Managers in the cardboard and stationery industry are anticipating a difficult second half-year. This is the main finding of a survey conducted by the Fédération française du cartonnage et des articles de papeterie (CAP) among 30 managers of member companies between May 5 and 22, 2026, with the support of the Confédération des petites et moyennes entreprises (CPME).
40% of managers report a deterioration in their business
The first sign of this deterioration is the sharp drop in manufacturers' confidence levels. In the first half of the year, 40% of managers surveyed indicated that their company's overall situation had deteriorated.
"The outlook for the second half of the year shows no sign of improvement: sales remain on a downward trend, cash flow is coming under severe pressure and the workforce continues to erode" says CAP.
97% of companies affected by Middle East crisis
The crisis in the Middle East is one of the main warning signs identified by the survey. According to the survey, 97% of respondents feel that their business has already suffered its consequences.
Tensions are having a direct impact on purchasing. Seven out of ten executives report an increase in raw materials procurement costs of between 5% and 20%. Fuel prices are also affected. One company manager in two reports a price increase of over 20%.
For the federation, which represents 300 companies including 120 members, "rising raw material supply costs and volatile energy prices are weighing heavily on the economic equilibrium of companies in the sector" .
50% of managers face supply disruptions
Logistical disruptions also remain a source of fragility. One manager in two says he has experienced supply difficulties that have had a concrete impact on his site's operations.
In the most severe cases, 3% of respondents said they had experienced supply disruptions leading to partial or total shutdown of their business.
70% of companies are preparing adaptation measures
Faced with these difficulties, manufacturers are seeking to strengthen their resilience. According to the survey, 70% of companies have already initiated or are planning corrective measures.
The responses envisaged combine short-term actions, such as postponing investments or renegotiating supplier contracts, with more structural measures such as diversifying sources of supply or prospecting for new markets.
