Brewing or distilling dregs and waste market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The market for brewing and distilling dregs and waste in Denmark grew from 62 309 t in 2018 to a peak of 88 628 t in 2022. This expansion was primarily driven by the implementation of the EU waste directive and national recycling targets, which increased focus on material recovery over incineration. Enhanced control over waste sorting and treatment facilities encouraged more systematic collection and processing of industrial by-products, including those from brewing and distillation.

Market volume then declined to 71 917 t in 2023 and 68 596 t in 2024. This downturn coincided with revealed inefficiencies in the recycling system, where the actual recycling rate remained at 47% despite high collection rates. Preparations for stricter legislation effective from January 2025, including strengthened supervision of incineration plants to prevent burning of recyclable waste, tightened waste flows. A simultaneous 28% rise in collected food waste from households also altered the composition of available material.

Production brewing or distilling dregs and waste in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Denmark's production of brewing or distilling dregs and waste has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 2 815 thousand US dollars, marking a modest rise of 7.6% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 17.6%, which translates to an average annual increase of 5.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 280 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 4.8%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020, reaching 14.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

After two years of growth, Denmark's production volume of brewing or distilling dregs and waste declined. In 2021, 49 439 tonnes were produced, representing a 2.0% drop from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, overall production increased by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 50 435 tonnes, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 11.0%.

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

Exports brewing or distilling dregs and waste from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Denmark's exports of brewing or distilling dregs and waste amounted to 13 867 tonnes, a decline of 3.7% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 23.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 9 827 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 14 402 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.3%, and the largest increase was in 2020 at 46.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden remained the primary destination for Denmark's exports in kind, accounting for 82.5% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

Denmark's cross-border shipments of brewing or distilling dregs and waste have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export value reached 1 218 thousand US dollars, showing a limited gain of 9.2% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 60.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 701 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 7.4%. The largest increase was in 2020 at 59.1%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Sweden played the leading role in Denmark's exports in value terms, holding an 80.7% share of total flows. Other markets collectively accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports brewing or distilling dregs and waste to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2021, Denmark's imports of brewing or distilling dregs and waste reached 48 070 tonnes, a sudden rise of 77.0% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 27 164 tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 27.1%. Overall, there was a 1.8-fold variation between the maximum in 2021 and the minimum in 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, two countries—Sweden and Germany—concentrated most of Denmark's imports in kind of brewing or distilling dregs and waste. Other markets were individually less significant.

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

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. In 2021, Denmark imported brewing or distilling dregs and waste valued at 12 874 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp uptick of 104.4% relative to the prior year. The lowest value was in 2020 at 6 437 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 26.5%. Imports changed by 2-fold from the trough in 2020 to the peak in 2021.

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

Over 2018–2021, Sweden and Germany clearly dominated Denmark's import partner structure in value terms, while other countries together formed the remaining share.

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

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