Paper and paperboard waste market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French market for paper and paperboard waste expanded significantly in 2019, reaching 5.2 million tons. This growth was primarily driven by China's ban on imports of European cardboard waste, which redirected material to domestic processing and reduced exports. Concurrently, French regulations mandating source separation of paper and cardboard waste improved the quality and availability of recycled fibers.

Market volume dipped in 2020 to 4.9 million tons as the recycling crisis triggered by trade restrictions continued. The establishment of the extended producer responsibility scheme Léko that year aimed to strengthen the recycling chain for household packaging and paper. Recovery followed in 2021, with the market growing to 5.1 million tons, supported by the international expansion of key recyclers like Igloo France Cellulose and the enactment of the anti-waste law for a circular economy.

Another contraction occurred in 2022, bringing the market to 4.8 million tons, partly due to legislative efforts to reduce excessive packaging, which limited waste generation. Innovations such as Saica's launch of recycled paper tape maintained demand for recycled fibers. In 2023, the market rebounded to 5.3 million tons, reflecting ongoing volatility in supply and demand.

Production paper and paperboard waste in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France held the 7th position globally in the production of paper and paperboard waste.

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

World map of production of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

France's production of paper and paperboard waste declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 6 317 K t, showing a modest decrease of 6.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 13.3%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The production of paper and paperboard waste in France dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 692 M $ US, reflecting a significant decline of 10.9% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 43.8%, with an average annual rate of 17.5%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard waste from France

Exports in kind, K t

France's exports of paper and paperboard waste fell for the second straight year. In 2020, exports totaled 2 271 K t, down by 6.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 20.7%, with an average annual decline of 7.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 313 K t. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 26.7% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 15.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, Germany, and Belgium were the main destinations for France's exports of paper and paperboard waste in volume terms. Spain accounted for 45.9% of exports, Germany for 17.8%, and Belgium for 7.9%, together making up 71.6% of total export flows.

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 exports of paper and paperboard waste in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 248.9 M $ US, down by 11.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 48.6%, with an average annual rate of 19.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and Belgium remained the top destinations for France's exports of paper and paperboard waste in value terms. Spain represented 39.8% of exports, Germany 21.4%, and Belgium 7.7%, collectively accounting for 69.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to France

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, France imported 881 K t of paper and paperboard waste, a 2.0% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 9.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 829 K t. The largest decrease occurred in 2018, with a 14.6% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 8.5%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the leading sources for France's imports of paper and paperboard waste in volume terms. Germany accounted for 48.9% of imports, the Netherlands for 11.0%, and Belgium for 10.1%, together representing 69.9% of total import 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

France's imports of paper and paperboard waste in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 119.6 M $ US, down by 4.9% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 35.1%, with an average annual rate of 13.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium formed the core group of markets for France's imports of paper and paperboard waste in value terms. Germany accounted for 43.3% of imports, the Netherlands for 14.8%, and Belgium for 10.9%, collectively making up 69.0% of total import value.

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

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