Market Trends of Poland Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry
Plastic Resin Processing in the Country Fuels Market Expansion
- Poland's plastics industry is a pivotal segment of its economy. As reported by Plastics Europe Polska, Poland ranks fourth in Europe with a 7.5% share of total polymer consumption by converters. Poland's plastic processing volume notably surpasses that of all other Central European nations combined.
- The industry boasts over 7,000 active entrepreneurs. Annual reports from Plastics Europe Polska highlight that over 60% of the 300 largest plastics processing firms are owned by Polish companies. The Plastech. Pl database, Poland's premier portal for the plastics sector, catalogs 1,700 companies engaged in plastics and their raw materials, 870 firms in machinery production and distribution, 1,110 manufacturers of plastic products, and 824 service providers catering to the industry's operations.
- According to UN Comtrade, the import value of plastic to Poland in 2020 was EUR 12.91 billion (USD 13.97 billion), reaching EUR 17.40 billion (USD 18.83 billion) in 2023. Poland produces diverse polymers, including polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polyethene terephthalate (PET). Since domestic production needs to meet local demand, Poland imports polymers, primarily from Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
- The Polish government is drafting a bill to introduce a deposit system for single-use plastic beverage bottles, set to launch on January 1st, 2025. This initiative aligns with the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive, which mandates member states achieve a 77% collection rate for recycling single-use plastic beverage bottles by 2025, escalating to 90% by 2029. Such initiatives are expected to create opportunities for manufacturers to produce recyclable plastic bottles in the country.
- According to FachPack, Poland produces approximately six million tonnes of packaging annually. The food industry accounts for roughly 60% of packaging consumption in Poland. When examining material types, plastic packaging makes up around 40% of Poland's consumption. Therefore, over the forecast period, the country is expected to see a rise in rigid plastic packaging with initiatives by organizations and governments.
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Food Sector Set for Strong Expansion in the Industry
- The rising popularity of ready-to-eat meals primarily drives the food industry's demand for rigid plastic packaging. These meals, typically housed in sealed trays of diverse shapes—ranging from round containers to salad packs—are increasingly transitioning to sustainable and eco-friendly materials. As lifestyles evolve, there is a swift consumer trend toward products like frozen meals and on-the-go breakfast or lunch snacks.
- In response, market players prioritize producing packaging made from recycled or recyclable materials. This shift resonates with consumer preferences for environmentally conscious packaging and underscores the industry's commitment to market demands and environmental stewardship.
- Foodservice chains are focused on expanding to Poland to increase their business portfolio. For instance, in early 2024, Hesburger, a prominent Finnish fast food chain, launched a home delivery kitchen in Warsaw, Poland's capital. The company is committed to robust expansion in Poland and other nations. Such expansions are expected to push the country's need for a rigid plastic market.
- Foodservice and online food delivery channels are also increasing in the country. According to Stava SA, a food delivery company in Poland, in 2023, online takeaway food channels were widely used in the country. Pyszne.pl held the largest share, with 37.1% of the takeaway food ordering market in Poland, with Glovo setting an 18.7% market share.
- Poland is increasingly drawing the attention of foreign tourists. While many international visitors come to Poland for leisure, a growing number attend various events. Data from the Central Statistical Office reveals that from January to November 2023, Poland welcomed 6,526,000 foreign tourists, up from 5,329,000 during the same timeframe in 2022. The rise in tourists is expected to expand restaurants and the food industry in the country.
