About The Report
Sales of Retail Paper Bags In Europe are estimated to be valued at around USD 1,874.5 million in 2023. The business is expected to reach USD 2,956.1 million by 2033. Revenue of the retail paper bag business in Europe is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% in the forecast period 2023 to 2033.
The revenue generated by retail paper bags in 2022 was USD 1,778.1 million and is anticipated to exhibit a y-o-y growth of 5.4% in 2023. The agriculture sector is a significant user of retail paper bags, which will gain more than 38% of the share in terms of value by 2022.
Retail paper bags made out of brown kraft paper are set to capture a prominent value share of 58% and are expected to surge at a CAGR of around 4.1% over the forecast period. Sewn open-mouth bags turn out to be the most popular ones among the other types of retail paper bags.
These are anticipated to gain 1/3rd of the share in 2033, generating a total financial potential of USD 374 million between 2023 and 2033.
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Europe Retail Paper Bag Revenue, 2022 | USD 1,778.1 million |
| Europe Retail Paper Bag Business Estimated Revenue, 2023 | USD 1,874.5 million |
| Europe Retail Paper Bag Business Projected Revenue, 2033 | USD 2,956.1 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.7% |
The demand for retail paper bags in Europe is expected to experience lucrative growth during the forecast period. A study of the retail paper bag business in Europe predicts that sales will rise from 2023 to 2033.
The business is projected to foster a growth potential of USD 1.2 billion and is anticipated to expand 1.6x times the current value during the assessment period.
The retail sector is an essential part of the economy in Europe, where several types of businesses sell goods to customers.
The demand for food and beverages, consumer products, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products is increasing at a higher rate, which has led to the opening of new shopping malls and supermarkets in several countries in Europe. This growth has positively influenced the demand for paper bags in the retail sector.
The cost-effectiveness of paper bags is another factor driving their adoption in the retail sector. Paper bags are relatively inexpensive compared to other packaging materials, making them an attractive option for retailers who need to keep their packaging costs under control.
As retailers and consumers continue to prioritize eco-friendly packaging options, the demand for paper bags made from biodegradable materials such as craft paper and recycled fiber is expected to increase. It is set to provide further growth opportunities for the retail paper bag business in Europe.
Several countries in Europe, such as Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, have implemented bans on single-use plastic bags. These bans have created a significant demand for alternative packaging solutions, such as retail paper bags, which are seen as a more environmentally conscious option.
This has resulted in a growing demand for paper bags, which has contributed to the expansion of retail paper bags in Europe.
As per the European Commission (EU), growing concerns over the environmental impact of single-use plastics have led to the implementation of several restrictions for controlling plastic litter.
Governments across the continent have been implementing regulations and bans on single-use plastics to reduce plastic waste and pollution.
Businesses have been compelled to find alternative packaging solutions. Paper bags have emerged as a biodegradable option to be used over plastic bags, which has led to an increased demand for paper bags in the retail sector.
Europe recorded a CAGR of 3.4% during the historical period. It showcased a revenue of USD 1,778.1 million in 2022, which was a surge from USD 1,570.4 million in 2018.
Increasing concerns for the environment have been contributing to the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions such as paper bags and other sustainable packaging solutions.
Retailers and manufacturers are increasingly adopting sustainable packaging practices, which are expected to drive the growth of the retail bag space in the region.
Consumers’ growing shift toward online shopping has had a significant impact on the paper bag business in Europe. As more consumers opt for home delivery services, the demand for retail paper bags that can be used for packaging and transporting products has been on the rise.
To meet this demand, retailers and manufacturers have been increasingly focusing on developing durable and sturdy bags that can protect the contents during transit.
Manufacturers have been developing bags specifically designed to meet the growing demand for the retail sector for home delivery services. These bags are made from durable materials such as kraft paper, which provides adequate protection to the contents during transit. They also feature handles and other convenience features that make them easy to carry and dispose of.
The retail bag space in Europe is expected to witness significant growth in the forecast years, driven by several factors. These include the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging, the shift toward online shopping, government initiatives, increasing consumer awareness, and innovative product development.
