Paper and paperboard waste market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for paper and paperboard waste in Denmark grew from 82 thousand tons in 2018 to 158 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was supported by a rise in household sorting of paper for recycling, which reached 84 thousand tons in 2019 – a 147% increase since 2011 – largely due to growing e-commerce and corresponding paper packaging waste. Municipalities also met EU packaging waste directive targets, reinforcing collection infrastructure.

In 2021, the market contracted to 125 thousand tons following China's 2018 ban on waste imports, which triggered a 'slow meltdown' in recycling values and reduced domestic demand. By 2022, the market recovered to 137 thousand tons as new waste collection schemes were introduced, including extra containers for paper and cardboard in pilot projects, and a national target of 75% recycling of paper and board by 2025 was set.

By 2023, market volume declined to 114 thousand tons, while the overall household waste recycling rate climbed to 59%. Although the recycling rate in some municipalities, such as Kolding, reached 58%, it remained below the national goal. The drop in market size coincided with lower imports and higher exports of paper waste.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Denmark

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2018-2021

World map of production of paper and paperboard waste, 2018-2021

In 2021, Denmark produced 590.0 thousand tonnes of paper and paperboard waste, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.0%, while the largest increase also occurred in 2019 at 0.0%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Denmark

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of reduction, paper and paperboard waste exports from Denmark increased in 2021. The export volume reached 507.1 thousand tonnes, marking a gradual year-on-year gain of 6.0%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 478.6 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 7.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden continued to be the main buyers of paper and paperboard waste from Denmark. Germany accounted for 49.8% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 28.7%, and Sweden for 14.7%. Together, these three countries formed 93.2% of total exports in kind.

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

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. In 2021, the value of exported paper and paperboard waste from Denmark reached 105.6 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp uptick of 134.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 45.0 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 27.7%. From the trough in 2020 to the peak in 2021, exports changed by a factor of 2.3.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for exports in value terms of paper and paperboard waste from Denmark were Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Germany accounted for 51.1% of exports in value terms, the Netherlands for 22.6%, and Sweden for 17.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 91.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Denmark

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Denmark's paper and paperboard waste import volume totalled 41.6 thousand tonnes, constituting a notable decline of 10.1% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 39.7 thousand tonnes, while the maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 46.3 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 16.6%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom headed the ranking of suppliers of paper and paperboard waste to Denmark. Norway accounted for 59.5% of imports in kind, Germany for 14.1%, and the United Kingdom for 7.6%. Their combined share reached 81.2% of total imports in kind.

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

Denmark's paper and paperboard waste import value increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. Imports reached 8.6 million US dollars, up by 47.3% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 21.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 5.7 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 19.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom formed the main group of destinations for imports in value terms of paper and paperboard waste to Denmark. Norway accounted for 48.2% of imports in value terms, Germany for 19.7%, and the United Kingdom for 9.1%. Together, they had a combined share of 77.1% of total flows.

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

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