Europe’s Paper Bag Market Poised for Steady Value Growth With 2.8% CAGR Through 2035 – News and Statistics

Feb 21, 2026

IndexBox has just published a new report: Europe – Sacks And Bags Of Paper – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trfinishs and Insights.

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the European market for sacks and bags of paper. It reports that in 2024, market consumption decreased to 49 million tons (valued at $112.6B), following a peak in 2022. Spain, Russia, and Italy are the largest consuming countries, with Spain displaying the strongest growth. Production similarly declined in 2024 to 48 million tons. The market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of +1.0% in volume and +2.8% in value through 2035, reaching 55M tons and $152.5B respectively. The trade section details import and export volumes, values, and key trading countries, noting a recent decline in import prices.

Key Findings

Market forecast to grow to 55M tons and $152.5B by 2035, with a value CAGR of +2.8% despite volume growth slowing to +1.0%
Spain is the dominant market leader in both consumption (11M tons) and production (12M tons), with exceptional growth rates over the past decade
Market experienced a downturn in 2024, with consumption and production falling for the second consecutive year after the 2022 peak
Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands have the highest per capita consumption, with Ireland leading at 258 kg per person
International trade remains significant, with Germany, Poland, and Italy as top exporters, and import prices falling notably in 2024

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for sacks and bags of paper in Europe, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trfinish over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.0% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 55M tons by the finish of 2035.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.8% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $152.5B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the finish of 2035.

Market Value (billion USD, nominal wholesale prices)

Consumption

Europe’s Consumption of Sacks And Bags Of Paper

In 2024, consumption of sacks and bags of paper decreased by -5.2% to 49M tons, falling for the second year in a row after four years of growth. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2013 to 2024; the trfinish pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The volume of consumption peaked at 54M tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The size of the paper bag market in Europe reduced to $112.6B in 2024, falling by -8.4% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The total consumption indicated temperate growth from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the last eleven years. The trfinish pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -8.9% against 2022 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $123.6B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Consumption By Counattempt

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2024 were Spain (11M tons), Russia (7.8M tons) and Italy (5.2M tons), toobtainher accounting for 50% of total consumption.

From 2013 to 2024, the largegest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +13.4%), while consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Spain ($25.4B), Italy ($13B) and the UK ($12.8B) were the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2024, with a combined 45% share of the total market.

In terms of the main consuming countries, Spain, with a CAGR of +15.1%, saw the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review, while market for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of paper bag per capita consumption in 2024 were Ireland (258 kg per person), Spain (244 kg per person) and the Netherlands (101 kg per person).

From 2013 to 2024, the largegest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +13.3%), while consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

Europe’s Production of Sacks And Bags Of Paper

In 2024, production of sacks and bags of paper decreased by -7.8% to 48M tons, falling for the second year in a row after four years of growth. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trfinish pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 13%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum volume at 54M tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, paper bag production fell to $111.7B in 2024 estimated in export price. The total production indicated modest growth from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the last eleven years. The trfinish pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, production decreased by -9.8% against 2022 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the production volume increased by 21% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $123.8B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production By Counattempt

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2024 were Spain (12M tons), Russia (7.8M tons) and Italy (5.5M tons), with a combined 52% share of total production.

From 2013 to 2024, the largegest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +13.2%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports

Europe’s Imports of Sacks And Bags Of Paper

In 2024, approx. 7.9M tons of sacks and bags of paper were imported in Europe; picking up by 11% compared with the previous year. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the period from 2013 to 2024; however, the trfinish pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 12%. The volume of import peaked at 7.9M tons in 2022; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024.

In value terms, paper bag imports shrank to $15.8B in 2024. Total imports indicated a perceptible expansion from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last eleven-year period. The trfinish pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, imports decreased by -8.8% against 2022 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 19%. The level of import peaked at $17.3B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports By Counattempt

The purchases of the four major importers of sacks and bags of paper, namely the Netherlands, France, Germany and Ireland, represented more than half of total import. It was distantly followed by Belgium (453K tons), constituting a 5.8% share of total imports. The UK (317K tons), Spain (267K tons), Switzerland (245K tons), Denmark (230K tons) and the Czech Republic (223K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2013 to 2024, the largegest increases were recorded for Ireland (with a CAGR of +20.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, France ($2.2B), Germany ($1.9B) and the Netherlands ($1.6B) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2024, toobtainher comprising 36% of total imports. The UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Ireland and Denmark lagged somewhat behind, toobtainher comprising a further 31%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Ireland, with a CAGR of +5.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Counattempt

