The Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) are emphasizing deposit return schemes, strengthening extended producer responsibility (EPR) and expanding waste separation, but differ significantly in market structure, recycling efficiency and investment needs.
The packaging markets in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are developing in the context of increased regulation in line with EU regulations, the introduction of deposit return schemes and EPR. At the same time, the packaging and processing markets in these countries are closely interconnected and are developing along a single path.
One common feature of the Baltic countries is that they have already introduced deposit return systems for beverage packaging: Estonia in 2005, Lithuania in 2016, Latvia in 2022. The amount of packaging waste per capita in all three countries remains below the EU27 average of 186.5 kg per person in 2022.
Among the Baltic countries, Estonia is one of the most advanced in the field of packaging recycling. According to the European Environment Agency, packaging waste amounted to approximately 143 kg per capita in 2022.
At the same time, Estonia’s overall waste recycling rate is already exceeding the 2025 target. The European Environment Agency explicitly states that the country has already exceeded its 65% packaging waste recycling target set for 2025, and is one of the few EU member states that is ahead of its required packaging recycling rates. According to the Economic Commission for Europe, this is also facilitated by the long-standing deposit refund system for drinks packaging.
It is noted that this area of regulation remains the most important factor in the future. The report from the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK) sets out a clear reform plan for Estonia, with stricter waste separation, increased producer obligations, planned packaging tax reform and a goal to make packaging more environmentally friendly and recyclable.
Improved direct collection of packaging waste at source and better digital waste data are expected to further advance the circular economy.
The volume of the packaging services sector in 2026 is estimated at approximately 44 million euros. Paper, cardboard and plastic play a special role in the overall balance of packaging materials. In 2026, production of paper and paper products in Estonia, which accounts for a significant portion of cardboard and paper packaging, is forecast to be just over EUR 240 million. (Market Report)