The employment in the packaging paper sector in Belgium experienced fluctuations from 2013 to 2023, dropping to 3.94 thousand Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) in 2023. Between 2013 and 2017, employment slightly increased, peaking in 2020 at 4.51 thousand FTE. However, a decline followed, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 1.48% in 2022 and 2023. The sector's employment is forecasted to continue its decline, with an anticipated average annual decrease (CAGR) of 1.2% from 2024 to 2028, culminating in an expected employment figure of 3.65 thousand FTE in 2028.
Future trends to watch for:
- A continued decline in employment levels within the sector.
- Potential impacts of automation and digital transformation on workforce requirements.
- Sector-specific economic policies and environmental regulations affecting production processes.