Semi-annual Sales Update
The table presents the expected CAGR for Europe's retail paper bag space over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2022 to 2033. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2022 to 2032, the field is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 3.4%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 4.2% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2023 to H2 2033, the CAGR is projected to increase slightly to 4.4% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 3.7% in the second half.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.4% (2022 to 2032) |
| H2 | 4.2% (2022 to 2032) |
| H1 | 4.4% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 3.7% (2023 to 2033) |
| Attributes | Key Factors |
|---|---|
| Latest Trends |
|
| Upcoming Opportunities |
|
| Challenges |
|
In the table below of the growth potential of retail paper bags in Europe, CAGRs of leading countries are provided. France will likely lead the field of retail paper bags by exhibiting a CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2033.
The country is set to be followed by Germany and the United Kingdom, with the same CAGR of 4.2% through 2033.
| Countries | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Germany | 4.2% |
| Italy | 2.6% |
| France | 4.6% |
| United Kingdom | 4.2% |
| Spain | 3.1% |
Germany has one of the leading e-commerce sectors in Europe. The number of e-commerce consumers, internet penetration, and the average amount spent per year is above the total average in Europe, as stated by the International Trade Administration.
Retail sales in Europe accounted for USD 127.5 billion in 2021, which translates to a 24% growth compared to 2020. It is expected that the online population in Germany will increase from USD 62.4 million in 2020 to USD 68.4 million in 2025. E-commerce penetration in 2021 reached 77% in Germany.
Online retailers require packaging materials which is durable, sustainable, and cost-effective, and retail paper bags are a popular choice for these reasons.
Paper bags made from kraft paper are durable and can withstand the rigors of shipping, making them a reliable packaging option for e-commerce companies. In addition to being durable, retail paper bags are also a sustainable packaging option.
Unlike plastic bags, these paper bags are biodegradable and can be recycled easily. This makes them an eco-friendly alternative for e-commerce companies that are looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Germany is estimated to establish an added dollar value of USD 131.4 million between 2023 and 2033.
The United Kingdom is considered a home for everything- from internationally recognized brands to artisanal small businesses, as stated by the Department of Business and Trade. Its retail sector has proven resilient, with sales reaching USD 441 billion in 2020.
The United Kingdom has the world’s wealthiest shoppers, who spend an average of over USD 31.76 billion in stores in the country. It is the leading average spend of all countries across Europe.
The United Kingdom is the second most popular destination for elite shoppers, taking a 31% share. Strength in this field makes the United Kingdom an exciting location for the provision of services in high-end retail.
The United Kingdom has a large and mature retail sector, with a diverse range of businesses catering to several customer needs. This includes supermarkets, department stores, specialty stores, and online retailers, all of whom require packaging solutions for their products.
Increasing retail sales in the United Kingdom is significantly influencing the demand for retail paper bags in Europe. The United Kingdom is estimated to record a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period.
The retail sector in the United Kingdom is highly competitive, with a wide range of retailers offering several products and services to customers. To stand out and attract customers, retailers are turning to sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options, including retail paper bags.
Italy is expected to showcase a CAGR of 2.6% in Europe’s retail paper bag business through 2033. Italy has seen a rise in the importance of sustainability, which is consistent with developments in other nations across Europe.
In an effort to reduce their impact on the environment, retailers are embracing paper bags and other eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
Italy has been enacting laws to limit the usage of single-use plastics. The demand for paper bags as an alternative to plastic bags can be impacted by these rules. Growing environmental consciousness among customers in Italy has resulted in a preference for stores using eco-friendly packaging. The space for paper bags can be driven by this awareness.
Due to its historical landmarks and rich cultural offerings, Italy is a well-liked travel destination. As such, the expectations and preferences of travelers can have an impact on the retail business, which includes the usage of paper bags.
Customers in Italy are frequently appreciative of designs and aesthetics. Retailers can concentrate on providing visually attractive and well-designed paper bags as a component of the whole shopping experience.
France is expected to showcase a CAGR of 4.6% in Europe’s retail paper bag business through 2033. Small and local enterprises are widely prevalent in France.
These companies and manufacturers can surge their production for paper bags, particularly if they are looking for locally made and environmentally friendly packaging options.
The increasing e-commerce in Italy can have an impact on the need for packing options appropriate for online shipping. The e-commerce sector would utilize paper bags more frequently.
The use of paper bags in the retail sector can be impacted by the government of France’s programs and incentives that support sustainable practices. Retailers must comprehend cultural customs and preferences related to packaging and buying. Paper bags' commercial success can be impacted by adopting or adhering to certain principles.
