Paper & Paperboard Product Manufacturing in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Paper & Paperboard Product Manufacturing in France industry analysis

The French paper and paperboard product manufacturing industry is navigating a rapidly shifting landscape as digitalisation continues to take hold. French consumers and businesses are pivoting to electronic alternatives for documentation, communication and billing, favouring efficiency and environmental consideration over traditional paper-based practices. This has significantly impacted the industry, leading to a notable slump in sales of everyday paper products like folders, notepads and envelopes. According to PaperFirst, in 2023, French paper production plummeted by 13.5%, with a corresponding 15% drop in apparent domestic consumption. The government's move to cease mandatory printing of payment receipts further exacerbates challenges for traditional paper goods, while luxury stationery has managed to carve out a niche, capitalising on a consumer lean towards high-end writing materials amid a digitised environment.

Trends and Insights

• The on-screen shift reduces paper usage. Secure electronic file storage continues to become more popular. Paperless billing and digital communication are also cutting into sales of paper products like envelopes and letterheads.
• Sustainability shapes hygiene product sales. As eco-awareness grows, Europeans are opting more for green, biodegradable personal care items, fuelling the growth of environmentally earth-friendly products.
• Scale and innovation determine market share. The bigger companies stay on top due to their economies of scale, streamlined operations and continuous investment in tech advancements—these factors give them a solid competitive edge.