Plastics coated paper and paperboard market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for plastics-coated paper and paperboard in Poland expanded by 12% in volume, reaching 128.5 thousand tons, despite a 7.7% drop in domestic production. This growth was fueled by rising imports, which increased by 17% over the two years. During this period, the coated paper segment saw a reduction in production of certain wood-free grades, and the broader paper industry faced operational challenges including supply chain disruptions and energy market pressures in 2020.

A key driver emerged from 2021 onward, as coated paper gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, particularly for food packaging. This was reinforced by the European Union's proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in 2022, which aimed to reduce plastic waste and encouraged the use of recyclable materials. As a result, imports surged by 26% in 2021 and peaked at 246 thousand tons in 2022, reflecting strong market demand.

The market adjusted after 2022, with imports declining in 2023 and 2024 as the entire Polish paper sector contracted due to historically high energy costs, leading to a 12.8% production drop in 2023. Concurrently, the industry focused on innovation, investing in plant-based wax coatings and improved recycling technologies to meet evolving environmental standards and consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging.

Production plastics coated paper and paperboard in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's production of plastics coated paper and paperboard declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 208.5 million US dollars, marking a modest decrease of 4.5% compared to 2019. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 226.9 million US dollars, which represented an 8.1% increase from the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Poland's production of plastics coated paper and paperboard declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 58 460 tonnes, showing a modest year-on-year drop of 6.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%.

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

Exports plastics coated paper and paperboard from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Poland's exports of plastics coated paper and paperboard increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country shipped 117.1 thousand tonnes abroad, representing a 4.4% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 14.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's export market for plastics coated paper and paperboard was diverse. Germany accounted for 12.4% of exports in kind, Italy for 7.6%, and France for 6.4%, together contributing 26.4% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but significant shares in the remaining export volume.

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

In 2020, Poland's exports of plastics coated paper and paperboard totalled 374.9 million US dollars, a 6.9% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 19.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 2.2%, while the strongest increase was recorded in 2018 at 14.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's export market in value terms was broad. Germany represented 13.4% of exports, Italy 10.2%, and France 7.6%, jointly accounting for 31.1% of total export value. The remaining 68.9% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports plastics coated paper and paperboard to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

Poland's imports of plastics coated paper and paperboard increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 187.2 thousand tonnes, showing a limited rise of 7.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 28.1%, with an annualized rate of 8.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the leading source for Poland's imports of plastics coated paper and paperboard in kind, accounting for 40.4% of imports. Finland followed with 15.2%, and Serbia with 8.0%. Together, these three countries represented 63.5% of total import flows.

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 imports of plastics coated paper and paperboard increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 434.1 million US dollars, equivalent to a 7.1% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 29.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany consistently remained the main source for Poland's imports in value terms, accounting for 45.8% of imports. Finland contributed 9.3%, and Serbia 8.1%. Together, these three countries represented 63.2% of total import flows.

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

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