Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish market for plastic boxes, cases, and crates experienced notable shifts between 2018 and 2024. Volume grew to 107 thousand tons in 2019, supported by EU legislation mandating a 50% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2025, which spurred demand for compliant packaging solutions. A sharp contraction to 77 thousand tons followed in 2020, before a strong rebound to 118 thousand tons in 2021, driven by a recovery in consumption and rising export prices.

Market volume then entered a downward trend, falling to 103 thousand tons in 2022 and 66 thousand tons in 2023, before a slight recovery to 68 thousand tons in 2024. The market value peaked at 324 million US dollars in 2022 but declined to 170 million by 2024. During this period, industry focus shifted towards preparing for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, with registration and reporting requirements affecting producer operations ahead of its 2025 launch.

Regulatory developments were a consistent influence. Denmark's 2020 Climate Plan aimed to increase recycling and reduce single-use plastics, aligning with broader EU targets. The imminent EPR system, including a bonus-malus fee structure for packaging recyclability, began reshaping market incentives and company strategies from 2024 onward.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Denmark's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 313.2 million US dollars, marking a 28.9% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 36.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

After two years of decline, Denmark's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates rebounded. In 2021, 106.7 thousand tonnes were produced, up by 42.7% year-over-year. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 74.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 27.7%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Denmark's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 45 347 tonnes, showing a modest rise of 6.4% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 10.8%, with an average annual rate of 3.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 38 769 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 5.3%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 10.0% jump.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates were widely distributed across countries. The top three destinations—the United Kingdom (13.7% of exports), Sweden (13.6%), and Germany (13.3%)—together accounted for just 40.6% of total flows, while the remaining 59.4% went to a diverse range of other markets.

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, M $ US

Denmark's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, export value totaled 198.2 million US dollars, representing a 17.5% gain from the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 160.1 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 7.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Denmark's plastic boxes, cases, and crates were exported to numerous countries. Even the largest markets—Sweden, Germany, and France—combined for only 39.4% of total export value, highlighting the broad distribution of trade.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Denmark's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 56 835 tonnes, surging by 26.6% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 50.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (23.4% of imports), Czechia (15.0%), and the Netherlands (13.8%) were the leading sources in Denmark's import structure for plastic boxes, cases, and crates. Together, they made up 52.2% of total import volumes.

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, M $ US

Denmark's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have expanded for the third year running. In 2021, imports were valued at 205.1 million US dollars, up by 28.1% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 38.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Denmark's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in value terms were spread across many countries. Germany (22.7% of imports), Spain (13.8%), and Czechia (13.2%) together accounted for only 49.7% of total flows, indicating a diverse sourcing pattern.

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

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