The table below highlights the demand for retail paper bags in Europe by product, end-use, and material type. Under material type, the brown kraft segment will likely remain dominant in the assessment period with a CAGR of 3.1% by 2033.
Based on the product, the pasted valve segment is set to showcase a significant CAGR of 4.9% through 2033 in the field of retail paper bags in Europe.
| Segment | Value-based CAGR |
|---|---|
| Brown Kraft (Material) | 3.1% |
| Pasted Valve (Product) | 4.9% |
| Agriculture (End-use) | 2.0% |
Kraft paper is biodegradable and recyclable, which means that it can be easily decomposed by natural processes and does not contribute to long-term environmental pollution.
The recycling process for kraft paper is less energy-intensive than that of other types of paper and plastic, which reduces the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.
Brown kraft paper bags are likely to expand at a moderate CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period. Brown kraft paper is estimated to account for around 58.2% of the total retail paper bag sector by 2023. The segment is expected to reach a valuation of USD 1,638.2 million by 2033.
Brown kraft paper is becoming more and more popular in the field of retail bags across Europe as a result of legislation supporting sustainable packaging and an increased emphasis on minimizing plastic waste.
Packaging materials such as brown kraft paper are in high demand due to consumer preferences and eco-awareness. To satisfy customer expectations, retailers can use brown kraft paper in response to this demand.
The agriculture segment leads the retail paper bag business in Europe, and it is expected to hold 32.0% of the share in 2033. Agriculture products require packaging that is sturdy and durable to withstand the stringencies of transportation and storage.
Retail paper bags made of kraft paper are an ideal packaging option for agricultural products due to their strength, durability, and moisture resistance. They can protect products such as grains, seeds, and fertilizers from damage and moisture, ensuring that they reach their destination in good condition.
Key companies in Europe's retail paper bag business are concentrating on developing sustainable solutions and innovations. To strengthen their resources, renowned players are also seeking to execute the merger and acquisition strategy. To accommodate the increasing demand, a handful of other firms are creating different products.
For instance,
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Europe Retail Paper Bag Business Revenue (2023) | USD 1,874.5 million |
| Projected Europe Retail Paper Bags Revenue (2033) | USD 2,956.1 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.7% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2022 |
| Historical Data | 2018 to 2022 |
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Quantitative Units | Revenue in USD million, Volume in Units, and CAGR from 2023 to 2033 |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis |
| Segments Covered | Material, Product, Thickness, End-use, Country |
| Key Countries Covered | Germany, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Spain, BENELUX, Russia, Rest of Europe |
| Key Companies Profiled | Mondi Plc; Smurfit Kappa Group Plc; International Paper Company; Novolex Holdings, Inc.; Welton Bibby And Baron Limited; ProAmpac LLC; Gerhard Schürholz GmbH; Huhtamaki Oyj; Toybe Global Packaging; AB Group Packaging; Smith Anderson Group Ltd; Milhe & Avons; BillerudKorsnas AB; CEE Schisler Packaging Solutions |
The business is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% by 2033.
The worth of the Europe retail paper bag business in 2022 was USD 1,778.1 million.
In 2033, the Europe retail paper bag business is set to reach USD 2,956.1 million.
Several fashion and retail brands are focusing on adopting paper bags in their packaging.
Mondi plc, Smurfit Kappa Group plc, and International Paper Company.
Table 01: Volume (million Units), by Product, 2018H to 2033F
Table 02: Value (US$ million), by Product, 2018H to 2033F
Table 03: Volume (million Units), by Material, 2018H to 2033F
Table 04: Value (US$ million), by Material, 2018H to 2033F
Table 05: Volume (million Units), by Thickness, 2018H to 2033F
Table 06: Value (US$ million), by Thickness, 2018H to 2033F
Table 07: Volume (million Units), by End-use, 2018H to 2033F
Table 08: Value (US$ million), by End-use, 2018H to 2033F
Table 09: Volume (million Units), by Region, 2018H to 2033F
Table 10: Value (US$ million), by Region, 2018H to 2033F
Figure 01: Share Analysis, by Product, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Figure 02: Y-o-Y Analysis, by Product, 2018(H) to 2033(F)
Figure 03: Attractiveness, by Product, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Figure 04: Share Analysis, by Material, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Figure 05: Y-o-Y Analysis, by Material, 2018(H) to 2033(F)
Figure 06: Attractiveness, by Material, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Figure 07: Share Analysis, by Thickness, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Figure 08: Y-o-Y Analysis, by Thickness, 2018(H) to 2033(F)
Figure 09: Attractiveness, by Thickness, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Figure 10: Share Analysis, by End-use, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Figure 11: Y-o-Y Analysis, by End-use, 2018(H) to 2033(F)
Figure 12: Attractiveness, by End-use, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Figure 13: Share Analysis, by Country, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Figure 14: Y-o-Y Analysis, by Country, 2018(H) to 2033(F)
Figure 15: Attractiveness, by Country, 2023(E) to 2033(F)
Our Research Products
The "Full Research Suite" delivers actionable market intel, deep dives on markets or technologies, so clients act faster, cut risk, and unlock growth.
