Folding paperboard boxes market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market for folding paperboard boxes in the Netherlands, measured in volume, contracted from 507 тыс. т in 2018 to 290 тыс. т in 2020, while in value terms it declined from 532 million US dollars to 461 million US dollars over the same period. The sharp drop in 2020 was directly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and forced adjustments in production volumes. Earlier industry trends, such as increasing automation and a focus on sustainable, lightweight materials, had already set the stage for efficiency gains and a shift toward eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Following the pandemic, imports in volume terms surged, reaching 398 тыс. т in 2023. This growth was supported by regulatory developments, notably the formal approval of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in 2022, which stimulated demand for recyclable and standardized packaging. Exports, after peaking in 2022, gradually moderated to 316 тыс. т by 2025, as high energy prices—exacerbated by geopolitical events—increased production costs and encouraged a greater focus on cost-efficient, minimalist designs and energy-saving production technologies.

Throughout the 2018-2025 period, the sector's evolution was consistently shaped by sustainability, digitization, and innovation. The rise of interactive packaging with QR codes, the adoption of closed-loop water systems in production, and a persistent consumer preference for minimalist, multifunctional designs helped manufacturers adapt to stricter environmental standards and changing market demands.

Production folding paperboard boxes in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Production of folding paperboard boxes in the Netherlands declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 768.8 million US dollars, down 4.8% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production fell by 5%, with an annualized growth rate of -1.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of folding paperboard boxes in the Netherlands decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the Netherlands produced 439.6 thousand tonnes, marking a sharp contraction of 13.4% compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, production dropped by 29.3%, equivalent to an annual decline of 10.9%.

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

Exports folding paperboard boxes from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, exports of folding paperboard boxes from the Netherlands totaled 365.9 thousand tonnes, up 2.8% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 16%, with an annual growth rate of 5.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 366.5 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 16.2%. In 2020, exports fell by 2.9%, the largest decline in the period.

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

From 2018 to 2021, exports of folding paperboard boxes from the Netherlands were widely distributed across markets. Germany accounted for 22.1% of exports, Belgium for 16.1%, and the United Kingdom for 10.5%. Together, these three countries made up 48.7% of total export flows, indicating no single dominant market.

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, M $ US

Exports of folding paperboard boxes from the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 795.4 million US dollars, reflecting a strong uptick of 11.1% year-on-year. Over the period 2018-2021, exports rose by 20.6%, with an annual growth rate of 6.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the country breakdown of export values was scattered. Germany represented 24.8% of export value, Belgium 15.8%, and the United Kingdom 9.2%. Combined, these three partners accounted for 49.9% of total flows, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

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 folding paperboard boxes to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands imported approximately 251.9 thousand tonnes of folding paperboard boxes, a significant gain of 21.9% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 25.4%, with an annual growth rate of 7.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 5.6%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Germany, Belgium, and France were the key partners for imports of folding paperboard boxes in kind. Germany accounted for 44.4% of imports, Belgium for 29.2%, and France for 4.4%. Together, these three countries represented 78.0% 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, M $ US

In 2021, imports of folding paperboard boxes into the Netherlands totaled 537.6 million US dollars, corresponding to a sudden increase of 31.8% over the past year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 40.8%, with an annual growth rate of 12.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, with a decrease of 1.9%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Germany, Belgium, and China formed the core of imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 35.3% of import value, Belgium for 26.6%, and China for 8.5%. Together, these three countries took 70.4% 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