Europe Trash Bag Industry Outlook from 2024 to 2034

Europe trash bag industry is estimated to hold a valuation of USD 2,244.1 million in 2024. The industry is anticipated to reach USD 2,786.9 million by 2034. Sales revenue of trash bags in Europe is projected to expand at a CAGR of 2.2% throughout 2024 and 2034. In Europe, the revenue generated by trash bags in 2023 was USD 2,206.6 million and is anticipated to exhibit Y-o-Y growth of 1.7% in 2024.

The polyethylene trash bags segment is anticipated to reach USD 1,009.9 million in 2024. The segment is poised to gain an incremental opportunity worth USD 179.9 million with an expansion of 1.2 times the total market value.

Polyethylene trash bags offer strength, durability, and puncture resistance which makes them ideal for both in households as well as for commercial use. These bags are flexible which makes them accommodate any shape of waste items and handle large amounts of waste without tearing. Polyethylene bags are waste-resistant and inexpensive which makes them the most preferred ones among consumers.

Europe Trash Bag Industry Forecast

Attributes Key Insights
Historical Size, 2023 USD 2,206.6 million
Estimated Size, 2024 USD 2,244.1 million
Projected Size, 2034 USD 2,786.9 million
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) 2.2%

Degradable trash bags are predicted to gain an incremental expansion of 1.3 times the total market value with a Y-O-Y growth of 3.1% by 2034. Degradable bags decompose easily compared to traditional bags and further naturally get converted to non-toxic substances which minimizes their impact on the ecosystem.

Implementation of stricter regulations by higher authorities in government to reduce plastic waste, such as a ban on single-use plastic, is also complying with end users' degradable trash bags. Changing consumer preferences and sustainability initiatives by businesses are leading to creating more demand for the degradable trash bags market.

20 to 40 litre trash bags are expected to reach a market valuation of USD 1,045.6 million by 2034 with a growth rate of 2.4%. This capacity of trash bags gained popularity in the household sector, offering sufficient storage capacity for a day’s waste.

These 20 to 40 liters of trash bags are easy to handle, transport, and dispose of. In Europe, the trash bag industry is projected to generate an incremental growth opportunity of USD 580.3 million, and the sales revenue is anticipated to expand 1.2 times its current market value by the assessment years.

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Semi-Annual Industry Update

The table below presents the expected CAGR for the Europe trash bags market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 2%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 2.3% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.

Particular Value CAGR
H1 2% (2023 to 2033)
H2 2.3% (2023 to 2033)
H1 2.1% (2024 to 2034)
H2 2.5% (2024 to 2034)

Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 2.1% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 2.5% in the second half. In the first half (H1), the market witnessed an increase of 10 BPS, while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 20 BPS.

Key Industry Highlights

Technological Advancement Such as Antimicrobials in Trash Bags

Technological advancements and the growing, dynamic consumer demands are fueling the sales of the trash bags market. With the evolving trends, collaboration and partnerships amongst various stakeholders such as trash bag manufacturers, raw material suppliers, as well as end-user industries took a strategic initiative.

These include keeping the consumer demands in focus and developing an antimicrobial technology for trash bags that offers continuous product protection against bad odor, which may result in bacterial growth.

Antimicrobial technology or coating is a treatment infused with anti-microbial agents such as silver ions or specific compounds added to plastics that liquidate the growth of bacteria, making it useful for applications in the healthcare and food industry where hygiene is primarily focused.

The rise in demand for hygienic and odorless solutions boosted the demand for scented trash bags. Trash bag manufacturers and coating developers are forming strategic partnerships for innovating antimicrobial and scented linings and incorporating them within the bags.

For instance, In April 2023, Microban International and Berry Global underwent a strategic partnership and together launched a line of color scent scented bags that have built-in antimicrobial technology.

Government Recycling Programs to Boost Sales of Trash Bag Industry

Total waste generated in Europe is exceeding the average rate. This amount of waste generated in Europe gives rise to proper waste management systems for collection and disposal. Several local and national governments in Europe have designed and promoted integrated waste management systems to facilitate the collection, sorting, and recycling of waste.

Germany has effective waste management and recycling because of their effective sorting and waste management policies for trash disposal and collection. Europe has effectively implemented policies like the Deposit Refund Scheme, the Packaging Ordinance, the Closed Substance Cycle, and the Waste Management Act, that will create the demand for sturdy trash bags in the region.

