The Association Française des Vendeurs de Pâtes (AFVP) gathered around 40 professionals from the French pulp supply sector on Thursday 26 June 2026 for its annual seminar, held once again at the Grand Hôtel in Divonne-les-Bains.
The day opened with a full morning and afternoon dedicated to networking and bilateral meetings, with participants choosing between two traditional activities: a golf tournament and lunch at the Pavillon du Golf, or a guided hike through the Jura mountains with lunch at La Barillette. Both options reflected the convivial spirit that has long characterised this event.
Opened by Pierre Bach, the President, the technical seminar took place from 5:00 to 6:30 pm and featured two presentations of contrasting yet complementary perspectives on the future of pulp markets.
Tom Wright, from market intelligence firm Hawkins Wright, opened with an analysis entitled Shockwaves across Europe: geopolitics, energy and pulp market outlook, examining how the current geopolitical and energy landscape is reshaping supply and demand dynamics for pulp in Europe.
Alice Duthoit, representing Injectose, then offered a forward-looking view with her presentation Rethinking cellulose: innovations, biomaterials and ecological transition, exploring how new applications and bio-based material developments are broadening the scope of cellulose beyond its traditional uses.
Before closing the session, Maxime Pagnard, acting as Vice-President, announced the recent launch of the association’s new website, which includes a dedicated section for members.
The seminar concluded with a gastronomic cocktail dinner from 6:30 pm onwards, providing participants with further opportunities for informal exchange.
Founded as a non-profit organisation, AFVP brings together traders and representatives of pulp producers active on the French market, with the aim of promoting their shared interests and facilitating trade in pulp for paper and textile applications.
