The number of employees in the packaging paper sector in Belgium exhibited various trends between 2013 and 2023. The sector saw fluctuations characterized by periods of growth and decline. For example, after rising slightly post-2013, the number dropped significantly by nearly 11% in 2018. The employee count surged by over 16% in 2019, followed by a notable increase in 2020. However, declines resumed from 2021 through 2023, with the sector employing 4.55 thousand people in 2023, marking a 1.15% decrease from the previous year.
Future trends to watch for in the packaging paper sector in Belgium include:
- As the industry is projected to continue decreasing steadily, a close eye should be kept on shifts in technological advancements and automation potentially reducing headcount.
- Environmental regulations and sustainable packaging demands could also impact employment, as companies adapt to new standards and practices.
- Global economic conditions and supply chain challenges might still exert influence on employment levels in this sector.