Packaging market analysis in Poland
The packaging industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world. Because its products are used mainly in consumer goods, the market is closely linked to the pace of economic development, population growth and consumer spending.
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How big is the packaging market in Poland?
According to forecasts, the value of the Polish packaging market will be around PLN 60 bn (approx. EUR 13 bn) in 2022.
Polish companies in this segment are among the fastest-growing in Europe, supplying their products to many countries. The packaging industry uses modern production equipment, and Polish manufacturers try to keep their offering in line with global trends.
According to forecasts, the value of the Polish packaging market will be around PLN 60 bn (approx. EUR 13 bn) in 2022. Owing to record-high raw material prices and cost pressure, this value is likely to be higher. Experts predict that the packaging industry will maintain its upward trend, but its structure will change and its momentum is expected to slow. The main reasons for these changes are rising energy and raw material prices, restricted access to raw materials and the war in Ukraine.
At the beginning of 2022, the packaging industry was growing at a rate of almost 20% a year. Turnover growth is driven mainly by rising prices. Wooden packaging grew the most (40% y/y), followed by glass bottles (approx. 16% y/y) and metal packaging (approx. 14% y/y).
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Forecast packaging market value, 2022 | around PLN 60 bn (approx. EUR 13 bn) |
| Packaging industry growth rate, beginning of 2022 | almost 20% a year |
| Growth: wooden packaging | 40% y/y |
| Growth: glass bottles | approx. 16% y/y |
| Growth: metal packaging | approx. 14% y/y |
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What is Poland's position in packaging exports in Europe?
Poland has kept its leading position in the European market for exports of wooden packaging, while Polish paper and cardboard packaging manufacturers ranked third in the EU for total export value.
The share of exports in the sold production of the Polish packaging sector increased slightly in 2021, mainly in the wooden, paper and cardboard, and steel packaging segments.
Source: MarketHub analysis based on "Branża opakowań w 2022 r. Kondycja, perspektywy i wpływ wojny" (The packaging industry in 2022: condition, prospects and the impact of the war)
Poland continues to strengthen its position in the European market. It has kept its leading position in exports of wooden packaging, both for total export value and for export growth. What is more, Polish manufacturers of paper and cardboard packaging ranked second in the EU for growth and third (behind Germany and the Netherlands) for total export value. In 2021, Poland ranked 6th for growth in the glass packaging segment and 7th in the metal packaging segment.
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How does the war in Ukraine affect packaging raw material imports?
Ukraine, Russia and Belarus account for almost 30% of Poland's plastics imports, so the war and sanctions may lead to raw material shortages for packaging manufacturers.
The war in Ukraine and stalled supplies are a concern for packaging manufacturers. The ban on imports from Russia under the sanctions package and the war in Ukraine may lead to raw material shortages and an unstable market situation. In total, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus account for almost 30% of Poland's plastics imports. In 2021, almost 19% of the polypropylene used by the plastic packaging segment was imported from Russia. Polish packaging manufacturers also imported almost 9% of their cellulose from Russia last year. What is more, nearly 30% of the pallets imported in 2021 came from Ukraine and around 15% from Belarus, which may reduce the availability of pallets for the transport sector.
| Raw material / product | Import share |
|---|---|
| Plastics from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus (share of Poland's plastics imports) | almost 30% |
| Polypropylene from Russia (plastic packaging segment) | almost 19% |
| Cellulose from Russia | almost 9% |
| Pallets imported from Ukraine | nearly 30% |
| Pallets imported from Belarus | around 15% |
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What is the outlook for the packaging market in Poland?
The main direction for the packaging market is sustainable packaging design, and its future will be shaped by regulation on recycling, waste management financing and pro-environmental solutions.
During the pandemic, the packaging industry performed exceptionally well. Demand increased for packaging for shipping goods ordered online, takeaway food and cleaning products. Despite doing relatively well during the pandemic, the industry still faces uncertainty. Raw material shortages, new market regulations and stricter environmental rules are also weighing on the packaging industry.
As environmental awareness and eco-friendly behaviour grow, the main direction for the packaging market is designing packaging according to the principles of sustainable development. Recyclability and reusable packaging will be important trends in the coming years.
In summary, market regulation will be an important factor shaping the future of the entire industry. In the coming years, the whole sector faces important changes related to recycling requirements, the financing of the waste management system and pro-environmental solutions. The EU directive on single-use plastic packaging is due to be implemented as early as 2022. The Ministry of Climate and Environment is also working on a deposit return scheme act.
Author: Katarzyna Kucia
Sources:
Packaging market in Poland
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Source: MarketHub, "Packaging market analysis in Poland", markethub.pl, 09.2022