Beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The market for beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste in Denmark showed considerable volatility from 2018 to 2021, with volume peaking at 299.2 thousand tonnes in 2020 before dropping to 207.8 thousand tonnes in 2021. This sharp decline in 2021 coincided with a dramatic 64.7% fall in export volumes, reflecting reduced international demand for Danish products. Earlier, in 2018, export prices had risen by 40%, indicating shifting market valuations.

Market contraction continued through 2022 and 2023, with volume reaching a low of 105.7 thousand tonnes in 2023. During this period, a key industry development was the 2023 cooperation agreement between Nordzucker and Nature Energy to use biomethane from beet residues, aiming to decarbonize sugar production and reduce CO₂ emissions. This initiative highlighted a growing focus on sustainability and circular economy practices within the sector.

In 2024, the market stabilized with volume rising to 134.2 thousand tonnes, supported by Denmark's role as a major importer in Europe, with import prices reaching $280 per ton. The following year, 2025, saw the implementation of new Danish packaging legislation introducing extended producer responsibility, which changed packaging and waste management rules for agricultural and food products, including beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste.

Production beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Denmark's output of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste was valued at 20 081 K $ US, showing a slight decrease of 1.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 8.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 453 K $ US, while the highest was in 2020 at 20 457 K $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 27.2%, whereas the largest increase was in 2020, rising by 52.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Denmark produced 99.8 K t of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste, marking a 10.1% decrease from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 2.5%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 0.8%. The minimum volume was in 2019 at 75.1 K t, and the maximum was in 2020 at 111.0 K t. The steepest drop was in 2019, down 26.6%, while the biggest rise was in 2020, up 47.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste from Denmark

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Denmark exported 7.4 K t of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste, reflecting a sharp year-on-year decline of 64.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, up 36.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden were the key partners for Denmark's exports of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste in kind. Ireland accounted for 30.8% of exports, Norway for 30.4%, and Sweden for 24.0%, together representing 85.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility over these years. The period from 2018 to 2021 saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.2 times. In 2021, Denmark's cross-border shipments of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste totaled 1 868 K $ US, indicating a sharp decline of 50.3% compared to 2020. The largest increase was in 2020, up 15.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Norway, Ireland, and Sweden accounted for the largest share of Denmark's exports in value terms. Norway represented 32.7% of exports, Ireland 31.3%, and Sweden 18.3%, collectively comprising 82.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste to Denmark

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Denmark's import volume of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste totaled 115.4 K t, reflecting a 44.8% decline compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 44.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 209.1 K t, with the largest increase that year at 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Over the 2018–2021 period, Russia consistently accounted for 89.9% of Denmark's total imports in kind, indicating a high concentration on this market, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Denmark's imports of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste amounted to 27 686 K $ US, representing a dramatic fall of 28.4% versus the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 33.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.6%. The largest increase was in 2020, up 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, Russia effectively concentrated imports in value terms of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste to Denmark, holding a share of 90.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021