The German corrugated board industry recorded a slight decline in sales in 2025. According to the Association of the Corrugated Board Industry (VDW), political uncertainties, high energy and raw material costs, and the weak economic situation are weighing on the sector.
With approximately 7,403 million m² of corrugated cardboard, sales by VDW member companies in 2025 were 0.1 percent below the previous year's figure. In contrast, revenue increased by 1.0 percent compared to 2024. According to the association's assessment, however, this increase was not enough to compensate for the rising costs.
„Germany's overall economic development in 2025 was once again under extremely difficult circumstances. The corrugated board industry, as a supplier of the country's most important transport packaging, also felt the consequences massively,“ explained VDW Chairman Dr. Steffen P. Würth.
High raw material and energy costs are weighing on the industry
According to the association, the price development for corrugated base paper proved to be particularly burdensome. From January to June 2025, the average weighted base paper price rose by 12.9 percent, and over the entire year, it was 4.2 percent higher than in 2024.
„This meant a significant additional burden for the corrugated board industry amidst an already strained overall economic situation,“ said Würth.
The association also points to high unit labour costs, rising energy prices, and increasing bureaucratic burdens. International trade policy and ongoing customs conflicts have also put a strain on important industrial customers in the sector.
VDW takes a cautious view of 2026
For the current year, the VDW is cautiously assessing the outlook. The association cites the consequences of the war in the Middle East and potential further energy price shocks as additional risks. Leading economic institutes have already revised their forecasts for gross domestic product downwards.
„The corrugated board industry is already being severely affected by soaring energy prices, production and logistics costs, as well as new market uncertainties,“ Würth warned.
According to the VDW, the 30 member companies, with around 100 plants, currently represent approximately 80 percent of German corrugated board production. The recycling rate for the material stood at 95.3 percent in 2025.
Source: VDW
