Paperex 2023: Paper consumption in India to reach 30-mn tonnes by FY 2026-27

Paperex is an internationally renowned series of exhibitions and conferences focusing on paper, pulp and all allied industries. It is the only comprehensive business platform serving the paper industry and over the years, this leading business event has become the perfect platform for showcasing the entire spectrum of products and services relating to the paper and allied industries.

Inaugurating the event, Nand Gopal Gupta “Nandi,” minister of industrial development, export promotion, NRI, and investment promotion for the Government of Uttar Pradesh, shared his optimism regarding India’s paper industry. Emphasising the need for sustainability in processes and products within the paper sector, Nandi stressed the importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies to stay competitive in the dynamic global business landscape.

Impressed by the showcase of advanced products and technologies presented by over 600 exhibitors from 24 countries at Paperex 2023, organised by Hyve India, Nandi highlighted the significance of incorporating hi-tech solutions.

The guest of honour, Harsh Pati Singhania, vice-chairman and managing director of JK Paper, praised Paperex as the premier platform for Indian paper mill owners to engage in face-to-face interactions, fostering collaborations, and exploring opportunities for business expansion.

Projections indicate a 6 to 7% annual growth in paper consumption in India, reaching 30-million tonnes by FY 2026-27. This growth is attributed to a focus on education and literacy, coupled with the rise in organised retail. 

According to current industry data, India now has 861 paper mills, 526 of which are operating, with a total installed capacity of 27.15 million tonnes.  

India’s per capita paper usage, at roughly 15 kg, is well below the world average of 57 kg.

India is the world’s fastest-growing paper market, and it provides an interesting scenario: paper consumption is set to take a significant jump ahead in tandem with economic expansion. According to the forecast, growth in paper consumption would be in multiples of GDP, therefore an increase in consumption of one kilogramme per capita will increase demand of one million tonnes.

To fulfil the growing demand for paper and paper products, the paper industry requires innovative technology, improved equipment, raw materials, and so on. Paperex is a comprehensive business platform for all paper and associated businesses to investigate new technology, machinery, equipment, and raw materials for paper and board manufacture.

Paperex 2023 serves as a vital platform for facilitating bulk deals, joint ventures, distribution tie-ups, and knowledge-sharing, offering a unique opportunity to explore multiple suppliers and identify new sourcing and export destinations.

Paperex 2023, co-located with related trade fairs, including World of Paper 2023, Tissueex 2023, and Corrugex 2023, created a comprehensive platform covering various aspects of the paper, printing, packaging, and publishing industries. 

Distinguished policy-makers such as Raosaheb Patil Danve, Union minister of state for railway, coal and mines, and Arjun Ram Meghwal, minister of state for law and justice (independent charge) cum Minister of state for parliamentary affairs and culture, are set to grace the event as chief guests on Day 2 and 3, alongside industry veterans. The event features various concurrent business programmes, including a technical conference on growth and sustainability through green technologies, an open seminar on paper printing, packaging, and converting, networking meets by trade associations, and new product launches.

Paperex 2023 received an enormous reaction from the industry, with 700+ top exhibitors from 20 countries and thousands of trade visitors from all over the globe. 

At Paperex 2023, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in technology, machinery, equipment, transport and material handling and raw materials for paper and board manufacturing. The show attracts global buyers from paper and board manufacturers, paper traders, printers, publishers, converter and paper packaging companies, designers for corrugated box and related packaging, investors and promoters.