Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for plastic boxes and cases in Sweden experienced a significant contraction in 2019, falling to 41.3 thousand tons from 50.2 thousand tons the previous year. This decline was primarily triggered by global supply chain disruptions and rising raw material prices, which constrained production and distribution. However, the market rebounded strongly from 2022 onward, reaching 72.1 thousand tons by 2024.

The recovery and subsequent growth were largely driven by the implementation of new producer responsibility regulations for packaging. The 2022 ordinance (2022:1274) mandated material recycling and reporting, while rules effective from January 1, 2024 required businesses to offer food and beverages in reusable containers. These measures increased demand for reusable and recyclable plastic packaging solutions.

Additional support came from the sustained expansion of e-commerce, which boosted demand for packaging during and after the pandemic, and from growing consumer environmental awareness. Investments in warehouse automation and the adoption of stackable, reusable crates for logistics further contributed to market efficiency and volume growth.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, Sweden's output of plastic boxes, cases, and crates was valued at 202.7 million US dollars, marking a moderate year-over-year decrease of 5.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 215.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2019, Sweden produced 37 536 tonnes of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, showing a solid reduction of 18.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2019, production decreased by 17.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 45 802 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 0.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

After two years of gains, the volume of plastic boxes, cases, and crates exported from Sweden declined. In 2020, exports totaled 29 031 tonnes, representing an 11.6% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 2.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.7%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 32 844 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Finland remained the top buyers of plastic boxes, cases, and crates from Sweden in terms of volume. Norway accounted for 38.0% of exports, Denmark for 13.5%, and Finland for 12.4%, collectively representing 63.9% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates from Sweden declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 158.7 million US dollars, which is 22.5% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 28.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 204.9 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 33.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Norway, Finland, and Denmark were the main markets for Sweden's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in value terms. Norway accounted for 49.0% of exports, Finland for 10.7%, and Denmark for 9.9%, together making up 69.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

After two years of gains, imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates into Sweden declined. In 2020, imports reached 34 203 tonnes, showing a moderate decrease of 6.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 36 629 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden's import sources for plastic boxes, cases, and crates in terms of volume were quite diverse. The United Kingdom accounted for 12.7% of imports, Germany for 11.7%, and Norway for 11.2%, together representing only 35.6% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates into Sweden declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 136.1 million US dollars, constituting a gradual decrease of 6.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 146.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 11.4%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of Sweden's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in value terms was highly diversified. Norway accounted for 14.2% of imports, Germany for 13.3%, and the United Kingdom for 13.1%, together representing only 40.6% of total import value. The remaining 59.4% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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