The packaging industry in Germany - statistics & facts
It's everywhere. Most often, packaging materials used in the industry are paper, plastic, glass, metal and wood. Packaging varies greatly in size, shape and amounts used. In 2024, around 44 percent of the revenue generated in the industry was due to paper packaging, followed by plastic. Both materials are encountered frequently at consumer level. The classic example: a purchase made online typically arrives in a cardboard box. The contents may be further encased in or enfolded by layers of paper or cellophane. This provides additional stability and protection, simultaneously creating an additional recycling task and extra waste. Plastic packaging material groups include foil, cups, jars, crates, as well as barrels and canisters. The majority of businesses in the industry dealt with paper and cardboard packaging.
