Plastic sacks and bags market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for plastic sacks and bags in Denmark fluctuated, starting at 156.8 million US dollars, falling to 149.7 million in 2019, then stabilizing at 150.1 million in 2020. This period saw industry focus on developing new packaging types, including bioplastics for fresh produce to improve resource use and reduce food waste, alongside continued use and development of food-grade LDPE sacks for the food industry.

Market volume grew significantly to 167.7 million US dollars in 2021 and reached a peak of 179.2 million in 2022. This expansion coincided with the launch of carbon-neutral recycled plastic composites as sustainable alternatives to virgin materials and pilot projects for CO2 capture in waste treatment, supporting a shift towards more circular production methods.

After 2022, the market contracted to 163.4 million US dollars in 2023 and 153.0 million in 2024. Regulatory developments gained prominence, with a new waste executive order introducing a requirement for clear sacks for residual waste effective July 2025. This change is set to alter packaging standards, while ongoing industry efforts focused on correct declaration and labeling of hazardous waste and the adoption of more sustainable packaging solutions.

Production plastic sacks and bags in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Denmark's production of plastic sacks and bags declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, output was valued at 42 378 thousand US dollars, representing a significant decrease of 11.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 14.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 49 993 thousand US dollars, when production saw its largest increase of 1.2%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Denmark's production volume of plastic sacks and bags dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 15 428 tonnes, down by 30.1% from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 28.1%, averaging an annual decline of 10.4%. The peak volume was reached in 2019 at 23 515 tonnes, which also marked the largest increase of 9.6%.

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

Exports plastic sacks and bags from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Denmark exported 16 321 tonnes of plastic sacks and bags, up by 4.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 15 609 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 17 822 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 12.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Norway, Sweden, and Germany—collectively accounted for 64.2% of Denmark's total exports of plastic sacks and bags by volume.

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

After two years of decline, Denmark's exports of plastic sacks and bags rebounded. In 2021, exports amounted to 68.9 million US dollars, showing a solid increase of 20.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 5.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 57.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Norway, Sweden, and Germany remained the top destinations for Denmark's exports of plastic sacks and bags by value. Norway accounted for 31.8% of exports, Sweden for 15.6%, and Germany for 10.1%, together making up 57.5% of total export flows.

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 sacks and bags to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Denmark's imports of plastic sacks and bags increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country imported 63 099 tonnes, up by 11.0% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 9.3%, averaging an annual growth of 3.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 54 803 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 5.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark's imports of plastic sacks and bags by volume were not heavily concentrated on a few markets. Germany, China, and Vietnam were the main sources, accounting for 21.7%, 13.6%, and 10.9% of imports, respectively, but together they represented only 46.3% of total flows.

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

After a two-year drop, Denmark's imports of plastic sacks and bags increased. In 2021, imports totaled 194.2 million US dollars, marking a significant rise of 21.7% from the year before. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 12.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 159.6 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 6.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark's imports of plastic sacks and bags by value were distributed across many countries. Germany, China, and Sweden were the leading sources, accounting for 25.0%, 11.8%, and 7.8% of imports, respectively, but together they made up only 44.5% of total flows.

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

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