Further, to gain active participation from the government, manufacturers designed specific labeled and colored trash bags for separate collections of waste materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and organic matter. These initiatives by various country's governments of Europe are expected to boost sales of the trash bags market.

Stringent Regulations May Hamper Industry Growth

The stringent rules and regulations applied by the various European countries for particular products of plastic bags, focusing on a circular economy by reducing waste, reusability of materials, and recycling existing products, may create challenges for the manufacturers in the trash bags market.

For instance, according to the paper bag organization, in Germany, retailers are not allowed to sell lightweight plastic carrier bags with thicknesses of 15 to 50 μm from the start of 2022. The government of Germany introduced a ban on single-use plastic to prohibit manufacturers from using and importing them. This has created an obstacle to market growth.

Imposition of such regulations by the European countries is pushing manufacturers to shift towards alternatives such as bio-based trash bags which at first may increase the production costs.

Bio-plastics are made from renewable materials such as corn, sugarcane, and starch that reduce the dependence on fossil fuels further promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Further, the rising demand from consumers for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions may create opportunities for manufacturers in the long run.

Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

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2019 to 2023 Europe Trash Bag Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2024 to 2034

The trash bag industry in Europe recorded a CAGR of 0.4% during the historic period between 2019 and 2023. The positive demand trajectory for trash bags led to a gain of USD 2,206.6 million in 2023 from USD 2,173 million in 2019.

Manufacturers in Europe in the past decade manufactured trash bags made of plastics. The growing need and demand from consumers for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions created a demand for sustainable and eco-friendly trash bags in Europe.

Stringent regulations are imposed by the European Union and various countries of Europe, such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and others, to further push manufacturers within Europe to shift towards bio-degradable and compostable materials.

This shift towards bio-degradable and compostable materials is further creating opportunities for the trash bags market. Many manufacturers have started manufacturing bio-degradable trash bags in Europe, complying with various regulations followed by a reduction of carbon footprint and to fulfill growing demand from consumers for sustainable products.

For instance, Walki Plasbel offers compostable bags made of plant-based polymers that comply with the European standard EN13432 and are certified OK COMPOST seal by TUV Austria.

Many European countries have adopted and implemented various schemes for waste recycling, such as the ‘Deposit Refund Scheme’ and strategies like ‘Mandatory waste sorting policies’ to boost the market for trash bags.

The growth of e-commerce platforms expands market accessibility, while the tourism and hospitality sectors drive bulk purchases of trash bags in hotels and restaurants. Furthermore, heightened concerns regarding hygiene and sanitation amid public health crises prioritize reliable trash bags for safe waste disposal, amplifying market demand.

Industry Concentration

Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders with market revenue of above USD 30 million capturing a cumulative market share of 5% to 10% in the Europe market. These market leaders are characterized by maximum market share, high production capacity, strong brand recognition, and a wide product portfolio.

These market players are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple types of trash bags and a broad geographical reach not only in Europe but also worldwide presence, underpinned by a robust consumer base.

These companies are significantly investing in research and development activities for innovation. Prominent companies within Tier 1 include CEDO Ltd., Berry Global Inc., and Pack-It BV.

Tier 2 companies include mid-size players with revenue of USD 1 to 30 million, having a presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a selected presence in specific countries, catering to selected trash bag products, moderate investment in research, and well-maintained market knowledge.

Prominent companies in tier 2 include Plasta Group, Novolex Holdings LLC, Sphere Group Polipak Sp. z o.o, Leedan Packaging Ltd, SIMPAC UK, Primax d.o.o., Dagoplast AS, and Novplasta, S.R.O.

Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets having revenue below USD 1 million. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.

They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.

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Country-wise Insights

The section below covers the future forecast for the Europe trash bags market, specifically for European countries. Germany is anticipated to consume prominent trash bags, recording CAGRs of 1.5% through 2034. The United Kingdom is projected to reach a 7.4% value share by 2034 end.

Countries Value CAGR (2024 to 2034)
Germany 1.5%
United Kingdom 2.4%
France 2.6%
Italy 1.6%
Benelux 3.3%

Growing Healthcare Industry in Germany to Boost Sales of Trash Bags

Germany has a large and well-developed healthcare industry, one of the largest in Europe. The industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by an aging population and increasing demand for medical services. This growth is likely to lead to an increased demand for trash bags, as hospitals and other healthcare facilities generate a large amount of medical waste.

