Printed labels of paper or paperboard market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market for printed labels of paper and paperboard in the Netherlands grew steadily from 63.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 79.4 thousand tons in 2021. A major strike at UPM in 2021, which lasted nearly four months, disrupted the graphic paper supply chain across Europe, potentially affecting raw material availability for label production. Despite this, domestic output and market volume increased, indicating resilient demand.

A significant expansion occurred in 2022, with the market reaching 115.1 thousand tons. This surge was primarily fueled by rising demand for packaging materials, driven by the continued growth of e-commerce. In 2023, the market stabilized at 115.5 thousand tons as price increases for paper, stemming from raw material scarcity and heightened global demand, alongside export restrictions on recovered paper to China, created cost pressures without curtailing overall consumption. The market grew again to 130.8 thousand tons in 2024, supported by the ongoing e-commerce trend and the implementation of new EU allergen labeling rules on January 1, which spurred demand for compliant labels. Preparations for the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), focusing on recyclability, also began influencing market dynamics.

By 2024, the industry was adapting to sustained cost pressures from labor market tightness and rising wage expenses. Subsequent developments in 2025 included the announced closure of the Hagen Premium Pulp & Paper mill in Germany and the idling of a paper machine at UPM in Finland, reducing graphic paper capacity in Europe. Simultaneously, the sector saw increased adoption of digital printing technologies for labels, stimulated by regulatory pushes for sustainability and recyclability under rules like the PPWR.

Production printed labels of paper or paperboard in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output of printed paper or paperboard labels in the Netherlands was valued at 499.4 million US dollars, showing a slight decline of 1.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 5.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 454.6 million US dollars, while the highest value occurred in 2020 at 508.0 million US dollars. The largest decline was observed in 2019 at 3.7%, and the largest increase took place in 2020 at 11.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Printed paper or paperboard label production in the Netherlands has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 77 660 tonnes of printed labels were produced, marking a strong increase of 13.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 14.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports printed labels of paper or paperboard from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, cross-border shipments of printed paper or paperboard labels from the Netherlands have increased. In 2021, exports totaled 18 029 tonnes, remaining stable year-on-year compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 10.1%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 17 961 tonnes, with the largest decline occurring in 2020 at 7.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom stood out as the main markets for exports in kind. Germany accounted for 21.5% of exports, Belgium for 16.3%, and the United Kingdom for 15.1%. Together, these three countries represented 53.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Printed paper or paperboard label deliveries from the Netherlands have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 196.9 million US dollars, up by 4.7% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 7.7%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 186.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 12.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, exports in value terms of printed paper or paperboard labels from the Netherlands were not heavily concentrated. Germany accounted for 21.7% of exports in value terms, Belgium for 16.9%, and the United Kingdom for 10.7%. Together, these three countries captured only 49.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports printed labels of paper or paperboard to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year improvement, the volume of printed paper or paperboard label imports into the Netherlands declined. In 2021, imports amounted to 19 725 tonnes, corresponding to a gradual decline of 3.7% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 24%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 20 489 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2019 at 15.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom continued to head the list of suppliers of printed paper or paperboard labels to the Netherlands. Germany accounted for 50.0% of imports in kind, Belgium for 13.6%, and the United Kingdom for 9.1%. Jointly, these three countries took 72.7% of total imports in kind.

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

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the Netherlands' imports of printed paper or paperboard labels stood at 198.3 million US dollars, which is a 21.0% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 25.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 1.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom consistently remained the main destinations for imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 40.6% of imports in value terms, Belgium for 19.5%, and the United Kingdom for 9.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 69.5% of total import flows.

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

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