Cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the industry reached record production and sales levels, supported by a strong industrial base, while early circular economy goals signaled a shift toward sustainability. By 2020, employment remained stable despite the pandemic, though trade volumes softened, and discussions around the EU plastic levy and new packaging directives began shaping the regulatory landscape.

Market size peaked in 2021, but production fell significantly in 2022 due to order shortages and economic contraction. EU packaging directives drove increased use of bio-based and recyclable films, while demand for specialized films for pharmaceutical and electronics applications rose, contributing to a smaller overall market.

Production dropped another 15.3% in 2023 amid a strained market, though innovations like recyclable laminates and a focus on circular economy continued. Early 2024 saw recovery signs in the second quarter from depleted inventories and higher customer industry output, while new EU regulations imposed stricter recycling and sustainability requirements on plastic packaging.

Production cellular plastic sheets in Germany

According to Faostat, there is no production of cellular plastic sheets in Germany.

Exports cellular plastic sheets from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany exported 283.1 thousand tons of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip, marking a 2.7% year-over-year decline. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 281.3 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 290.8 thousand tons. The most significant increase was observed in 2019, when exports grew by 3.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip were not heavily concentrated. The top three destinations—France (10.6% of exports in kind), Poland (9.7%), and the Netherlands (8.3%)—collectively accounted for only 28.6% 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 cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 1,483 million US dollars, a 5.5% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 4.1%, translating to an annualized decline of 1.4%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 1,620 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 4.8% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France (9.2% of exports in value terms), Poland (7.8%), and the United Kingdom (6.8%) were key buyers of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip from Germany. However, their combined share represented only 23.8% of total export value, with the remaining 76.2% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Imports cellular plastic sheets to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 168.4 thousand tons, reflecting a slight drop of 3.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 7.9%.

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

Analysis of import volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across multiple markets. The top three sources—the Netherlands (18.6% of imports in kind), Belgium (15.0%), and Poland (12.3%)—together accounted for only 45.9% of total import flows, while a significant 54.1% came from other partners.

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's imports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value amounted to 746 million US dollars, showing a 7.5% year-over-year loss. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 19%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import landscape in value terms was diverse. The Netherlands (16.8% of imports in value terms), Belgium (11.7%), and Austria (10.4%) together represented only 38.9% of total import flows, with a substantial 61.1% sourced from many other countries.

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

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