The Swedish Polyethylene Market: An In-Depth Analysis and Importer Directory

Executive Summary

The Swedish polyethylene (PE) market presents a complex yet strategically significant landscape characterized by a strong emphasis on sustainability and a dynamic supply chain. While the global polyethylene market is projected for robust growth, with a forecast to reach USD 193.7 billion by 2035 , the Swedish market experienced a notable contraction in 2024, decreasing by 8.7% to a value of 194 million dollars. This divergence from global trends is likely a reflection of localized supply chain challenges, including the volatility of raw material prices, which can significantly impact profit margins and long-term planning, particularly in Europe.  

A defining feature of the Swedish market is its advanced infrastructure for a circular plastics economy. Investments such as the state-of-the-art "Site Zero" sorting facility in Motala, which can separate 12 types of plastics and aims to recycle up to 95% of material, are fundamentally reshaping the industry. This focus on circularity creates a strong demand for recycled grades of polyethylene, making it a critical consideration for importers and distributors. Key players profiled in this report, including Erteco, Biesterfeld, and Mape Plastics, are positioned as crucial links in the supply chain, while a local compounder like Polykemi exemplifies the value-added role of customizing materials from both virgin and recycled sources. This report provides a detailed analysis of these market dynamics and a comprehensive directory of key companies and industry associations, serving as an essential guide for navigating the Swedish polyethylene sector.  

1. The Swedish Polyethylene Market Landscape: Macro-Economic and Industry Dynamics

1.1 Market Sizing, Forecasts, and Nuances

The global polyethylene market demonstrates a strong growth trajectory, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2026 to 2035. The market size is expected to increase from an estimated USD 117.8 billion in 2025 to over USD 193.7 billion by the end of 2035. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to be the largest and fastest-growing market globally. This robust global outlook stands in stark contrast to the recent performance of the Swedish market. According to recent data, the Swedish polyethylene market experienced a decline of 8.7% in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of negative growth and reaching a market value of 194 million dollars.  

This significant divergence indicates that the Swedish market may be subject to unique regional or cyclical pressures not captured by the broader global trends. One contributing factor is the volatility of raw material prices. Polyethylene prices are highly sensitive to fluctuations in the cost of crude oil and natural gas, which are the primary feedstocks. In regions like Europe, where naphtha-based production is a dominant factor, rapid changes in feedstock pricing can complicate supply contracts and erode profit margins for manufacturers and distributors alike. This environment suggests that simple, transactional imports are less viable. Instead, a successful business model in the Swedish market must prioritize a resilient supply chain and strategic partnerships. Companies that offer value-added services, such as technical support, localized logistics, and a stable supply, are better positioned to mitigate these risks. The focus shifts from merely sourcing material to managing the entire supply chain to protect against economic instability.  

1.2 The Centrality of Sustainability and Circularity

The Swedish plastics industry is a global leader in advancing the circular economy. The country has made significant investments in recycling infrastructure, exemplified by the launch of "Site Zero," a state-of-the-art plastic sorting facility in Motala. This facility is capable of sorting 12 different types of plastics, a marked improvement over the previous plant at the same location, which could only sort five. The enhanced sorting capability allows the new facility to process 40 tons per hour and send up to 95% of plastic packaging for recycling, significantly reducing the amount that is incinerated.   

This infrastructure investment is a transformative development for the market. By creating a reliable and high-quality source of sorted, recycled plastic materials, it provides a stable foundation for a robust market for secondary polymers. This changes the import landscape from a market focused exclusively on virgin resins to a hybrid model where the ability to handle and supply recycled grades is a distinct competitive advantage. The focus on sustainability is also evident in the product offerings of key distributors and compounders. For example, Mape Plastics explicitly markets "sustainable solutions" and "Recyclex" brand materials, which include recycled polyethylene grades. Similarly, the local compounder Polykemi highlights its use of recycled plastic to reduce the carbon footprint of its products.    

However, a key challenge remains: consumer behavior. Despite the availability of world-class recycling infrastructure, a majority of plastic packaging in Sweden is still not separated by households and ends up being incinerated. This disconnect between state-of-the-art facilities and consumer habits represents a significant opportunity for companies that can bridge the gap. By engaging in consumer education or collaborating on improved collection systems, companies can secure a reliable supply of feedstock for the circular economy, gaining a strategic advantage in a market increasingly defined by its commitment to environmental responsibility.   