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities in Germany are required to comply with strict regulations for the disposal of medical waste. This waste is typically segregated into different categories, such as infectious waste, hazardous waste, and sharps. Trash bags are used to collect and transport this waste safely.

There are a variety of trash bags available for medical waste, each designed to meet the specific needs of the type of waste being collected. For example, infectious waste bags are typically red in color and made of puncture-resistant material. Hazardous waste bags may be yellow or orange and have special labels to warn of the hazards of the contents.

German medical device market is approximately USD 42 billion annually i.e., 25% of the total European market. This growth in the healthcare industry gives rise to healthcare waste, which can be infectious to human health, boosting the demand for biohazard waste bags.

These biohazard waste bags are linear low-density liners with a sealed bottom, which protects the handler from the inside hazardous material.

Further anti-leakage and anti-pollution properties of the medical waste bags prevent the leakage and spread of medical waste boosting the sales of medical waste bags. The German trash bags market is expected to reach a market valuation of USD 518.1 million with a growing CAGR of 1.5% during the forecast period.

United Kingdom’s Construction Sector to Fuel the Industry for Trash Bags

The United Kingdom’s construction industry is predicted to incline at a rapid pace.

The various activities of construction like renovation, new construction, and demolition of existing structures require handling and proper disposal of disused materials such as iron, bricks, wood, and old tiles, boosting the demand for big bulk bags that are also applicable and capable of collection, storage, and transportation of rubbles like rocks, cement, stones, and sands safely to the construction site and from construction sites to disposal grounds.

Heavy-duty trash bags are strong, durable, and capable of holding carrying tools. These trash bags are eco-friendly can be reused multiple times are predicted to fuel the sales of big bulk trash bags. The United Kingdom’s trash bags market is poised to gain an incremental opportunity worth USD 108.3 million with an expansion of 1.3 times the total market value during the forecast period.

Category-wise Insights

The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. Polyethylene trash bags are anticipated to hold a 45% market share by 2024 and are predicted to grow with a CAGR of 1.6% during the forecast period. DIY/ Households are expected to gain more than 25% share in 2024, reaching a valuation of USD 579.7 million in 2024.

Retail Sales Dominate Trash Bag Industry in Europe

Segment Retail Sales
Value Share (2034) 71.2%

A rising number of retail stores in Europe such as hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores, are contributing to the trash bag sales. Retail stores have established brands that provide reliable trash bags and competitive prices to attract consumers. Households require regular kitchen trash bags for waste management, which boosts the retail sales of kitchen trash bags.

Retail sales of trash bags are projected to reach the valuation of USD 1,983.9 million reaching 71.2% of value share by 2034. eCommerce, on the other hand, is predicted to gain an incremental opportunity worth USD 123.8 million with a CAGR of 2.5%.

DIY/Households to Use Trash Bags mostly in Europe

Segment DIY/Household
Value Share (2034) 23.8%

The growing urge for renovations in Europe and various DIY projects is predicted to raise the demand for heavy-duty trash bags required for the collection of paint cans, construction debris, and other renovation waste. Further innovations in bag materials making it leak-proof, convenient closures, and others enhanced its usability in the household and DIY sectors.

DIY/Households are currently capturing more than 25.8% of the market share in 2024, generating an incremental opportunity of USD 88.8 million during the upcoming decade. DIY/Household is projected to grow at 1.4% during the assessment period.

Competition Landscape

Key players in the industry are further developing trash bags with the help of recyclable materials and implanting eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Leading companies are expanding their reach by expansion of products and acquisitions.

Recent Developments in Europe Trash Bag Industry

  • In April 2024, PLASTA GROUP launched ECOPLASTA, a series of recycled garbage bags and bin liners manufactured from 100% recycled post-consumer waste, particularly for the German market under the brand ECOPlasta.
  • In March 2023, Berry Global relaunched CHSA (Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association), the company’s popular accredited green sack range of refuse sacks.

