Paper or paperboard labels market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper and paperboard labels in Denmark showed a fluctuating yet overall upward trajectory from 2018 to 2024, starting at $155.2 million and reaching $168.7 million. After a contraction in 2019, the market recovered through 2020 and 2021, followed by further growth in 2022 and 2023, peaking at $170.4 million before a slight stabilization in 2024.

A significant driver in 2022 was a combination of supply-side constraints and shifting demand. Sharply higher energy prices, strikes at Finnish paper mills, and reduced post-pandemic production capacity tightened the supply of paper, increasing input costs for labels. Concurrently, the rise of e-commerce boosted demand for cardboard packaging, which in turn supported consumption of paper-based labels.

Regulatory developments began shaping the market environment. From 2024, uniform municipal waste collection rules for paper and board affected recycling practices. Furthermore, extended producer responsibility for packaging, which took effect on October 1, 2025, introduced new cost obligations for companies placing labeled packaging on the market.

Production paper or paperboard labels in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Paper or paperboard labels production in Denmark has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 192.0 million US dollars, marking a 7.3% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 165.5 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 8.0%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020, with an 8.1% rise.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Volumes peaked in 2020 and declined to their lowest level in 2021, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 17 times. In 2021, 23.6 thousand tonnes of paper or paperboard labels were produced in Denmark, representing a 94.2% reduction compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 409.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 1,237.6%.

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

Exports paper or paperboard labels from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Paper or paperboard labels exports from Denmark have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Denmark exported 6,690 tonnes, showing a 1.8% year-over-year growth. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 14.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5,839 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 0.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 12.5% rise.

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

The structure of exports in kind from 2018 to 2021 can be described as diversified. Sweden accounted for 16.9% of exports in kind, Germany for 14.5%, and Hungary for 11.1%. Together, these three countries represented just 42.5% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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, K $ US

Paper or paperboard labels shipments from Denmark to abroad have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 84,334 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 14.3% uptick compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 67,340 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, exports in value terms of paper or paperboard labels from Denmark were not heavily concentrated. Germany accounted for 18.1% of exports in value terms, Sweden for 17.8%, and Hungary for 8.9%. Together, these three countries captured only 44.8% 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 or paperboard labels to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, paper or paperboard labels shipments to Denmark from abroad have increased. In 2021, imports reached 7,326 tonnes, reflecting a solid advance of 17.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 11.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 6,219 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 18.9% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden formed the main group of destinations for imports in kind of paper or paperboard labels to Denmark. The Netherlands accounted for 34.8% of imports in kind, Germany for 18.4%, and Sweden for 13.4%. Together, they held a combined share of 66.6% 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, K $ US

After a two-year drop, the volume of paper or paperboard labels imports to Denmark has increased. In 2021, imports reached 47,348 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 27.1% versus the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 37,264 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 19.5% decrease.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden consistently occupied leading positions in the country structure of imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 26.7% of imports in value terms, Germany for 21.8%, and Sweden for 11.6%. Jointly, they accounted for 60.0% 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