The Polish market for corrugated packaging and recycled containerboard is seeing further price increases ahead of April deliveries. At the same time, additional hikes are being discussed for Kraftliner, pointing to continued cost pressure across the entire value chain.
Demand for packaging materials has remained stable at the start of 2026, according to industry sources. Paper mills report high utilisation rates and a market that remains relatively balanced – but with clear upward pressure on prices.
– Manufacturers are implementing further price increases for April, and similar adjustments for kraftliner are also under discussion, according to market sources.
High utilisation limits supply
Several market participants report that Polish mills are operating close to full capacity. This limits the ability to quickly expand supply and meet demand, allowing producers to pass on higher costs.
– Mills are running at strong levels, and the market is relatively tight, making it easier to justify price increases, industry sources say.
At the same time, rising costs for raw materials, energy and transport continue to push prices higher across the sector.
Cost pressure across the value chain
Kraftliner, produced from virgin fibres and used in more demanding packaging applications, is also affected by the current market dynamics. Price increases are being discussed alongside those already implemented for recycled containerboard.
This reflects a broader trend across Europe, where the pulp and paper industry continues to struggle with elevated energy costs. The impact is particularly pronounced in countries with energy-intensive production.
Meanwhile, the packaging industry is under pressure from customers across multiple sectors seeking to contain costs. This creates a clear tension between producers’ need to raise prices and customers’ resistance.
Poland strengthens its industry role
Poland has strengthened its position in the European pulp and paper sector over recent decades. The country now hosts a growing industry with both major international groups and regional producers.
Production is largely focused on packaging paper and corrugated materials, with recycled fibres playing a central role. At the same time, the sector is heavily dependent on a stable energy supply – an increasing challenge as electricity prices rise.
Unlike the Nordic countries, where abundant forest resources provide a strong raw material base, Poland relies more on recycling and imported inputs. This makes the market more sensitive to fluctuations in raw material flows and energy costs.
Overall, the outlook remains challenging. If demand stays stable while costs remain elevated, further price increases are likely to be difficult to avoid.
Source: Industry data and market reporting by Karolina Utracki.
Fact check
Corrugated materials are widely used in the packaging industry and are closely linked to economic activity and trade. Stable demand in Europe has supported the market, but high energy and raw material costs continue to drive price increases across the value chain.