1.3 Key Market Segments and Applications

Polyethylene is a highly versatile polymer with a wide range of applications, primarily classified by its density and molecular structure into grades such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The global market analysis indicates that the packaging segment is the largest application area, expected to hold a 45.4% market share by 2035. This dominance is directly tied to the sustained growth of the e-commerce sector, which drives demand for lightweight, durable, and cost-effective packaging materials for consumer goods and food.  

Among the various grades, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is projected to experience the highest growth, with a 39.7% market share by 2035. This is due to its superior properties, including high tensile strength, excellent chemical resistance, and cost efficiency. Companies like Erteco, which distributes a wide range of materials from bulk products like polyolefins to advanced composites, and Mape Plastics, which explicitly lists HDPE and other PE grades in its product portfolio, are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. Beyond packaging, PE is also used in a range of stable, long-term applications, including pipes and fittings for gas and water infrastructure. This diversified application base provides market stability and offers multiple avenues for growth for importers and distributors.   

2. Comprehensive Directory and Profiles of Key Polyethylene Players

2.1 Polyethylene Importers and Distributors

This section provides detailed profiles of the primary companies involved in the importation and distribution of polyethylene in Sweden.

• Erteco: As one of the largest distributors of plastic and rubber materials in the Nordic market, Erteco plays a significant role in the Swedish supply chain. The company's portfolio includes a range of bulk products, such as polyolefins, which confirms its distribution of polyethylene. Erteco emphasizes its commitment to environmental consideration and adherence to regulations like the European REACH and RoHS directives. The company provides significant value-added services through its "Tech Center," which offers technical support, material selection guidance, and strength calculations to customers.  

  • Primary Role: Distributor

  • PE Grades/Specializations: Polyolefins (including PE), PS

  • Primary Address: Wennerbergsgatan 10, SE-112 58 Stockholm, Sweden

  • Phone Number: +46 8 587 517 00   

  • Email Address: info@erteco.se     

  • Website URL: https://www.erteco.se/en/ 

• Biesterfeld: The Biesterfeld Group is represented in Sweden by two entities: Biesterfeld Nordic AB and Biesterfeld Sweden AB. The company offers a wide range of engineering and standard polymers, including polyolefins and special additives, to customers across the Nordic region. Biesterfeld highlights its technical expertise and ability to provide tailored solutions.    

  • Primary Role: Importer, Distributor

  • PE Grades/Specializations: Engineering and standard polymers, acrylates, polyesters

  • Primary Addresses: Biesterfeld Nordic AB: Hyllie Vattenparksgata 12, 21532 Malmö, Sweden. Biesterfeld Sweden AB: Fjärilsgatan 3, 60361 Norrköping, Sweden     

  • Phone Numbers: Biesterfeld Nordic AB: +358 44 5051398 (for Plastics & Rubber), Biesterfeld Sweden AB: +46 11- 444 10 08 (for Speciality Chemicals), +46 (0) 11 14 90 30, +46 40 601289 0   

  • Email Address: info@biesterfeld.se   

  • Website URL: https://www.biesterfeld.com/en/se/sweden/     

• K.D. Feddersen Distribution AB: K.D. Feddersen is a long-standing expert in the Nordic market for technical and engineering plastics, with a presence since 1981. The company is a premium supplier of raw polymers, additives, and machinery for the plastics industry, and it explicitly lists both HDPE regranulate and LDPE film as products it sells or buys. The company's business model is holistic, providing not just materials but also solutions for plastics processing, recycling, and technical education. This focus on a long-term, comprehensive partnership makes them a strategic contact for any company operating in the Swedish market.   

  • Primary Role: Importer, Distributor, Machinery Supplier

  • PE Grades/Specializations: HDPE regranulate, LDPE film, UHMWPE (GUR®)

  • Primary Address: Box 137 / Lundbyvägen 11, 331 21 Värnamo, Sweden   

  • Phone Number: +46 370 30 37 00     

  • Email Address: info@kdfeddersendistribution.com 

  • Website URL: https://kdfeddersen-plasticsmachinery.com/en/    

• Mape Plastics AB: Mape Plastics is a leading distributor of raw materials for the plastics industry in the Nordic region. The company's product portfolio is highly relevant, as it explicitly includes a wide range of PE grades, such as PP, HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE. Mape Plastics is a family-owned business with a strong focus on sustainability, offering a brand called "Mape Green" for sustainable solutions and stocking recycled grades of plastic. Their business model is built on providing fast service, extensive knowledge, and safe distribution.  

