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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for corrugated paperboard boxes and cases in Norway remained stable with a market size around 193-195 million USD, even as domestic production saw a slight decline. During this period, amendments to the EU Packaging Directive, incorporated into Norwegian law, began shaping the regulatory landscape for packaging waste and recycling systems. A significant commitment from the retail group NorgesGruppen to replace tin cans with cardboard in its own brands by 2022 signaled a future shift in material demand towards paper-based packaging.

The market surged to 242 million USD in 2021, primarily driven by the accelerated growth of e-commerce, which increased demand for cost-effective and protective corrugated transport packaging. This upward trend continued into 2022, with the market reaching 253 million USD, supported by the opening of a new, modern corrugated board factory by VPK in Norway, which strengthened local production capacity and output.

Market value receded to 230.9 million USD by 2024. This period coincided with the industry adapting to stricter regulatory frameworks, including the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) which entered into force in 2023, introducing new deadlines and requirements for packaging producers and importers regarding design, reporting, and extended producer responsibility.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Norway

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two years of decline, Norway's production of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard rebounded. In 2021, output reached 194.9 million US dollars, marking a significant 29.3% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 21.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2020 at 150.7 million US dollars, when the largest decline of 4.2% occurred.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Norway's production of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 104.6 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 13.1% rise compared to 2020. However, over the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production actually decreased by 11.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.9%. The lowest output was in 2019 at 92.4 thousand tonnes, when the largest decline of 21.6% was recorded.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Norway

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Norway exported 7,505 tonnes of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard, showing a notable contraction of 13.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 7,505 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 8,688 tonnes, when the largest increase of 15.8% occurred.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Russia, and the Faroe Islands consistently held the top positions in Norway's export structure by volume. Sweden accounted for 63.2% of exports, Russia for 14.8%, and the Faroe Islands for 6.1%. Together, these three destinations made up 84.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Norway's exports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 13,555 thousand US dollars, up by 2.6% year-on-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12,542 thousand US dollars, when the largest decline of 7.7% occurred. The largest increase was in 2020 at 5.3%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Sweden and Russia remained the primary destinations for Norway's exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 80.0% of total export flows, while other partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Norway

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Norway's import volume of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined. In 2021, imports totalled 26,878 tonnes, down by 16.3% compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 23.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The highest import volume was in 2020 at 32,101 tonnes, when the largest increase of 29.0% was recorded.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany led as the main suppliers of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard to Norway by volume. Sweden accounted for 63.8% of imports, Denmark for 14.3%, and Germany for 5.4%. Their combined share reached 83.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Norway's imports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 60,504 thousand US dollars, showing a gradual rise of 4.9% over the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 29.5%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 9.0%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany formed the core of Norway's imports in value terms. Sweden accounted for 61.0% of imports, Denmark for 12.4%, and Germany for 7.2%. Together, these three countries took 80.6% of total import flows.

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

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