Household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets market in France

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the market for household and sanitary paper in France was influenced by production expansions and evolving consumer preferences. Renova installed a second production line, broadening its range for large retailers, while growing demand for unbleached, fragrance-free products signaled a shift toward ecological offerings. The following year, the market experienced a slight contraction, even as the feminine hygiene segment saw a revolution with rapid growth in natural and organic alternatives, reflecting broader consumer concerns over chemical substances in conventional products.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 markedly increased demand for paper hygiene products such as paper towels, as health awareness rose and consumers moved away from electric hand dryers. This surge supported market volume growth. In 2021, heightened hygiene sensitivity persisted, and manufacturers invested in innovative adhesive solutions to enhance product quality and meet premium and sustainability expectations, contributing to market stability after the initial pandemic spike.

Market consolidation among major players like Kimberly-Clark and Sofidel Group, coupled with sustained trends for eco-friendly and premium products, fueled significant market expansion in 2022. By 2023, online distribution became a dominant force, with Best Hygiène emerging as the leading e-commerce supplier in the Paris region, and public tenders for paper hygiene supplies added structure to the market. Moving into 2024, the industry continued to evolve with investments in automated, hygienic production lines and a diversified commercial offer, underpinned by strong demand in both domestic and medical segments.

Production household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, France ranked as the 10th largest producer of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

World map of production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 832.0 K t of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, marking a 1.8% increase compared to the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 817.0 K t, while the peak was recorded in 2018 at 846.0 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in France was valued at 1 177 M $ US, reflecting a 3.7% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 128 M $ US. The largest decline took place in 2018 with a 17.2% drop, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2019, rising by 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from France

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from France declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 79.6 K t, down by 1.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall increased by 9.8%, with a CAGR of 3.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 114.6 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 29.6% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018, surging by 58.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the three main markets for France's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in kind were the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium, which together accounted for 72.8% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

France's export value of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 112.6 M $ US, representing a 6.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 152.8 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 21.0% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 30.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom (26.7% of exports in value terms), Germany (22.0%), and Belgium (19.3%) formed the key group of partners for France's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in value terms, jointly representing 67.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020

Imports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets to France

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, France imported 90.6 K t of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, showing a moderate increase of 7.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10.1%, with an annualized rate of -3.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 84.7 K t, while the peak was in 2018 at 110.5 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 23.4% drop, and the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (30.6% of imports in kind), Spain (23.4%), and Germany (13.9%) remained the key sources for France's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in kind, together accounting for 67.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, France's import value of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets reached 131.7 M $ US, indicating a limited improvement of 7.8% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 122.2 M $ US, while the peak was in 2018 at 152.8 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 20.0% drop, and the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 13.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy (28.7% of imports in value terms), Spain (20.3%), and Germany (16.1%) remained the main markets for France's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in value terms, jointly taking 65.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020