In a press release published on March 20, the French market pulp producer, Fibre Excellence provided an update on the situation.
“The conciliation period will be extended until April 15, in order to actively pursue the work already underway to identify solutions that will ensure the sustainability of the last remaining market pulp producer in France. At the heart of the discussions aimed at maintaining this strategic industrial player, essential to national paper sovereignty, is the need to rebalance the economic conditions of renewable electricity production sold back to the State, as well as to secure a stable and competitive supply of French wood. These factors fall within the national framework and have a direct bearing on the continued existence of a competitive paper industry in France. The objective remains to enable Fibre Excellence to have a sustainable and competitive industrial model, capable of operating sustainably in a demanding international economic environment. In parallel, and as part of a responsible approach aimed at securing site operations and jobs, Fibre Excellence has engaged an investment bank to examine all options, including the involvement of industrial or financial partners, both private and public, as well as the identification of potential investors or buyers capable of ensuring business continuity.”
Fibre Excellence employs nearly 700 people at its two sites, located in Tarascon and Saint-Gaudens (in southern France), which also support more than 10,000 jobs in the forestry, wood, paper, and logistics sectors. France produces 1.5 million tons of pulp and consumes 2 million tons. Its structural trade deficit is €700 million per year.
V.L
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