Wood stands out for its durability, natural resistance and ability to adapt to many uses: crates, pallets, crates, light packaging, etc. A renewable resource, it benefits from a strong ecological image and is a solid alternative in a context where environmental, regulatory and societal requirements are becoming more stringent.

A strong growth in the French market

In France, the wood packaging sector includes 782 specialized companies (pallets, pallet boxes, industrial and light packaging) in 2022.

The turnover of this sector amounted to ≈ 3.1 billion euros in 2022, almost double the number in 2019. This represents 145 million pallets placed on the market, 63% of which came from repackaging and 865 million units of light wooden packaging produced in 2022.

Source: National Wood Federation

In Europe, encouraging uses and recycling

Europe accounts for more than 25% of the global use of wood packaging, with Germany, France and the United Kingdom as the main players. Recycling is high, with for example in Germany, more than 92% of pallets are recycled.

Strengths, challenges and prospects

Wood has many advantages that explain its strategic role in packaging. Thanks to the reconditioning of pallets and an efficient industrial organization, it offers an excellent balance between investment, profitability and environmental impact. An aesthetic, natural and bio-based material, it meets the growing demand for sustainable and responsible packaging. Its circularity potential is also a major advantage : it can be recycled, reused or recovered for energy at the end of its life, while its residues often find a second use in other sectors.

Nevertheless, the sector faces certain challenges. Some lightweight packaging, such as trays or thin boxes, require specific recycling channels to remain compliant with European regulations. The diversity of species, the treatments applied (paints, varnishes, staples, etc.) and the collection logistics also complicate the complete recovery of the material. Finally, faced with lighter or less expensive materials, wood must deal with higher transport costs and variable margins depending on the segment.

Regulation, environmental performance and strategy

The European Union sets a recycling target of 25% for wood packaging. As for France, ADEME recommends systematizing separate collection, modernizing recycling capacities and favoring recycling over energy recovery.

Thus, wood is now a central player in the ecological transformation of packaging : renewable, recyclable and value-bearing, it is already firmly established in France and Europe.

To strengthen this position, the sector will have to:

  • Secure and develop recycling channels, in particular for light and reconditioned packaging
  • Integrate eco-design (reduction of non-recyclable components and simplification of structures)
  • Improve the traceability and provenance of wood to ensure sustainability and responsibility (certified forests, certifications). Harmonize practices with European regulations, by anticipating recycling and reuse obligations, particularly by 2030.

ALLFORPACK EMBALLAGE PARIS supports you to present your plastic solutions

Morceaux de bois

ALLFORPACK EMBALLAGE PARIS accompanies you to present your wooden 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 wood 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 glass: a durable, versatile material