- Paper industry today utilizes nearly 25% to 50% bamboo in its total wood-pulp mix.
- Indian paper industry with farm forestry & large-scale plantation initiatives now meeting nearly 90-95% of the nation’s wood requirements.
- Paper market projected to grow to USD 16.64 billion by 2028.
New Delhi : “With demand rising 7–8% annually and production capacity expected to expand from 24 million tonnes to 32 million tonnes by 2030, the sector continues to play a vital role in rural employment, MSME development, packaging, education and social progress.” said Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Power & Minister of State for the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India.
Naik said, “Its shift toward renewable energy, reduced fossil-fuel dependence and long-term carbon-neutrality strategies further strengthens India’s environmental leadership.”
As we work toward the vision of a developed India by 2047, innovation, digitalization, recycling and global collaboration will shape a competitive and self-reliant industrial ecosystem. This conference will undoubtedly open new pathways for knowledge, cooperation, technology advancement and sustainable growth.” Naik said while speaking at the 17th Edition of Paperex 2025 in Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka.
Paperex scheduled from December 3 to 6, 2025 is organized by Informa Markets in India in collaboration with IARPMA and supported by the World Paper Forum. Leading industry players including JK Paper, Bindals Paper, TNPL, Trident Group, Andhra Paper, Orient Paper and West Coast Paper participated.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Mr. Pavan Khaitan, President, Indian Pulp & Paper Technical Association (IPPTA), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Power & Minister of State for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
Adding to the occasion were presidents of leading paper associations and high-level dignitaries, including Mr. Pawan Agarwal, President, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association; Mr. Rahul Khanna, President, Indian Newsprint Manufacturers Association; Mr. Pramod Agarwal, President, Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association; Mr. Peter Hall, President, IMEA, Informa Markets; and Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India.
Mr. Pawan Agarwal, President, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association, said, “The paper industry today utilizes nearly 25% to 50% bamboo in its total wood-pulp mix, a significant rise enabled by the Union Government’s decision to deregulate bamboo transportation from the northeastern states. This policy shift has not only strengthened raw material availability for mills but also boosted the local economies of the region through enhanced bamboo supply. In parallel, the government’s move to allow farmers to freely grow and harvest designated tree species, many of which are used by paper mills, has encouraged sustainable agroforestry practices. These combined reforms have created a more reliable, farmer-inclusive and environmentally responsible raw material ecosystem for the paper sector.”
Mr. Rahul Khanna, President, Indian Newsprint Manufacturers Association, said “The global landscape for the paper industry has entered a phase of heightened unpredictability, where volatility has replaced the earlier cycle of good, average, and challenging periods. In the past six months alone, the industry has witnessed unprecedented fluctuations, intensified further by issues such as overseas dumping and rapidly shifting market dynamics. Sustaining the sector in this environment requires continued advocacy, strong policy support, and a collective focus on long-term resilience. Encouragingly, the industry is responding with significant technological advancement and a growing influx of young professionals, an essential shift for driving innovation and future-readiness. As conditions evolve, embracing cutting-edge technology and nurturing new talent will remain central to navigating this new normal.”
Mr. Pramod Agarwal, President, Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association, said “The Indian paper sector comprises nearly 800 mills and has a strong rural footprint linking farmers, local communities and an extensive labour base of nearly 5,000 direct and indirect workers per mill, the industry plays a critical role in rural livelihoods and employment generation. As India continues to face a fibre shortage, agroforestry-based production using agricultural residues such as bagasse, sarkanda, wheat straw and rice straw has become essential. Instead of crop burning, farmers are encouraged to supply this biomass, creating both environmental and economic benefits. However, domestic waste paper collection remains limited to nearly 50%, far below levels seen in developed economies where recovery rates reach 90%. This gap compels the industry to import close to 10 million tonnes of waste paper annually. Strengthening fibre collection, reducing import dependence and fostering enabling policy support are vital for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Indian paper industry.”
Mr. Pavan Khaitan, President, Indian Pulp & Paper Technical Association (IPPTA), said “The global paper and pulp industry is entering a defining phase, one driven by decarbonization, circularity, e-commerce growth and rising hygiene awareness. As brands and nations redesign value chains around renewable, recyclable and low-carbon materials, paper and fiber-based solutions are emerging at the centre of sustainable growth. India stands uniquely positioned in this transition with a resilient economy, rising consumption, strong recycling systems and rapid technological adoption across mills. Packaging, tissue, specialty grades and recycled-fiber innovations are reshaping demand, while digital mills, AI-enabled quality systems, barrier coatings and energy-efficient technologies are setting new competitive benchmarks. With global partners converging at PaperX 2025, the industry’s priorities for the next decade are clear, lead in sustainable packaging, strengthen fiber security and circularity and accelerate modernization and talent development. Paper has always symbolized knowledge and progress; today, it also represents responsible growth and material circularity. This is India’s moment to shape global standards in sustainable paper and packaging.”
N. Gopalratnam, Chairman, Seshasayee Paper & Boards Ltd, said, “The Indian paper industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, with farm forestry and large-scale plantation initiatives now meeting nearly 90-95% of the nation’s wood requirements, an achievement unmatched by any other global market. Despite rising raw material costs affecting international competitiveness, this progress in sustainable tree farming and fiber security stands as a defining hallmark of India’s manufacturing strength. Circularity, often seen as a modern concept, has been deeply embedded in the industry for decades through integrated models linking agriculture, sugar mills, and paper production, demonstrating how resource efficiency has long been part of India’s industrial ethos. While per capita paper consumption remains modest at 15–16 kg, this gap represents significant future potential. With strong scientific capabilities, technological advancements and a resilient production ecosystem, the industry is well-positioned to overcome current market pressures and chart a path of steady long-term growth. Sustained optimism, collaboration and innovation will continue to shape India as a global leader in sustainable paper and fiber-based solutions.”
Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “The paper and packaging industry is being transformed by innovation, sustainability and India’s rapidly expanding demand landscape. This sector demonstrates exceptional circularity, recycling nearly 68% of all materials while investing steadily in sustainable forestry and carbon-neutral processes. With consumption expected to reach 23.5 million tonnes, India’s per-capita usage of 15 kg remains significantly below the global average of 57 kg, presenting immense growth potential. The market’s projected growth to USD 16.64 billion by 2028 underscores this momentum.
Paperex 2025, enhanced by initiatives like the ‘New Trends & Technologies’ conference and the India Innovation Pavilion, plays a pivotal role in accelerating this progress. These platforms bring global advancements and sustainable solutions to the forefront while enabling business opportunities, joint ventures and technology transfer that collectively shape the next chapter of India’s paper industry.” he added.