The import price in Europe stood at $2,007 per ton in 2024, with a decrease of -14.4% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a mild reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $2,376 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by counattempt of destination: amid the top importers, the counattempt with the highest price was the UK ($3,865 per ton), while Ireland ($523 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK (+3.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

Europe’s Exports of Sacks And Bags Of Paper

In 2024, overseas shipments of sacks and bags of paper decreased by -8.4% to 6.2M tons, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trfinish pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 12% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 7.8M tons. From 2022 to 2024, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, paper bag exports contracted to $15.6B in 2024. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2013 to 2024; however, the trfinish pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 19%. The level of export peaked at $17B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports By Counattempt

In 2024, Germany (1.5M tons), distantly followed by Poland (769K tons), the Netherlands (585K tons), Italy (558K tons), Belgium (404K tons), Austria (362K tons) and Spain (350K tons) were the main exporters of sacks and bags of paper, toobtainher generating 72% of total exports. The Czech Republic (268K tons), France (207K tons) and Hungary (151K tons) held a relatively compact share of total exports.

From 2013 to 2024, the largegest increases were recorded for Poland (with a CAGR of +6.5%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($3.6B), Poland ($1.9B) and Italy ($1.5B) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2024, with a combined 45% share of total exports.

Poland, with a CAGR of +8.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Counattempt

In 2024, the export price in Europe amounted to $2,512 per ton, with an increase of 2.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a relatively flat trfinish pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2023 when the export price increased by 12% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by counattempt of origin: amid the top suppliers, the counattempt with the highest price was France ($3,644 per ton), while Belgium ($2,098 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+3.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Innotifyigence Platform

This report provides a comprehensive view of the paper bag and container indusattempt in Europe, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the regional value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and finish-apply segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.

Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it relocates between exporters and importers within Europe. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market enattempt, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the paper bag and container landscape in Europe.

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Key findings

Regional demand is shaped by both hoapplyhold and industrial usage, with trade flows linking supply hubs to import-reliant countries.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exmodify rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depfinishs on input availability and production efficiency, creating distinct cost curves across Europe.
Market concentration varies by counattempt, creating different competitive landscapes and enattempt barriers.
The 2035 outsee highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the region.

Report scope

The report combines market sizing with trade innotifyigence and price analytics for Europe. It covers both historical performance and the forward outsee to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts across countries and sub-regions.

Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by finish-apply segments and countries
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Regional trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market enattempt conditions

Product coverage

Prodcom 17211230 – Sacks and bags, with a base width . .40 cm, of paper, p aperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres
Prodcom 17211250 – Sacks and bags of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres (excluding those with a base width. .40 cm)
Prodcom 17211300 – Cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboard
Prodcom 17211400 – Folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard
Prodcom 17211530 – Other packaging containers, including record sleeves, n.e.c.
Prodcom 17211550 – Box files, letter trays, storage boxes and similar articles of paper or paperboard of a kind applyd in offices, shops or the like

Counattempt coverage

Counattempt profiles and benchmarks

For the regional report, counattempt profiles provide a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators across Europe. The profiles highlight the largest consuming and producing markets and allow direct benchmarking across peers.

Methodology

The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.

International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation

All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.

Forecasts to 2035

The forecast horizon extfinishs to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links paper bag and container demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts within Europe.

Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outsee for major producing countries

Each counattempt projection is built from its own historical pattern and the regional context, allowing the report to display where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.

Price analysis and trade dynamics

Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and modifys in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exmodify rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.

Price benchmarks by counattempt and sub-region
Export and import unit value trfinishs
Seasonality and calfinishar effects in trade flows
Price outsee to 2035 under baseline assumptions

Profiles of market participants

Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This assists identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.

Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context

How to apply this report

Quantify regional demand and identify the most attractive counattempt markets
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize tarobtain destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against regional competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who necessary a clear, data-driven picture of paper bag and container dynamics in Europe.