The European Union is positioned for notable growth in its market for sacks and bags made from polymers of ethylene, with projections indicating a volume of 3.6 million tons by 2035 and an estimated market value reaching $12.4 billion. The latest comprehensive analysis from IndexBox highlights the market’s robust dynamics, with significant consumption rates primarily driven by Germany, Italy, and France.

Growing Market Volume and Value

According to the report, the EU’s market for ethylene polymer bags was valued at approximately $10.4 billion in 2024, reflecting a stunning 14% increase from the previous year. In 2024, the consumption of these bags reached about 3.4 million tons, an 8.3% rise compared to 2023. Despite experiencing fluctuations since attaining a peak of 3.5 million tons in 2022, the consumption outlook remains positive with a continuing upward trend anticipated over the next decade.

Key Growth Drivers

The market is expected to maintain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +0.6% from 2024 to 2035, which suggests that the volume should rise to 3.6 million tons by the end of that period. In value terms, growth is forecasted at a CAGR of +1.6%, culminating in a market value of $12.4 billion (in nominal wholesale prices) by 2035. This is indicative of not only rising consumption but also a growing demand for these products across the region.

Consumption Insights

In terms of consumption by country, the report identifies Germany as the largest market at 517,000 tons in 2024, followed closely by Italy (489,000 tons) and France (488,000 tons). These three countries account for a substantial 44% of the total market. Other noteworthy contributors include Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands, which collectively account for 37% of consumption.

Regional Consumption Patterns

Interestingly, Lithuania has emerged as a standout performer with the highest per capita consumption, estimated at 36 kg per person. Its consumption has also seen the fastest growth rate in market value, at a CAGR of +8.9% during the examined period. In comparison, Spain and the Netherlands have per capita consumptions of 10 kg and 8.9 kg respectively.

Production Trends

The EU’s production of sacks and bags made from polymers of ethylene was estimated at 3 million tons in 2024, marking a 5.5% increase from 2023. While production levels have maintained a relatively flat trend in recent years, Italy leads the production at 504,000 tons, followed by Spain (461,000 tons) and Germany (419,000 tons).

Value of Production

The estimated value of production for ethylene polymer bags reached around $9.9 billion in 2024. Italy, Spain, and Germany account for nearly half of this production. Notably, Bulgaria has also seen strong growth, with a CAGR of +6.2% in production since 2013.

Import and Export Dynamics

In 2024, the EU experienced a dip in imports of sacks and bags made from polymers of ethylene, totaling 1.3 million tons, which reflects a 9% decrease from the previous year. This marks the second consecutive year of decline following four years of growing import rates.

Major Importers

Germany and the Netherlands led the imports, accounting for about 37% of total imports, with figures of 274,000 tons and 215,000 tons respectively. In value terms, these countries imported $734 million and $447 million worth of these products.

Export Landscape

Meanwhile, exports of these sacks and bags fell sharply by 21.3% to reach 878,000 tons in 2024, influenced by decreased demand from international markets. Germany emerged as the single largest exporter with 176,000 tons, alongside Poland with 166,000 tons.

Price Trends

The report also highlights contrasting trends in import and export prices. The average import price in the EU dropped to $2,776 per ton in 2024, marking a 2.5% decline from the year prior, while export prices stood markedly higher at $3,536 per ton. France commanded the highest export price at nearly $4,989 per ton, whereas exports from Bulgaria averaged just $2,153 per ton.

Conclusion

As the market for sacks and bags of polymers of ethylene within the EU continues to evolve, stakeholders should keep a keen eye on these trends and regional dynamics to leverage growth opportunities and adapt to fluctuating market conditions.