Folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard in Sweden stood at 165.9 thousand tons. This level was supported by a period of strong growth in the Swedish packaging industry, which had expanded by 20% in turnover between 2014 and 2018, adding SEK 15 billion to reach a total of SEK 95 billion, alongside an increase in employment. This industry growth was partly attributed to favorable economic conditions during 2016-2018.

From 2019, market volume entered a period of contraction, falling to 152.0 thousand tons in 2019 and further to 140.5 thousand tons in 2020. The decline continued at a slower pace in 2021, reaching a low of 137.1 thousand tons. A turnaround began in 2022, with volume rising to 143.4 thousand tons, followed by a stabilization and slight increase to 145.0 thousand tons in 2023.

The market continued its upward trajectory in 2024, reaching 147.8 thousand tons. This growth coincided with significant regulatory changes effective from January 2024, which transferred responsibility for household packaging waste collection to municipalities and extended producer responsibility rules. These changes, alongside implementing EU waste legislation and a consumer trend towards environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging, likely stimulated demand for compliant paper-based packaging solutions.

Production folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sweden's production of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 280.2 million US dollars, showing a slight drop of 1.9% compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 329.5 million US dollars, but then saw its largest decline of 13.3% in 2019. There was a modest increase of 6.6% in 2018. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 9.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Sweden's production of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 124.4 thousand tonnes, marking a limited reduction of 5.3% compared to 2019. Production reached its highest level in 2018 at 142.2 thousand tonnes, but then experienced its largest decline of 7.6% in 2019. There was a small increase of 2.5% in 2018. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 10.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.6%.

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

Exports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Sweden's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard declined in 2020. The country exported 21 619 tonnes, which is 2.5% less than in 2019. Exports peaked in 2019 at 22 177 tonnes, with the largest increase of 4.9% occurring in 2018. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Ireland, and Germany were the key destinations for Sweden's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard. Norway accounted for 30.5% of exports in volume, Ireland for 19.1%, and Germany for 11.6%. Together, these three countries represented 61.2% of Sweden's total export flows in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sweden's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 64 478 thousand US dollars, showing a limited contraction of 4.1% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 70 390 thousand US dollars, followed by the largest decline of 4.5% in 2019. There was a significant increase of 10.1% in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ireland, Norway, and Denmark were the top buyers of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard from Sweden in value terms. Ireland accounted for 25.9% of export value, Norway for 20.0%, and Denmark for 12.3%. Collectively, these three countries made up 58.2% of Sweden's total export value in this product category.

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

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

Imports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 37 703 tonnes, corresponding to a strong reduction of 12.0% compared to 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 45 174 tonnes, with the largest increase of 5.8% also occurring that year. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 11.7%, averaging an annual decline of 4.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany were the largest suppliers of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Sweden in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 30.8% of imports, Denmark for 26.2%, and Germany for 12.5%. Together, these three countries formed 69.6% of Sweden's total import volume in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweden imported 86 147 thousand US dollars worth of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in 2020, which is 21.9% higher than in the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 32%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands were the key partners for Sweden's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. Denmark accounted for 33.2% of import value, Germany for 14.7%, and the Netherlands for 8.1%. Jointly, these three countries represented 56.0% of Sweden's total import flows in this product category.

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

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