Hyderabad: The Indian pulp and paper industry is steadily moving towards world-class manufacturing while contributing to sustainability, rural livelihoods and employment generation, said Mr Pawan Agarwal, President, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA).

Addressing the media at the 20th edition of PaperTech in Hyderabad, Mr Agarwal said that paper and paperboard are biodegradable, compostable and recyclable, while the raw materials used by the industry—including wood, bamboo, agricultural residues and recovered fibre—are sourced through sustainable channels.

Dispelling the perception that paper manufacturing leads to deforestation, he said more than 95% of the wood used by the industry is grown by farmers on agricultural land. Less than 5% comes through auctions conducted by Forest Development Corporations.

“The paper industry does not cut natural forests. On the contrary, industry-supported plantations have contributed to the expansion of Trees Outside Forests and provided an additional source of income to farmers,” Mr Agarwal said.

Highlighting paper’s growing relevance as a sustainable packaging material, he said it is among the most environmentally friendly and economically viable alternatives to single-use plastic. Demand for paper-based solutions from quick-service restaurants, food and pharmaceutical companies, and the wider FMCG sector has consequently been rising.

Mr Agarwal, however, expressed concern over predatory imports from China and ASEAN countries, which are adversely affecting domestic manufacturers. He said certain paper products are being exported to India at prices 15–25% lower than those prevailing in other international markets.

“Indian manufacturers are investing in capacity, technology and sustainable production. A check on dumped imports is essential to provide a level playing field and enable the domestic industry to increase scale and remain competitive,” he said.

The pulp and paper industry is also a major employment generator, providing direct employment to around five lakh people and indirect livelihoods to another 15 lakh people.

“With a supportive policy environment and fair trade conditions, the Indian paper industry can contribute significantly more to sustainable manufacturing, rural prosperity, employment generation and the national economy,” Mr Agarwal added.