Glass containers and closures market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The Swedish glass containers and closures market expanded from 162.2 million US dollars in 2020 to 200.2 million US dollars in 2022. This growth coincided with the introduction of updated labeling requirements under Regulation (2021:1003), which mandated that markings on glass packaging for food and beverages be prominent, legible, and indelible. This likely spurred manufacturers to refresh their packaging portfolios, supporting market value. Simultaneously, preparations for the planned 2024 shift of collection responsibility from producers to municipalities prompted industry adjustments that may have contributed to increased activity.

Market growth continued in 2022, reinforced by the adoption of Regulation (2022:1274) on extended producer responsibility for packaging. This EU-wide measure stipulated that only packaging meeting specific product and labeling standards could be placed on the market, driving demand for compliant glass containers. Additionally, new improved rules on packaging collection, which from 2024 oblige the producer responsibility organization with the largest market share to provide free receipt points for business packaging waste, began influencing producers' logistics and planning.

A series of regulatory changes shaped the market environment throughout the period. The framework was established by Regulation (2018:1462) on extended producer responsibility, with certain provisions taking effect in 2022 and 2023. This was followed by the full transfer of collection responsibility for household and commercial packaging to municipalities in 2024 and the approval of the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) the same year, which sets stricter recycling and material content targets for glass packaging from 2026 onward, requiring ongoing adaptation from Swedish producers.

Production glass containers and closures in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

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

Exports glass containers and closures from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Sweden's exports of glass containers and closures reached 37.4 K t, representing a 4.4% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 19.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 4.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 19.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Norway, and Finland were the primary destinations for Sweden's glass containers and closures exports in kind. Denmark accounted for 44.5% of exports, Norway for 30.8%, and Finland for 16.0%. Together, these three countries made up 91.2% of total exports in kind.

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

In 2020, Sweden's cross-border shipments of glass containers and closures totaled 25 913 K $ US, showing a significant gain of 12.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 34.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.4%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 5.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 26.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Norway, and Finland remained the key partners for Sweden's exports in value terms. Denmark contributed 37.9% of exports, Norway 34.8%, and Finland 17.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 90.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports glass containers and closures to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

Sweden's imports of glass containers and closures in kind declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 78.9 K t, reflecting a notable decrease of 10.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 22.7%, which corresponds to an annualized decline rate of 8.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Germany, and Russia consistently led the country structure of Sweden's imports in kind. Denmark represented 55.4% of imports, Germany 16.5%, and Russia 6.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 78.1% of total import flows.

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's imports of glass containers and closures in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 69 263 K $ US, marking a 5.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 11%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.8%.

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

In the years 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Germany, and Italy continued to be the top suppliers of glass containers and closures to Sweden in value terms. Denmark accounted for 38.3% of imports, Germany for 20.5%, and Italy for 6.0%. Jointly, these three countries made up 64.7% of total imports in value terms.

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

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