Paper or paperboard labels market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the German paper labels market navigated rationalization in paper mills and mounting energy cost pressures, which constrained domestic production capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 triggered a brief surge in demand followed by a swift correction, while also accelerating discussions on digital labeling solutions. The implementation of the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) in 2021 introduced new extended producer responsibility obligations for labels as part of sales packaging, reshaping market requirements.

From 2022 onward, stricter EU food labeling rules under the LMIV, requiring larger font sizes and more label space, combined with strong consumer preference for sustainable, recyclable paper labels, boosted market demand. This trend was further reinforced by the finalized EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the new CLP regulation in 2024, which mandated updated hazard classifications and labeling for chemicals. These regulatory drivers, alongside post-pandemic catch-up demand in sectors like construction and food, supported substantial market volume growth, even as producers faced higher energy and raw material costs and capacity reductions from closures such as UPM's Plattling paper mill.

Production paper or paperboard labels in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of paper or paperboard labels has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 808 million US dollars, showing a modest year-on-year increase of 3.0%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 157.3 thousand tonnes of paper or paperboard labels, a slight increase of 0.8% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports paper or paperboard labels from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of paper or paperboard labels declined after two years of growth. In 2020, exports totaled 52 081 tonnes, down 1.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 3.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 53 067 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export structure in volume terms was diversified. The Netherlands accounted for 12.9% of exports, France for 12.6%, and the United Kingdom for 8.9%, together making up 34.5% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's exports of paper or paperboard labels in value terms fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 479.0 million US dollars, a slight decrease of 1.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 5.4%, with an annualized rate of 1.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 499.8 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 10.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export partner landscape in value terms was broad. France accounted for 12.2% of exports, the Netherlands for 9.8%, and Switzerland for 8.4%, together forming 30.3% of total flows. The remaining 69.7% was distributed among many other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports paper or paperboard labels to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of paper or paperboard labels in volume terms declined after two years of growth. In 2020, imports amounted to 41 178 tonnes, a 3.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 42 440 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of paper or paperboard labels in volume terms came from a wide range of markets. The Netherlands supplied 20.2% of imports, Poland 18.4%, and Czechia 10.1%, together accounting for 48.7% of total imports. The remaining 51.3% was sourced from many smaller destinations.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's imports of paper or paperboard labels in value terms fell after two years of growth. In 2020, imports totaled 305.4 million US dollars, down 2.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 4.7%, with an annualized rate of 1.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 311.7 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's import partner structure in value terms remained fragmented. Poland accounted for 15.8% of imports, the Netherlands for 13.3%, and Austria for 10.6%, together making up 39.8% of total flows. No single country exceeded a dominant share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020