In 2020, Germany was the leading European exporter of paper and cardboard waste within the EU, representing 1.8159 million metric tons. France and the Netherlands followed, exporting 1.4318 and 1.2512 million metric tons, respectively. Emerging trends by 2023 indicate significant shifts, with Poland growing by 4.52% and Slovakia by 5.29% year-on-year, while Germany and France declined by 3.05% and 6.58%. Italy and Romania showed moderate growth, and other countries experienced mixed variations ranging from positive to significant declines.
Future trends to watch include:
- Continued growth in Eastern European countries as they modernize recycling facilities and increase exports.
- Potential further decline in Western European markets due to saturated recycling capacities and stricter environmental regulations.
- Technological advancements in recycling processes that could shift export dynamics.
Top countries in Paper and Cardboard Waste Exports Intra-EU27 (2020) by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Metric Tons | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Germany | 1,815,900 | 2023 | +2.04% | -3.05% | View data |
| 2 | 2 France | 1,431,800 | 2023 | -7.69% | -6.58% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Netherlands | 1,251,200 | 2023 | -0.44% | +1.07% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Poland | 1,073,300 | 2023 | +3.09% | +4.52% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Belgium | 784,440 | 2023 | -3.41% | -4.5% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Czech Republic | 643,800 | 2023 | -4.92% | -4.43% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Italy | 551,820 | 2023 | +3.17% | +2.5% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Denmark | 527,160 | 2023 | +4.78% | -1.25% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Slovakia | 422,320 | 2023 | +5.17% | +5.29% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Austria | 358,950 | 2023 | +8.04% | +0.53% | View data |
