Paper or paperboard labels market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for paper and paperboard labels in Norway expanded from 5.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 7.5 thousand tons in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by increased local production, as Hellefoss Paper responded to high demand by adding extra shifts and expanding output. Simultaneously, a global reduction in European paper production capacity pushed prices upward and made domestic manufacturing more competitive, while rising demand for eco-friendly packaging materials further supported market expansion.

After peaking in 2022, the market corrected to 6.0 thousand tons in 2023. The following year saw a recovery to 6.3 thousand tons, supported by upcoming EU packaging regulations (PPWR) and stricter waste sorting requirements that favor recyclable paper labels. These rules, set to take effect in 2025, encouraged buyers to shift toward sustainable packaging materials, reinforcing the market's underlying trend toward circular economy standards.

Throughout the period, environmental certification trends such as FSC and the digitalization of pharmaceutical leaflets created mixed pressures on the market. However, the overarching move toward circular economy standards, including investments in cleaner production processes and preparation for new waste sorting mandates, continued to shape the demand for paper-based labels in Norway.

Production paper or paperboard labels in Norway

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2020, Norway's production of paper or paperboard labels reached a value of 26 377 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp increase of 35.7% compared to the previous year. Production hit its lowest point in 2019 at 19 440 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 9.5% recorded that year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production grew by 22.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Norway's production of paper or paperboard labels increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 751 tonnes, showing a solid rise of 23.6% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production expanded by 51.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports paper or paperboard labels from Norway

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Norway's exports of paper or paperboard labels declined in 2021. The country exported 377 tonnes that year, indicating a slight decrease of 1.8% year-over-year. Exports peaked in 2020 at 384 tonnes, with the largest increase of 20.9% recorded in 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 23.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Denmark, and Russia were the largest buyers of paper or paperboard labels from Norway in terms of volume. Sweden accounted for 52.9% of exports, Denmark for 17.3%, and Russia for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 85.2% of Norway's total exports in kind.

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

World map of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Norway's exports of paper or paperboard labels were valued at 5 272 thousand US dollars, showing a robust uptick of 12.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline of 1.4% occurred in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 16.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Denmark, and Russia were the main destinations for Norway's exports of paper or paperboard labels in value terms. Sweden held a 46.7% share, Denmark 18.2%, and Russia 9.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 74.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports paper or paperboard labels to Norway

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Norway's import volume of paper or paperboard labels stood at 2 995 tonnes, marking a modest decline of 8.7% compared to the previous year. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 2 948 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 3 281 tonnes, with the largest increase of 11.3% recorded that year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 6%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 2.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany were the leading suppliers of paper or paperboard labels to Norway in terms of volume. Sweden accounted for 53.2% of imports, Denmark for 17.1%, and Germany for 4.9%. Together, these three countries made up 75.2% of Norway's total imports in kind.

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

World map of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Norway imported paper or paperboard labels worth a total of 36 954 thousand US dollars, indicating a decline of 1.0% compared to the previous year. Imports hit their lowest value in 2019 at 34 460 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 16.3% recorded that year. The largest increase of 8.3% occurred in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 10.3%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 3.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany consistently remained the main sources for Norway's imports of paper or paperboard labels in value terms. Sweden accounted for 47.8% of imports, Denmark for 16.7%, and Germany for 5.7%. Together, these three countries represented 70.2% of total import flows.

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

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