The exhibition was inaugurated by CR Choudhary, minister of state for commerce and industry on 1 November at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, the minister agreed that there is huge shortage of cheap raw material and suggested that recycling input should be used. The minister also assured that his ministry will look into the matter of cheap exports seriously, improve investments besides doing ease of business with a view to improve production, exports and employment level.

Gagan Sahni, director of the exhibition, said, Paperex is a reliable and tested platform where pioneers of  paper industry connect to SME exporters, entrepreneurs, investors and most importantly 21,000 international trade visitors.

Most of the exhibitors are optimistic about the fact that Indian paper industry is resorting to farm forestry for meeting its wood requirement. Non-wood-based raw materials are increasingly becoming more popular in the paper industry in India. Having mapped with paper mill water use, companies are working to develop site specific plans at priority facilities that address additional efficiencies around water reuse and potential reduction.

Sahni said India’s consumption for paper will go up substantially in the medium term. Right now, the per capita consumption of paper is 9.8 kilograms as compared to 350 kilograms in the US. The global average is 58 kilograms.  

“Trade experts are hinting that the industry is entering a new phase of growth and paper packaging business will give much needed support to the Industry. The industry eco-system is changing rapidly and we as the world’s largest paper show are proud to be a part of the industry,” Sahni said.

He added that recent capacity expansions will benefit the end-user in medium term and industry experts believe that there will be few merger and acquisition in the industry by next year.

Paper Day marked

Paper Day was celebrated on the sidelines of Paperex 17 on 1 November 2017. Attending the event, Dr Harsh Vardhan, minister of science & technology, ministry of environment, forest and climate change and ministry of earth sciences, said paper is a great source of information and in spite of digitalisation, the importance of paper cannot be ignored or marginalised. We use only 12% of the paper for writing and I believe that paper will be in demand despite digitalisation. “The government also understands the importance of the industry in job creation,” the minister said.