Organic solvents and paint removers market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch market for organic solvents and paint removers began a period of expansion from 2018, rising from 27 897 tonnes to 34 239 tonnes in 2019. This initial growth was driven by the implementation of the European Paints Directive (2004/42/EC) into national law via the Besluit organische oplosmiddelen (BOOVV), which set stricter limits on solvent content. This regulatory push coincided with ambitious industry targets to increase the share of biobased raw materials in paints, with estimates suggesting 50-80% of volume was already partially biobased by 2018, stimulating production and demand for reformulated products.

Market volume stabilized around 34 475 tonnes in 2020 as the industry adapted to these stricter VOC emission limits by promoting high-solid alkyd paints and reducing solvent content. Continued consumer preference for biobased and water-borne paints supported demand. A significant surge to 44 256 tonnes occurred in 2021, primarily due to the entry of new players and product segments focused on sustainable and biobased paint removers, a move further encouraged by government goals for CO2 reduction and a circular economy.

In the following years, the sector's focus remained on reducing VOC emissions and increasing the share of biobased feedstocks, with a target for half of all paint products to be biobased by 2030. This ongoing shift towards sustainable production and stricter market access requirements was reflected in trade patterns, with exports rising consistently from 25 559 tonnes in 2018 to 34 991 tonnes in 2025, while imports peaked in 2022 before declining.

Production organic solvents and paint removers in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output of organic solvents and paint removers in the Netherlands was valued at 163.4 million US dollars, marking a modest 8.7% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 20.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 169.5 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 11.3%. The most significant increase was seen in 2019, rising by 25.4%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, the Netherlands produced 51,114 tonnes of organic solvents and paint removers, representing a dramatic 26.1% year-on-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 23.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 40,543 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 18.2%.

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

Exports organic solvents and paint removers from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, the volume of organic solvents and paint removers exported from the Netherlands reached 27,090 tonnes, reflecting a significant 23.3% year-on-year rise. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.0%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 21,974 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 27,237 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 19.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, organic solvents and paint removers from the Netherlands were supplied to a diverse range of markets. Belgium accounted for 17.0% of exports in kind, Germany for 11.4%, and the United Kingdom for 9.8%, together making up 38.3% of total exports. The remaining 61.7% was distributed among many smaller destinations.

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

In 2021, the value of exported organic solvents and paint removers from the Netherlands stood at 134.8 million US dollars, showing a solid 20.3% year-on-year increase. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 18.8%, with an annualized rate of 5.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 112.1 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the buyer portfolio for organic solvents and paint removers from the Netherlands was broad. Germany contributed 14.1% of exports in value terms, Belgium 10.7%, and France 9.1%, together accounting for 33.9% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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 organic solvents and paint removers to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Organic solvents and paint removers imports into the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume totaled 20,231 tonnes, reflecting a 27.2% uptick from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports surged by 66.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 18.5%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 11,891 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 2.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, rising by 33.8%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom consistently led the import structure in kind. Germany accounted for 43.4% of imports, Belgium for 25.7%, and the United Kingdom for 17.6%, jointly representing 86.7% 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

Imported organic solvents and paint removers volumes in the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 45.5 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 5.5% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 19.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom stood out as the main markets for imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 30.8% of imports, Belgium for 25.4%, and the United Kingdom for 21.5%, together making up 77.7% 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