Moulded or pressed paper pulp articles market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for moulded or pressed paper pulp articles in the Netherlands showed relative stability around 36 000 t in 2018-2019, while the industry focused on sustainability and cost efficiency. A sharp rise to 54 069 t occurred in 2020, coinciding with increased demand for paper packaging from e-commerce growth during the pandemic. This was followed by a contraction to 42 362 t in 2022 and 35 872 t in 2023, as high paper prices driven by pulp shortages and elevated energy costs tempered volume, and later as demand softened amid high inventories.

In value terms, the market grew significantly from 2020 to 2022, reaching 67.1 million USD, despite the drop in physical volume. This rise was primarily due to substantial paper price increases caused by pulp scarcity and high logistics expenses. New EU standards for recyclable packaging introduced in September 2023 further stimulated innovation in the paper and board packaging sector. Industry collaborations in 2024 accelerated the adoption of molded pulp solutions, supporting continued development in production and packaging applications.

Production moulded or pressed paper pulp articles in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

The Netherlands saw production of moulded or pressed paper pulp articles increase for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 71 348 K $ US, marking a modest rise of 2.3% compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 67 130 K $ US, which represented the largest decline of 4.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 3.9% growth.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, the Netherlands produced 71 346 tonnes of moulded or pressed paper pulp articles, representing a significant increase of 42.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 40.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 50 074 tonnes, which saw a decline of 1.1%. The highest production was recorded in 2020 at 71 346 tonnes, marking the largest increase of 42.5%.

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

Exports moulded or pressed paper pulp articles from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, exports of moulded or pressed paper pulp articles from the Netherlands declined in 2021. Exports totalled 32 362 tonnes, showing a gradual decrease of 3.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 13.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The highest export volume was in 2020 at 33 394 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 9.2% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the leading destinations for the Netherlands' exports of moulded or pressed paper pulp articles in volume terms. Germany accounted for 63.7% of exports, Belgium for 9.6%, and the United Kingdom for 4.5%. Together, these three countries represented 77.7% of total export flows.

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 Netherlands experienced a third consecutive year of growth in the value of moulded or pressed paper pulp articles exports. In 2021, exports totalled 59 267 K $ US, showing a limited increase of 8.8% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value grew by 38.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland were the main markets for the Netherlands' exports of moulded or pressed paper pulp articles in value terms. Germany accounted for 56.3% of export value, Belgium for 11.3%, and Switzerland for 6.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 73.8% 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 moulded or pressed paper pulp articles to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, the Netherlands imported approximately 21 729 tonnes of moulded or pressed paper pulp articles, reflecting a sharp increase of 34.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 53.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 4.0% decrease.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and France were the leading sources of moulded or pressed paper pulp articles imports to the Netherlands in volume terms. Germany accounted for 31.7% of imports, Belgium for 14.7%, and France for 13.1%. Together, these three countries represented 59.5% 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

The Netherlands saw a third consecutive year of growth in the value of imported moulded or pressed paper pulp articles. In 2021, imports totalled approximately 48 644 K $ US, marking an abrupt uptick of 56.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value increased by 85.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 22.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, China, and Belgium led the structure of the Netherlands' imports of moulded or pressed paper pulp articles in value terms. Germany accounted for 33.8% of import value, China for 20.0%, and Belgium for 9.0%. Together, these three countries represented 62.8% 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