  • Primary Role: Importer, Distributor

  • PE Grades/Specializations: PP, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, recycled grades

  • Primary Address: Borås, Sweden (Specific address not provided)     

  • Phone Number: 46-705-417030   

  • Email Address: (Not specified in provided material)

  • Website URL: https://mapeplastics.se/en/    

2.2 Polyethylene Producers and Compounders

• Polykemi AB: As a local producer and global supplier, Polykemi occupies a unique and crucial position in the Swedish plastics industry. Their core business is the development and production of "tailor-made thermoplastic compounds" using both virgin and recycled plastic materials. This role as a compounder means they are a key consumer of imported raw materials, making them a primary client for importers and a central player in the supply chain. Their ambition is to work closely with customers to optimize projects and reduce the CO₂ footprint of plastic components.   

   

  • Primary Role: Producer, Compounder

  • PE Grades/Specializations: Compounds of almost all thermoplastics, including recycled plastics

  • Primary Address: Bronsgatan 8, SE-271 39 Ystad, Sweden   

  • Phone Number: +46 (0)411-17030  

  • Email Address: polykemi@polykemi.se     

  • Website URL: https://www.polykemi.se/en  

2.3 Other Relevant Companies in the Plastics Ecosystem

• Expocell AB: This company is an importer and distributor of "industrial chemicals" throughout the Nordic countries. While polyethylene is not explicitly listed among its products, its role as a regional chemical distributor makes it a relevant contact for related needs.  

• Wintzell & Fried AB: This company is a chemical distributor that has been operating since 1927. With a focus on providing "tailored supply-chain solutions" and a "wide range of products," Wintzell & Fried is a key player in the broader chemical sector in Sweden and Europe.  

• Vink essåplast Group AB: Rather than importing raw resins, Vink essåplast is a major provider of "plastic semi-finished products and machined plastic parts". This positions them downstream in the supply chain, as a potential customer for companies that import and distribute raw polyethylene.  

3. Strategic Partnerships: Navigating the Industry Through Associations

Industry associations are vital resources for market navigation, offering opportunities for networking, regulatory guidance, and strategic collaboration.

3.1 The Swedish Plastics Industry Association (SPIF)

The Swedish Plastics Industry Association (SPIF) is the primary trade organization for companies involved in plastics manufacturing and processing in Sweden. With approximately 140 members, it serves as a central hub for the industry. SPIF provides members with a range of services, including legal assistance, information on new laws and regulations, and financial counseling. It is a critical gateway for any company looking to enter the Swedish market, as engagement with SPIF provides a direct line to a broad network of potential partners and clients and offers essential insights into the regulatory environment.  

• Contact Details:

  • Phone Number: +46 (0)372-354 94 

  • Email Address: spif@svenskplast.org 

  • Website URL: https://www.svenskplast.org   

3.2 The Swedish Association of Chemical Products Suppliers (KTF)

KTF is a collaborative association that unites five industry organizations, allowing them to share resources and work collectively on common issues. An example of this is SusChem Sweden, a platform designed to enhance cooperation between society, academia, and the chemical industry. This organizational structure points to a collaborative culture within the Swedish chemical sector, where problem-solving and innovation are often pursued through shared platforms rather than solely through competition. Engaging with KTF and its constituent organizations, such as SusChem Sweden, provides a strategic avenue for companies to participate in the industry's evolution and stay abreast of emerging trends and collaborative projects.   

• Contact Details:

  • Contact Persons (SusChem Sweden): Lena Svendsen (lena.svendsen@ikem.se) and Helena Norin (Helena.Norin@ivl.se)   

  • General Information: +46 (0)10-788 67 21      

  • Website URL:  https://www.ktf.se/in-english     

4. Appendices

Appendix A: Comprehensive Directory of Key Contacts

Appendix B: Summary of Market Data and Trends