Envelopes market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch envelope market expanded significantly from 2018 to 2021, with volume rising from 20 796 t to 37 102 t. This growth was primarily driven by strong demand for packaging solutions, fueled by the rapid rise of e-commerce, which increased production of paper and board. In 2018 and 2019, heightened demand for packaging materials put upward pressure on paper prices and availability, supporting market expansion. The growth trend continued through 2020 and 2021, albeit at a moderating pace.

After a sharp contraction to 23 490 t in 2022, the market rebounded to 28 608 t in 2023. This recovery aligned with a broader revival in the European paper and board industry, where consumption increased by 7.5%. Market dynamics were also influenced by export restrictions to China and 'America First' policies, which raised local demand and reduced export flows, contributing to the volume increase.

Market volume declined again to 23 484 t in 2024. High energy prices and limited availability of waste paper increased production costs, likely constraining output. Concurrently, innovations in sustainable packaging materials, such as paper bubble wrap and air-cushion envelopes, gained importance due to the Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive, which restricts disposable plastic and may shift demand toward paper-based alternatives. The subsequent bankruptcy of the Hagen Premium Pulp & Paper mill and machine shutdowns announced by UPM in 5 pointed to ongoing capacity reductions in the industry.

Production envelopes in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, envelope production in the Netherlands reached a value of 62 625 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 16.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 25.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 66 142 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring that year at 32.1%. In contrast, the largest decline was observed in 2020, when production fell by 18.8%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Envelope production volume in the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 32 823 tonnes of envelopes, representing a dramatic year-over-year rise of 35.3%. From 2018 to 2021, production surged by 158.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 37.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports envelopes from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, envelope exports from the Netherlands rebounded. In 2021, the country exported 7 916 tonnes of envelopes, up by 54.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 11.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 5 128 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 26.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France, Belgium, and Germany remained the top buyers of envelopes from the Netherlands. France accounted for 37.6% of exports in kind, Belgium for 28.0%, and Germany for 20.6%. Together, these three countries represented 86.1% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, cross-border shipments of envelopes from the Netherlands amounted to 19 653 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial increase of 77.2% from 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 11 089 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 47.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belgium, Germany, and France emerged as the primary markets for envelope exports in value terms. Belgium led with 43.3% of exports, followed by Germany at 14.7% and France at 13.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 70.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports envelopes to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Envelope imports into the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 12 195 tonnes, showing a decrease of 6.4% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 19.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 7.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 455 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 8.4%. In contrast, the largest decline occurred in 2020, when imports dropped by 20.8%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and Belgium were the key sources for envelope imports into the Netherlands. Germany accounted for 46.8% of imports in kind, Poland for 18.6%, and Belgium for 12.5%. Together, these three countries made up 77.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of envelopes into the Netherlands declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 40 289 thousand US dollars, indicating a slight year-over-year decrease of 0.7%. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 14.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 4.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and Belgium formed the core group of partners for envelope imports into the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 45.4% of imports, Poland for 17.3%, and Belgium for 14.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 77.0% of total import flows.

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

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