With a growth rate of 6-7%, India is the fastest-growing market in the world for paper. However inadequate raw material availability and Government’s policy of extending preferential tariff treatment to import of paper under the free trade agreements (FTAs) has left industry exposed to cheaper imports hurting domestic manufacturing, experts stated at the 13^th edition of PaperTech 2019 (Sept 16-18) that commenced at Hyderabad today. PaperTech is jointly held by CII and Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) and is aimed at making Indian Paper Industry world-class.

India represents an island of growth for the global industry. Expanding middle class, urbanisation, rise in disposable incomes and growth in print media are providing a fillip to the consumption of paper in India. Lifestyle changes are also leading to increasing in packaging levels across different FMCG products and since the paper is environmentally friendly, being fully recyclable and biodegradable, it is preferred over many other materials, said Mr A S Mehta, President Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) in his special address.

Speaking on the occasion, IPMA Past President and Chairman of PaperTech 2019 Mr Sanjay Singh said, PaperTech has been an exemplary effort by CII and IPMA has led to lot of sharing of best practices across the industry leading to significant savings in water and energy usage.

According to IPMA, Paper industry has managed to bring down its energy consumption by about 20% in the last five years. Integrated paper mills in India now generate 50-60% of the power they use by utilising the black liquor from the pulping process. In the first two cycles of PAT (Perform Achieve Trade) scheme of the Government, the paper industry significantly over-achieved the mandated stiff targets for energy saving.

On the waterfront, a few years ago, the paper industry used to consume 200 cubic metres of water to produce a tonne of paper. Now, the integrated mills have reduced that to 50 cubic metres. Efforts are on to bring it further down to 35-40 cubic metres.

During the PaperTech 2019, Mr K S Kasi Viswanathan, Managing Director, SPB Limited was felicitated for his long association and significant contribution to the Indian paper industry.

For the last several years, IPMA has been partnering with CII in organising PaperTech with the theme of ‘Make Indian Pulp & Paper Industry World Class’ with the support of all the stakeholders. The objective is to facilitate continuous improvement of energy, water and environmental performance in the Indian paper industry and help Indian paper mills in achieving world-class standards.