Deindustrialization of the packaging industry over the past forty years: a distinctly French phenomenon

Imagine that I have had the privilege (is it really a privilege?) of witnessing firsthand the deindustrialization of the packaging industry in France, across all sectors, over the past forty years. Because contrary to the ideas widely promoted by those who undoubtedly had a vested interest in doing so (to absolve themselves of responsibility), this ultimately had little to do with globalization. We need to listen to those who lived through this period, myself included!

One only had to cross the Alps, the Rhine or the Pyrenees to see that this packaging industry, which was very family-oriented, continued to develop and is still developing today in Italy, Germany and Spain. Spot the mistake! Corporate taxes, taxes on production equipment, inheritance costs, expenses, social risks, and a political class—I would even say an elite in the broad sense, trained in our fine business schools, completely unfamiliar with industry, advocating the development of services (without realizing that in order to have services, you had to produce something!). It’s only natural that, under these conditions, I turned to neighboring countries to satisfy my entrepreneurial spirit. Unfortunately, this “French disease” is still deeply rooted today! But let’s try to be optimistic in order to motivate the younger generations, who really need it. We will solve many of our problems by unleashing our energies. Thank you to all the industrialists who believe in this every day.