Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The Finnish market for plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip saw its value decline in 2019, coinciding with the introduction of updated construction standards and the anticipation of stricter EU recycling directives, which created regulatory uncertainty. A recovery followed in 2020 and 2021, supported by growing consumer environmental awareness and ongoing measures under the national plastics roadmap, which stimulated demand for more sustainable products.

Market value dipped again in 2022 after the government issued decrees mandating producer compliance with extended EU requirements, increasing short-term compliance costs. The market rebounded partially in 2023 as major suppliers expanded their service and product ranges to meet demand under tighter environmental rules. By 2024, the market value had decreased, reflecting ongoing adjustments.

Production plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Finland's production of plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip rebounded after two years of contraction. In 2020, output was valued at 277.7 million US dollars, marking a significant year-on-year decline of 13.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 11.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 267.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 13.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip from Finland

Exports in kind, t

Finland's exports of plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in kind totaled 50 828 tonnes in 2020, up 69.2% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 30 043 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 55 110 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 45.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Finland's exports of plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in kind. Sweden accounted for 20.9% of exports, Norway for 7.8%, and Estonia for 7.6%, together making up 36.2% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares, reflecting a diversified export structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Finland's exports of plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 200.5 million US dollars, down 11.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -1.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 234.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 11.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, Sweden, Norway, and Estonia were the largest buyers of plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip from Finland in value terms, with shares of 20.9%, 8.5%, and 7.6%, respectively. However, their combined contribution was limited to 37.0% of total exports, highlighting a diversified country structure with many smaller partners.

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

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

Imports plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip to Finland

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip into Finland showed high volatility from 2017 to 2020. Imports peaked in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2019 at 1 790 tonnes, a 10.5-fold difference. In 2020, imports surged to 17 096 tonnes, representing an abrupt increase of 854.9% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 89.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland's import structure for plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. Germany accounted for 19.0% of imports, Sweden for 12.2%, and Italy for 10.1%, together representing 41.3% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 58.7%, indicating a broad diversification.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Finland's imports of plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms declined. In 2020, imports stood at 83.3 million US dollars, 7.6% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 4.4%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 90.1 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.2%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Sweden, and Italy were among the largest suppliers of plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip to Finland in value terms, with shares of 21.2%, 9.6%, and 9.2%, respectively. Together, they represented just 40.0% of total imports, underscoring a broadly diversified partner base with significant contributions from many other countries.

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

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