was valued at 155.4 million US dollars, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 146.0 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 170.4 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 14.3%, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 12.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Romania produced 65 153 tonnes of plastic sacks and bags, showing a slight year-on-year increase of 1.7%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The peak was in 2018 at 65 232 tonnes. The largest decline was in 2019 with a decrease of 1.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a growth of 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports plastic sacks and bags from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Exports of plastic sacks and bags from Romania declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 15 588 tonnes, reflecting a small decrease of 1.3% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 13.6%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Spain remained the top buyers of plastic sacks and bags from Romania, accounting for 25.3%, 20.8%, and 12.9% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 58.9% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of plastic sacks and bags exported from Romania declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume reached 76.4 million US dollars, indicating a gradual fall of 4.9% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 85.4 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 5.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 11.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Spain, and Germany were the primary buyers of plastic sacks and bags from Romania in value terms, with shares of 33.0%, 21.8%, and 11.1%, respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 65.9% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports plastic sacks and bags to Romania

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, the volume of plastic sacks and bags imported by Romania declined. In 2020, imports totaled 41 772 tonnes, representing a strong decrease of 10.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 46 722 tonnes, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 10.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Germany, and China played notable roles as suppliers of plastic sacks and bags to Romania, with shares of 22.2%, 13.4%, and 12.9% of imports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 48.5% of total imports in kind, indicating they were not dominant.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Romania's imports of plastic sacks and bags declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 101.1 million US dollars, down by 8.7% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 118.2 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a growth of 19.3%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, plastic sacks and bags were imported into Romania from many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Poland, Italy, and Germany—together represented only 46.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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