Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Belgian market for plastic boxes and crates saw a volatile period. The relatively high market volume of 149.1 thousand tonnes in 2018 was supported by notable growth in European production and the entry of new sustainable and lightweight product segments, which responded to rising demand for eco-friendly packaging. A sharp contraction to 90.7 thousand tonnes followed in 2019, primarily due to stagnating European production which reduced local product availability in Belgium, compounded by ongoing European policies aiming to cut plastic waste. The market then stabilized around 90.2 thousand tonnes in 2020; while global supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges, the continued push for stricter environmental standards on plastic packaging helped maintain market levels.

A strong recovery phase unfolded from 2021 to 2022. Market volume surged to 141.5 thousand tonnes in 2021, driven by a moderate rebound in European production and exports, alongside strengthened Belgian consumer demand for more recyclable and durable packaging. This growth accelerated in 2022, with volume reaching 224.3 thousand tonnes. The expansion was fueled by the emergence of innovative product segments, such as lighter and more sustainable plastic boxes, which aligned with evolving market preferences and regulatory focus on recyclability.

The market entered a corrective phase from 2023 to 2024. Volume declined to 177.9 thousand tonnes in 2023, influenced by global fluctuations in plastic raw material prices which raised production costs, coupled with sustained regulatory pressure to reduce non-recyclable plastics that affected product design. By 2024, the market stabilized at 174.5 thousand tonnes. This was supported by an increase in imports of sustainable packaging linked to post-pandemic recovery, significant investments by major market players in greener production technologies, and a continued shift in Belgian consumer preferences toward environmentally friendly options, even as global logistics factors presented ongoing challenges.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates was valued at 287.0 million US dollars, representing a 5.5% increase compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 350.3 million US dollars, while the minimum value occurred in 2019 at 271.9 million US dollars. The largest increase of 15.1% was observed in 2018, whereas the largest decline of 22.4% took place in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 5.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Belgium produced 92.7 thousand tonnes of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, showing a moderate improvement of 3.8% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 136.0 thousand tonnes, while the minimum value occurred in 2019 at 89.3 thousand tonnes. The largest increase of 12.7% was observed in 2018, whereas the largest decline of 34.3% took place in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 23.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Belgium exported 85.7 thousand tonnes of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, which is 0.6% higher than in the prior year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 97.3 thousand tonnes. The largest increase of 19.3% was observed in 2018, whereas the largest decline of 12.4% took place in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 5.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Germany were the three principal markets, together accounting for 71.8% of Belgium's total exports in kind of plastic boxes, cases, and crates.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium exported 255.8 million US dollars worth of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, remaining broadly stable year-over-year compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 290.0 million US dollars. The largest increase of 20.5% was observed in 2018, whereas the largest decline of 11.9% took place in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 6.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, with 28.6% of exports in value terms, France at 22.8%, and Germany at 16.8%, formed the main group of destinations for Belgium's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, with a combined share of 68.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

Belgium's import volume of plastic boxes, cases, and crates declined for the second consecutive year, totaling 83.2 thousand tonnes in 2020, down by 4.0% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 110.4 thousand tonnes. The largest increase of 16.0% was observed in 2018, whereas the largest decline of 21.5% took place in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 12.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France were the three largest markets, together accounting for 69.2% of Belgium's total imports in kind of plastic boxes, cases, and crates.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium imported 277.5 million US dollars worth of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, marking a rise of 6.4% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 352.4 million US dollars, while the minimum value occurred in 2019 at 260.9 million US dollars. The largest increase of 32.6% was observed in 2018, whereas the largest decline of 26.0% took place in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, with 29.2% of imports in value terms, Germany at 22.4%, and France at 15.4%, were the main suppliers of plastic boxes, cases, and crates to Belgium, together comprising 66.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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