Between falling production and rising environmental constraints, the French paper industry is facing a pivotal period. The figures for 2023 reveal major challenges, but also opportunities to innovate and adapt to the challenges of recycling and energy efficiency.

Between a significant drop in production and growing challenges linked to new environmental expectations, players in the sector find themselves at a turning point. While the consumption of paper and cardboard for recycling is rising, as is their utilization rate, the figures also reflect increased pressure on margins and capacity to adapt.

Numbers at the service of industrial realities

Total paper and board production in 2023 fell by 13.5% on the previous year, to 6.1 million tonnes, a historically low level. This decline comes against a backdrop of contracting demand for graphic applications, which now account for just 12.4% of the total. At the same time, the packaging segments, which account for 70% of production, are struggling to make up for this decline.

Ecological transition: an imperative, but at what cost?

The industry is undergoing a profound transformation to meet environmental demands. The use of recycled paper and cardboard has reached a record 76.9%, reflecting an undeniable advance in the circular economy. However, this progress comes up against structural challenges, notably the rising cost of energy and recycled raw materials. Added to this is the need to invest in more sober technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of factories.

An industry in search of resilience

With imports down 12.7% and exports down 9.2%, the French paper industry is also feeling the impact of international fluctuations and logistical tensions. While industry players have to cope with these immediate constraints, they are also called upon to innovate in order to guarantee the sustainability of their business models.

Producer failures: a sector under strain

The French paper industry is going through a period of turbulence, marked by a series of closures and painful restructurings. The recent case of the Stenay paper mill, put into compulsory liquidation after two turnarounds in less than a year, illustrates this fragility. Read more : Court-ordered liquidation of Papeterie Stenpa (ex-Stenay): 130 jobs lost.

Since 2014, the sector has seen 10% of its production sites disappear, dropping from 91 to 81 plants, while headcount has fallen by 23%, according to Copacel. This hemorrhage accompanies a drastic drop in production, particularly in graphic papers, where manufacturing has been divided by 3.5 in a decade. Graphic papers, once a symbol of cultural and commercial growth, are now facing structural decline. Per capita consumption will fall from 135.9 kg in 2013 to 105 kg in 2023, marking a transition to digital media.

Source: PrintIndustry.news