The Leaderboard benchmarks and ranks top vendors, classifying them as Established Leaders, Leading Challengers, or Disruptors & Challengers.
Locates where complements amplify value and substitutes erode it, forecasting net impact by horizon
We deliver granular, decision-grade intel: market sizing, 5-year forecasts, pricing, adoption, usage, revenue, and operational KPIs—plus competitor tracking, regulation, and value chains—across 60 countries broadly.
Spot the shifts before they hit your P&L. We track inflection points, adoption curves, pricing moves, and ecosystem plays to show where demand is heading, why it is changing, and what to do next across high-growth markets and disruptive tech
Real-time reads of user behavior. We track shifting priorities, perceptions of today’s and next-gen services, and provider experience, then pace how fast tech moves from trial to adoption, blending buyer, consumer, and channel inputs with social signals (#WhySwitch, #UX).
Partner with our analyst team to build a custom report designed around your business priorities. From analysing market trends to assessing competitors or crafting bespoke datasets, we tailor insights to your needs.
Supplier Intelligence
Discovery & Profiling
Capacity & Footprint
Performance & Risk
Compliance & Governance
Commercial Readiness
Who Supplies Whom
Scorecards & Shortlists
Playbooks & Docs
Category Intelligence
Definition & Scope
Demand & Use Cases
Cost Drivers
Market Structure
Supply Chain Map
Trade & Policy
Operating Norms
Deliverables
Buyer Intelligence
Account Basics
Spend & Scope
Procurement Model
Vendor Requirements
Terms & Policies
Entry Strategy
Pain Points & Triggers
Outputs
Pricing Analysis
Benchmarks
Trends
Should-Cost
Indexation
Landed Cost
Commercial Terms
Deliverables
Brand Analysis
Positioning & Value Prop
Share & Presence
Customer Evidence
Go-to-Market
Digital & Reputation
Compliance & Trust
KPIs & Gaps
Outputs
Full Research Suite comprises of:
Market outlook & trends analysis
Interviews & case studies
Strategic recommendations
Vendor profiles & capabilities analysis
5-year forecasts
8 regions and 60+ country-level data splits
Market segment data splits
12 months of continuous data updates
DELIVERED AS:
PDF EXCEL ONLINE
Europe Ecommerce Paper Bags Market Analysis – Trends & Forecast 2024-2034
Retail Paper Bag Market Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Examining Market Share Trends in the Retail Paper Bag Industry
Trash Bag Industry Analysis in Europe Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Industry Analysis of Paper Bag in North America Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
PE Coated Paper Market Trends & Industry Growth Forecast 2024-2034
Retail Glass Packaging Industry Analysis in Europe and the Middle East and Africa - Size, Share, and Forecast 2025 to 2035
Glassine Paper Industry Analysis in Western Europe Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Barrier Coated Paper Industry Analysis in Europe - Demand, Growth & Future Outlook 2025 to 2035
Saturated Kraft Paper Industry Analysis in Europe Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Machine Glazed Paper Industry Analysis in Western Europe Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Europe Flexible Laminated Paper Market Trends – Forecast 2024-2034
Paper Bags Market Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2026 to 2036
Competitive Breakdown of Paper Bags Providers
Paper Bag Box Market
Europe Bulk Bags Market Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Europe Décor Paper Market Insights – Demand & Growth 2023-2032
Seed Paper Bag Market Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Hemp Paper Bag Market Trends & Industry Growth Forecast 2024-2034
Türkiye Trash Bag Market Trends & Growth Forecast 2024-2034
Retail Paper Bag Industry Analysis in Europe
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