Key Players of the Trash Bag Industry in Europe

  • Berry Global Inc.
  • Plasta Group
  • MirPack
  • Novplasta, S.R.O
  • Pack-It BV
  • Polipak Sp. z o.o
  • Achaika Plastic S.A
  • Sphere Group
  • CEDO Ltd.
  • Dagoplast AS
  • Primax d.o.o.
  • Tesla Plastic
  • THANTAWAN INDUSTRY PLC
  • Simpac UK
  • NOVOLEX HOLDINGS LLC
  • TERDEX GMBH
  • LEEDAN PACKAGING LTD

Europe Trash Bag Industry Segmentation

By Material:

Based on material, trash bags are segregated into polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), bioplastics, and other materials. Further, polyethylene is categorized into low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

By Capacity:

In terms of capacity, the trash bag is divided into up to 20 litres, 20 to 40 litres, 40 to 100 liters, and above 100 liters.

By Bag Type:

Trash bags are subdivided into the following types degradable, and non-degradable.

By Sales Channel:

By sales channel, the trash bags market is classified into manufacturer/direct sales, retail sales and e-commerce. Retail sales are further sub-categorized into hypermarkets & supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty stores.

By End-use:

Trash bags are classified into retail, hotels, restaurants & cafes (HoReCa), public -sector/services, building & construction, healthcare, and DIY/household.

By Country:

Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, BENELUX, Nordics, Russia, Hungary, Poland, and Rest of Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the future of Europe trash bag industry?

The industry is projected to witness a CAGR of 2.2% between 2024 and 2034.

What was the worth of the Europe trash bag industry in 2023?

The Europe trash bag industry stood at USD 2,206.6 million in 2023.

What will the worth of trash bag industry in Europe by 2034 end?

Trash bags industry in Europe is anticipated to reach USD 2,786.9 million by 2034 end.

Which country to showcase the highest CAGR during the forecast period?

Benelux is set to record a CAGR of 3.3% in the assessment period.

Who are the key manufacturers of trash bags in Europe?

CEDO Ltd., Berry Global Inc., and Pack-It BV.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Industry Introduction
		2.1. Market Taxonomy
		2.2. Market Definition
	3. Market Trends and Success Factors
	4. Market Background
		4.1. Macro-economic and Industry Outlook
		4.2. Market Dynamics
		4.3. Value Chain Analysis
		4.4. List of Key Market Participants (Manufacturers/Channel Partners)
		4.5. Analysis of Key Industry Matrices
		4.6. Industry Development Roadmap
	5. Market Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
		5.1. Historical Market Volume Analysis
		5.2. Future Market Volume Projections
	6. Pricing Analysis
	7. Market Value (USD) Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
		7.1. Historical Sales Analysis
		7.2. Future Market Size and Growth Projections
	8. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Material
		8.1. Polyethylene
			8.1.1. Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)
			8.1.2. Linear Low-density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
			8.1.3. High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)
		8.2. Polypropylene (PP)
		8.3. Bioplastics
		8.4. Other Materials
	9. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Capacity
		9.1. Up to 20 Liters
		9.2. 20-40 Liters
		9.3. 40-100 Liters
		9.4. Above 100 Liters
	10. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Bag Type
		10.1. Degradable
		10.2. Non-degradable
	11. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Sales Channel
		11.1. Manufacturer / Direct Sales
		11.2. Retail Sales
			11.2.1. Hypermarket & Supermarket
			11.2.2. Convenience Stores
			11.2.3. Specialty Stores
		11.3. E-Commerce
	12. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by End Use
		12.1. Retail
		12.2. Hotels, Restaurants & Cafes (HoReCa)
		12.3. Public -Sector / Services
		12.4. Building & Construction
		12.5. Healthcare
		12.6. DIY / Household
	13. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Country
		13.1. Germany
		13.2. France
		13.3. Spain
		13.4. Italy
		13.5. United Kingdom
		13.6. BENELUX
		13.7. Nordics
		13.8. Russia
		13.9. Hungary
		13.10. Poland
		13.11. Rest of Europe
	14. Competition Outlook, Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard
	15. Company Profile
		15.1. Berry Global Inc.
		15.2. Plasta Group
		15.3. MirPack
		15.4. Novplasta, S.R.O
		15.5. Pack-It BV
		15.6. Polipak Sp. z o.o
		15.7. Achaika Plastic S.A
		15.8. Sphere Group
		15.9. CEDO Ltd.
		15.10. Dagoplast AS
		15.11. Primax d.o.o.
		15.12. Tesla Plastic
		15.13. THANTAWAN INDUSTRY PLC
		15.14. Simpac UK
		15.15. NOVOLEX HOLDINGS LLC
		15.16. TERDEX GMBH
		15.17. LEEDAN PACKAGING LTD
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