Gone are the days of Asian imports. French foodservice group Delineo, known for its La Croissanterie, Maison Pradier and Roberta Caffè brands, is relocating the manufacture of its packaging to France. Previously produced in Asia, the bags, cups and boxes used in its outlets are now produced in Thouars, Deux-Sèvres, by CEE Schisler, a French specialist in paper packaging.
"Relocate our packaging production as close as possible to our consumers"
The decision is part of a strategy to reduce carbon footprint and strengthen short distribution channels. "As part of our CSR strategy, it seemed essential to us to relocate the production of our packaging as close as possible to our consumers. We're making a concrete choice for the environment, but also for local employment" says Anne Blondet, Delineo's Purchasing Director, in a press release.
CEE Schisler is not a newcomer to the group. The manufacturer, which employs 550 people and generates sales of 167 million euros, already supplies certain ranges for La Croissanterie, which has over 240 outlets, such as paper bags.
It now handles all the Group's references that it is able to produce. "We make everything we can for them, confirms David Schisler, Group President. "These aren't big volumes for the factory, but it reflects a logic: sell the whole range with the same service across the board."
Numerous advantages for the relocation of food packaging manufacturing
In his view, this development guarantees uniformity of range, centrally-controlled inventory and identical health and environmental guarantees.
This reorganization takes place against a backdrop of recent disruptions to international transport. Rising container costs, logistical tensions in the Gulf, and the growing complexity of remote management: all these factors must have weighed heavily in the balance.
La Croissanterie and Maison Pradier will switch to the new references by the end of 2025, while Roberta Caffè will follow by the end of 2026. All packaging is now PEFC and Imprim'Vert certified, and has been redesigned to improve recyclability.
David Schisler tells us that other customers are considering similar approaches. Increasing regulatory pressure on packaging, particularly in the fast-food sector, should help speed up these decisions.
