Market Trends of France Packaging Industry
Flexible Packaging to Have a Significant Share
- Flexible packaging is a means of packaging products using non-rigid materials, which allows for more economical and customizable options in France. As cheap and lightweight packaging is gaining popularity in the country, manufacturers are encouraged to use flexible packaging such as pouches, bags, and wraps for food, cosmetics, personal care, and E-commerce applications. Hence, these factors are responsible for boosting the market's growth.
- Pouch packaging is rapidly gaining popularity in France, as it is a highly convenient and portable solution. The growing popularity of pouch packaging, as it significantly uses less material than other containers and reduces food waste, drives the market growth. Consumers drove the demand for stand-up pouches (for snacks, beverages, baby food, or industrial oils and lubricants) exponentially over the past decade.
- French flexible packaging manufacturers, such as Amcor Group, provide flexible paper packaging solutions that help extend the shelf life of perishable food products. In December 2023, Amcor Group, a Swiss-based brand, supplied France-based cheese producer Fromagerie Milleret with recycle-ready paper flexible packaging for the company’s Le Baron Brie and l’Ortolan Bio premium cheeses. Amcor’s AmFiber Matrix packaging allows soft cheese producers to control the level of moisture within the product and the ripening process.
- French consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental implications of packaging. They are on the lookout for packaging solutions that strike a balance between functionality and eco-friendliness. According to the French Union of Carboard, Paper and Cellulose Industries (COPACEL), the distribution of paper and paperboard production in France for packaging, in 2020 was 64.3% and it has increased to 70% in 2023.
- Therefore, this shift in consumer preference has led to a heightened demand for sustainable and recyclable flexible packaging materials. In response, manufacturers of flexible packaging are pivoting towards these evolving demands, crafting innovative solutions that prioritize environmental consciousness.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
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Food Segment Expected to Dominate the Market
- France's rapidly growing food and food service industry drives the country's packaging market. As a result of these changes, new packaging styles, such as multi-packs and more miniature and more convenient single-serve packs, are becoming increasingly necessary. Flexible packaging and rigid plastics are the most popular materials in the French packaging market.
- French manufacturers are focusing on expanding paper manufacturing facilities to cater to the region's increasing demand for paper packaging. In May 2024, DS Smith, a British multinational company, announced an investment of EUR 6 million (USD 6.45 million) in its La Chevrolière facility in France.
- According to Agence Bio, the French Agency for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture, the annual turnover of the organic food market in France, excluding restaurants and other food service facilities, was EUR 11.4 billion (USD 12.33 billion) in 2019 and reached EUR 12.08 billion (USD 13.07 billion) in 2023. The rise in the organic food market also promotes the packaging industry market across the country.
- French consumers have a penchant for clean, attractive designs that exude quality. Packaging that marries functionality with aesthetic appeal captures attention. This trend leans towards minimalism, advocating for less clutter on labels and emphasizing premium materials.
- Consumers are more curious than ever about their food's origins and production methods. Brands adopt packaging solutions that underscore traceability, featuring ingredient labels and sourcing details, including single-serve packages, resealable bags, and products designed for portion control.
