Plastic closures market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the physical volume of the plastic closures market in Germany contracted, falling from 406 thousand tonnes to 384.2 thousand tonnes. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted production and logistics across the plastics processing industry, contributing to this decline. However, rising raw material prices and supply chain issues led to an increase in the market's value during this period.

A post-pandemic recovery in 2021 boosted demand for durable plastic products and reusable systems, lifting both physical and value market sizes. From 2022 onward, the market faced heightened energy and raw material costs exacerbated by geopolitical uncertainty, alongside increased competitive pressure from surging Chinese plastic imports. These factors supported further value growth despite a continued gradual decline in physical volume. Structural challenges, including shrinking production capacity in Germany and a persistent industry focus on resource efficiency and circular economy principles, shaped the market's evolution through 2024.

Production plastic closures in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2018, Germany's plastic closures output reached its peak value of 2 234 million US dollars, marking a significant increase of 10.1%. However, in 2019, production dropped to 2 021 million US dollars, a decline of 9.5%. By 2020, output slightly recovered to 2 043 million US dollars, showing a modest growth of 1.1% compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's plastic closures production volume has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country produced 433.0 thousand tonnes, a slight decrease of 2.3% from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.0%.

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

Exports plastic closures from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

In 2018, Germany's plastic closures exports peaked at 182.1 thousand tonnes, with a growth rate of 7.7%. The following year, exports dropped to 168.0 thousand tonnes, a decline of 7.7%. In 2020, exports slightly increased to 170.4 thousand tonnes, showing a small advance of 1.4% compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's plastic closures exports were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. The top three destinations—the Netherlands (15.6%), France (14.3%), and Poland (8.7%)—together accounted for only 38.5% of total export volumes.

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

In 2018, Germany's plastic closures exports in value terms reached a high of 1 109 million US dollars, with a notable increase of 12.0%. In 2019, exports declined to 1 067 million US dollars, a drop of 4.4%. By 2020, exports slightly rose to 1 067 million US dollars, showing a small growth of 0.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 7.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's plastic closures exports in value terms were balanced rather than concentrated. The leading partners—France (11.8%), the Netherlands (10.1%), and Poland (8.1%)—jointly represented 30.0% of total export value, while many other countries accounted for the remaining 70.0%.

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

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

Imports plastic closures to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

In 2018, Germany's plastic closures imports reached their highest volume at 125.2 thousand tonnes, with a substantial increase of 16.6%. In 2019, imports fell to 121.6 thousand tonnes, a decline of 11.5%. By 2020, imports slightly recovered to 121.6 thousand tonnes, showing an uptick of 9.8% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 13.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany's plastic closures imports came from a diverse range of markets. Even the largest suppliers—Hungary, France, and Austria—together represented only 35.3% of total import volumes.

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

In 2018, Germany's plastic closures imports in value terms peaked at 674 million US dollars, with a significant increase of 15.2%. In 2019, imports dropped to 665 million US dollars, a decline of 7.3%. By 2020, imports slightly rose to 665 million US dollars, showing a modest rise of 6.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's plastic closures imports in value terms had a wide market base. The top three sources—France (11.2%), Switzerland (9.9%), and Hungary (9.6%)—jointly accounted for just 30.7% of total import value, with the remaining 69.3% shared by numerous other countries.

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

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