Cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish market for corrugated paperboard cartons and boxes showed initial stability from 2018 to 2020, with volume hovering around 280 thousand tons. During this period, growing consumer preference for sustainable packaging and the expansion of key suppliers like DS Smith Packaging Denmark laid the groundwork for market development. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 then spurred a clear upturn, as increased demand for e-commerce and food packaging pushed market volume to 283 thousand tons.

Market growth accelerated sharply in 2021, with volume jumping to 328 thousand tons. This surge was supported by the continued e-commerce trend, the entry of niche producers like Papsnedkeren offering tailored solutions, and the launch of new packaging types with advanced functionalities. Regulatory focus on producer responsibility and packaging waste also shaped production strategies. By 2022, growth plateaued at 330 thousand tons as global raw material price increases and supply chain challenges offset demand from specialized segments.

After a slight contraction to 323 thousand tons in 2023, the market rebounded strongly in 2024, reaching 361 thousand tons. This recovery marked the highest volume recorded in the period, indicating renewed expansion in the sector.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Denmark's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 387.8 million US dollars, marking a solid 16.2% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 12.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 332.3 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 4.0% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Denmark's production volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, 266.4 thousand tonnes were produced, showing a moderate increase of 7.3% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production increased by 10%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 236.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 2.5% also taking place that year.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Denmark's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined. In 2021, exports totaled 33 388 tonnes, representing a strong decrease of 21.3% year-over-year. The peak was reached in 2020 at 42 424 tonnes, with the largest increase of 20.0% also recorded that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Germany, and the Faroe Islands were the largest buyers of Denmark's cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in volume terms. Sweden accounted for 26.4% of exports, Germany for 17.1%, and the Faroe Islands for 11.6%, together making up 55.0% of total exports.

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, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Denmark's shipments of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard to foreign markets declined. In 2021, exports were valued at 64.2 million US dollars, down by 3.3% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 66.4 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 4.4% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden, Germany, and Norway remained the top destinations for Denmark's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. Sweden represented 27.2% of exports, Germany 16.1%, and Norway 9.8%, collectively accounting for 53.1% of total export 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 corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Denmark's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 95 009 tonnes, which is 23.1% higher than in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 28.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and Sweden were the main sources of Denmark's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in volume terms. Germany supplied 42.1% of imports, Poland 36.8%, and Sweden 9.6%, together accounting for 88.5% of total imports.

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, M $ US

Denmark's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 141.4 million US dollars, up by 32.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 27.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 105.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 4.6% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Poland, and Sweden stood out as the primary markets for Denmark's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. Germany accounted for 40.7% of imports, Poland for 30.3%, and Sweden for 12.8%, together representing 83.8% of total import flows.

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

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