Not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Danish market for non-cellular PE sheets was shaped by environmental policy and industry sustainability drives. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency published reports under a new chemical initiative, highlighting polyethylene's environmental profile, while collected plastic waste for recycling rose significantly. In 2019, the industry's 'plastpledge' initiative to boost recycled plastic use by 2025 altered demand patterns, coinciding with a market volume decrease to 62 419 t. The market stabilized near 63 182 t in 2020, supported by a government analysis of recycling potential for HDPE and LDPE, which are key materials for sheets and film.

Regulatory developments in 2021 continued to influence the market, contributing to a recovery in volume to 65 519 t. The following year, increased public awareness of plastic pollution in nature and a consumer shift toward more sustainable products led to a slight market contraction to 65 025 t. A pronounced downturn occurred in 2023, with market volume falling to 55 350 t, a period that saw an extended transition phase for certain plastic additives as part of the move toward more sustainable plastic products.

A sharp rebound followed in 2024, with market volume jumping to 70 844 t. This surge was driven by growing demand for high-performance plastic films, including polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), from the electronics and packaging sectors. Looking ahead to 2025, the election of a new board chairman for a major Danish plastics firm points to potential strategic shifts, while the industry's focus remains on increasing recycling and sustainability targets.

Production not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Production of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets in Denmark has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 232.8 million US dollars, marking a 25.0% rise compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 14.4%, which translates to an average annual increase of 4.6%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 183.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 10.0% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Denmark's production of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 61,977 tonnes, reflecting a 1.7% increase year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, production increased by 7.4%, averaging 2.4% growth per year. The lowest output was in 2019 at 56,060 tonnes, when the largest decline of 2.8% was recorded. In contrast, the largest increase of 8.7% occurred in 2020.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Exports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets from Denmark have grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 68,120 tonnes, up 4.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 11.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 60,638 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.0%. The biggest increase of 7.9% was recorded in 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands were among the largest buyers of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets from Denmark, accounting for 17.5%, 15.1%, and 12.1% of exports in kind, respectively. However, even combined, these three countries represented just 44.7% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Denmark's exports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets have increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 221.7 million US dollars, rising 13.0% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 10.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 192.7 million US dollars, when the largest decline of 3.6% occurred.

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

An analysis of exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom accounted for 15.1%, 12.4%, and 10.7% of exports in value, respectively. Together, these three countries represented only 38.2% of total flows, with the remaining 61.8% going to other partners.

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

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

Imports not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Imports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets into Denmark have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 71,662 tonnes, up 5.9% year-over-year. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 66,997 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, imports in kind of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets to Denmark were widely dispersed across partner countries. Germany, Poland, and Sweden accounted for 21.6%, 10.3%, and 8.6% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented only 40.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PE sheets into Denmark have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Denmark imported approximately 227.5 million US dollars worth of these sheets, a sharp increase of 32.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 17.2%, averaging 5.4% per year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 169.3 million US dollars, when the largest decline of 12.8% occurred.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the country structure of imports in value terms remained highly diversified. Germany, Belgium, and Sweden accounted for 23.1%, 10.0%, and 8.6% of imports in value, respectively. Together, these three countries represented only 41.6% of total flows, with the remaining 58.4% coming from a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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