According to the industry, paper also reduces pollution by using the 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) principle. The industry insiders said responsible and informed corporates in FMCG, food delivery and eCommerce companies, especially, are putting up best efforts to increase the use of recycling paper and eliminate the use of single-use plastic from their regular packing requirements.

During the show, Hyve India, the 100% subsidiary of Hyve Group, London, released a study on the environmental issues relating to single use plastic vis-à-vis packing paper.

Sanjeev Batra, director, Hyve India, said, “Due to the fundamental and technological revolution, the paper we produce today is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Today, the use of paper is not being considered as an impact on the environment, while the usage of paper in education is also being re-valued.”

He added that Paperex 2019 put the emphasis on the environment and how this essential commodity in our everyday life can reduce pollution and promote recycling. 

JP Narain, VP, Indian Paper and Manufacturers Association and CEO of Century Paper, said, “Paper industry is going through the transformation phase and now the industry uses less power and water due to technological changes. Cost of production of recycle paper is at least 20% to 28% cheaper depending upon the location than the recycled plastic. The requirement of better quality packaging products and the demand for other paper products, such as tissue paper, filter paper, tea bags, cardboard, etc are expected to drive the paper and paper products market in India in the coming years. Interestingly, the centre of the paper industry is also shifting towards more eco-friendly goods and technology. There is a big opportunity for paper industry as single-use plastic market in India is close to Rs 80,000-crore.”