Inexpensive, easy to process and with a strong ecological image, paper and cardboard occupy an essential place in the world of packaging. Their lightness, recyclability and adaptability to all types of packaging (primary, secondary or tertiary) make them particularly popular materials in a context of sustainable transition. Once perceived as fragile, they are now at the center of the strategies of brands, distributors and manufacturers, supported by public policies favoring recyclable and renewable materials.

A solid and changing French market

The French paper and cardboard industry has been showing a dynamic recovery since 2024, after several years of decline. National production increased by 6.3%, reaching about 6.5 million tons, driven in particular by the increase in demand in e-commerce and agri-food. The "paper, cardboard and market pulp" sector generated a turnover of nearly €5.7 billion in 2024, according to Copacel, confirming its position as the second pillar of packaging behind plastic.

Corrugated cardboard, the flagship segment of the sector, has 11 industrial groups, 70 production sites and 15,200 direct employees, for a turnover of around €3.36 billion. At the same time, the entire paper and cardboard packaging sector includes more than 550 companies, 650 sites and 50,000 jobs, generating nearly 12 billion euros in turnover according to COFEPAC.

A strategic European sector

At the European level, paper and cardboard represent about 40% of all packaging produced, or nearly 45 million tonnes per year, according to the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi). Europe has a record recycling rate of 82% for these materials – the highest of any type of packaging – compared to a global average of around 65%. This performance is due to both a well-established collection infrastructure and a growing demand for packaging made from recycled fibres, particularly in logistics, online sales and FMCG.

An industrial model in adaptation

Despite these assets, the sector continues to face several challenges:

  • Pressure on margins, linked to lower raw material prices and rising energy costs;
  • Industrial consolidation, with a 10% drop in the number of factories and a 23% drop in the workforce in France over the last ten years;
  • Investments needed to modernize production lines and improve the circularity of materials.


However, manufacturers are on the offensive: the sector devotes nearly 11% of its added value to investment, while maintaining a low debt level (2.25%), proof of a healthy financial structure. This ability to finance innovation – in recycled fibres, bio-based coatings or smart packaging – is a key asset to support sustainability and performance requirements.

a piece of paper

ALLFORPACK EMBALLAGE PARIS accompanies you to present your paper and cardboard solutions

The ALLFORPACK EMBALLAGE PARIS exhibition welcomes professionals from the industries using packaging to decision-making positions: company managers, R&D managers, product managers, buyers, logistics managers, etc. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to your glass packaging and present your innovative and tailor-made solutions.

In order to facilitate your meetings with visitors interested in your products, the show has set up a set of tools that will strengthen your visibility:

  • The online and paper catalog have been redesigned to be indexed by material,
  • A tour dedicated to paper and cardboard solutions,
  • A list of products and new products to allow you to communicate about the solutions you will present at the show,
  • A matchmaking webapp to easily identify your prospects and customers and plan meetings,
  • Our mediakit will allow you to generate banners in a few clicks to communicate your presence at the show.


The show also offers a programme of conferences and events around packaging, these challenges and those of tomorrow. In the end, it is to a complete reflection on packaging that ALLFORPACK EMBALLAGE PARIS invites its visitors. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of these changes and develop your business !

See you in Paris in November 2026!

The plastic: versatile and affordable
The alternative materials