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

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for corrugated paperboard cartons and boxes experienced significant shifts between 2018 and 2024. Initially, the market was supported by the expansion of production capacities as new plants came online, while rising e-commerce sales bolstered demand for packaging materials. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages, particularly for waste paper, which tempered production growth.

A notable surge in market volume occurred in 2021, reaching 4.96 million tons, driven by the increasing importance of sustainability. This period saw the introduction of biodegradable corrugated items, environmentally friendly adhesives and inks, and a rise in certifications like FSC and ISO 14001, enhancing brand appeal. Intelligent packaging with QR codes and RFID tags also gained traction, reflecting innovation-driven demand.

However, the market contracted in the following years, falling to 4.39 million tons by 2024. While e-commerce and demand for sustainable solutions remained relevant, the industry faced ongoing challenges such as raw material shortages and supply bottlenecks. The merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock created one of the world's largest corrugated packaging companies, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape. Additionally, regulatory requirements and environmental certifications influenced production strategies, and new product innovations like lightweight microflute corrugated board emerged for premium packaging segments.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 6 285 million US dollars, down 2.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 5.6%, while the peak value was recorded in 2018 at 6 788 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 16.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 5 039 thousand tonnes, showing minimal change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 6.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard from Germany grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 823.0 thousand tonnes, a slight increase of 2.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 5.4%, with an annualized rate of 1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 776.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 0.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 3.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium were the primary markets for Germany's exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 40.2% of exports, France for 12.3%, and Belgium for 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented 61.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard reached 1 134 million US dollars in 2020, up 2.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 7.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 167 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland were the largest buyers of Germany's cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 34.8% of exports, France for 12.2%, and Switzerland for 8.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 55.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard into Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 327.5 thousand tonnes, a small rise of 1.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Poland, and the Netherlands were the main sources for Germany's imports in kind. Austria contributed 26.3% of imports, Poland 15.7%, and the Netherlands 11.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 53.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany imported 520 million US dollars worth of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in 2020, a 1.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 9.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 528 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 11.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Germany's imports in value terms of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard were not heavily concentrated. Austria accounted for 25.3% of imports, Poland for 13.6%, and the Netherlands for 9.9%. Combined, these three countries represented 48.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020