"The public authorities' rhetoric on reindustrialization must be followed by concrete action" warns the Union française des industries des cartons, papiers et cellulose, Copacel. Since 2024, seven paper mills have closed and several plants are in receivership. The industry is suffering from a combination of pressure from imports, falling prices and persistently high costs.
Since January 1, 2024, seven of the 81 paper mills listed have ceased trading. These include Condat in Dordogne taken over by SPB rDM Blendecques in Pas-de-Calais, Wizpaper, ex-Arjowiggings in Pas-de-Calais and Papeterie Saint-Michel in Charente. Two packaging paper producers, including Papeterie Gemdoubs in Novillars (Doubs) and Cenpa in Bas-Rhin, are in receivership. And a manufacturer, Fibre Excellence which operates two cellulose pulp mills, is engaged in conciliation proceedings. Other sites are showing signs of weakness, linked to insufficient equipment utilization and eroding margins, notes Copacel.
Production under pressure from international flows
The market is not contracting uniformly. "While some closures have been unavoidable, particularly in the graphic paper sector (newspapers, magazines), paper products still play an essential role in the 21st century economy", emphasizes Copacel. Paper and cardboard still have outlets thanks to the substitution of plastic and their high recycling rate, estimated at 87%.
The pressure comes first and foremost from outside. Production overcapacity, particularly in China, is fuelling low-cost exports to Europe. Added to this is the redeployment of volumes originally destined for the US market, under the effect of tariff barriers. These flows accentuate competition on the European market.
What's more, "France is still unable to improve the competitiveness of its 'heavy' industries (heavy production taxes, energy, administrative complexity), which results in higher production costs than in competitor countries" deplores the organization.
An industrial and regulatory framework in question
Copacel calls for measures at European and national level. The trade organization is calling for the strengthening of market protection instruments, a reduction in production taxes, and a better valuation of nuclear-generated electricity.
The regulatory framework is also targeted. Schemes linked to extended producer responsibility (EPR), packaging (PPWR) or deforestation (RDUE) are deemed complex to implement. She also mentions the adaptation of environmental constraints, notably on water and CO?, to sites' investment capacities.
Christian Ribeyrolle, President of Copacel, reminds us: "The paper industry provides our fellow citizens with products that are both traditional and innovative, contributing to the fight against climate change and the development of the circular economy. Faced with the growing risks weighing on the long-term viability of many sites, it is urgent to implement an ambitious industrial policy to ensure the competitiveness of our industry and the sovereignty of our country".
