Paper and paperboard waste market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Dutch paper and paperboard waste market saw significant shifts. In 2019, the market volume grew to 2,977 thousand tons, supported by a high separate collection rate of old paper, which ensured steady raw material supply for mills. However, in 2020, volume dropped to 2,813 thousand tons as China's ban on imports of paper waste for recycling, announced at year-end, disrupted export flows and forced the market to seek domestic and alternative international outlets.

The market rebounded sharply in 2021, reaching 3,259 thousand tons, partly due to strengthened cooperation between municipalities and businesses to recycle at least 75% of non-packaging paper and cardboard, boosting demand for waste as feedstock. The following year, volume eased to 3,030 thousand tons amid a broader industry trend where e-commerce growth spurred demand for corrugated packaging, creating a new segment for paperboard. By 2023, the market contracted markedly to 2,018 thousand tons, driven primarily by rising wage and transport costs that squeezed production and import margins, compounded by stricter EU environmental regulations on packaging waste.

Throughout the period, regulatory developments such as the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) proposal and implementation, along with a growing focus on circular economy principles, shaped market structure and long-term prospects for paper waste recycling in the Netherlands.

Production paper and paperboard waste in the Netherlands

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands ranked as the 20th largest producer of paper and paperboard waste globally.

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2018-2021

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

Paper and paperboard waste production in the Netherlands grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 2 656 K t, marking a slight year-over-year increase of 2.1%. From 2018 to 2021, overall production rose by 6.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.1%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard waste from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of paper and paperboard waste from the Netherlands fell for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 2 256 K t, down 7.6% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports dropped by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, China, and India were the top destinations for exports in kind, contributing 34.0%, 11.9%, and 9.6% respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 55.5% of total export volumes.

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

After two years of decline, the value of paper and paperboard waste exports from the Netherlands rebounded in 2021, reaching 511.2 M $ US—a 46.5% increase year-over-year. However, over the full 2018-2021 period, export value decreased by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 349.0 M $ US, following the largest annual decline of 26.8% in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Germany, China, and Belgium dominated exports in value terms, with shares of 39.9%, 13.1%, and 8.4% respectively. Combined, they represented 61.4% of total export value.

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 paper and paperboard waste to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 2 859 K t of paper and paperboard waste, up 7.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 3.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 653 K t, which also saw the largest annual decline of 10.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the leading sources of imports in kind, accounting for 39.6%, 22.4%, and 12.0% respectively. Together, they made up 74.0% of total import volumes.

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

Import values showed significant fluctuations from 2018 to 2021. The lowest point was in 2020 at 278.1 M $ US, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 24.7%. In 2021, imports surged to 528.4 M $ US, a sharp 90.0% increase from 2020, creating a 1.9-fold gap between the trough and peak years.

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 consistently led as the main sources of imports in value terms, with shares of 38.3%, 21.9%, and 10.8% respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 71.0% of total import value.

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

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