Paperex is a globally recognised series of exhibitions and conferences dedicated to the paper, pulp, and related industries. It stands as the only comprehensive business platform for the paper sector, evolving over the years into an ideal venue for showcasing a full range of products and services relevant to the paper and its allied industries.

The theme of the event is, Paper and Packaging Industry: Events and New Opportunities. The event will be inaugurated by Ganesh Bhadti, director (operation), Seshasayee Paper and Boards, who will deliver a keynote address on green practices and the futuristic approach for sustainability.

The first panel discussion will delve into the Future Prospects of  Paper Packaging: Issues and Challenges, moderated by Anil Kumar, technical advisor of IARPMA. The suggested panellists are KM Shanmuga Perumal, vice-president, South Indian Kraft Paper Mills Association; Hardik Patel, director, Om Sree Papertech; Vinod Patel, director, Suryaans Paper; Pankaj Aggarwal, chairman and managing director of Binlad Duplex; Santosh Wakhloo, executive director (marketing) of Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers; Ram Alagesan, chief general manager (technical) of Nepa; and Vijayakumar, secretary general of Indian Newsprint Manufacturers Association (INMA).

Post-lunch, a discussion will be held on Sourcing of Recycled Fibre and Changing Customer Priorities in Paper, Packaging and Tissue Segments, with Dhananjay Kumar, CEO and managing director of Eupraxia Consulting India; S Umakanth, general manager, ITC Paperboards; and Saikat Basu, head of marketing and sales in Orient Paper and Industries.

The special session on 6 November will be held on the theme Environmental Management in Pulp and Paper Industry with speakers RK Jain, Dr Nitin Endlay, senior scientist, Central Pulp and Paper Research Institute; Naveen Kumar,  sector expert, Bureau of Energy Efficiency; Tony Bjorkenius, senior manager of Refiners, Disc Filters; and Izhar Alam, scientist, R&D head, Proklean Technologies.

The third technical session will deliberate the theme, innovative technologies and product development in the paper and packaging industry with Shantanu Pandian, principal consultant; Praveen Singh of energy efficiency in pulp and paper mills; Simon Vuez, product manager of BTG and Madhure Desarda, director of operations of Parason Global.

The fourth technical session will elaborate on the best technologies and operational practices for profitability and sustainability with KV Kiran Kumar, technical expert, UNIDO; Dr K Sudarshan, manager, R&D; Dr Sundraman, consultant; Sanjay Tyagi, senior scientist, pulp and paper industry; and Preeti S Lal, senior scientist, CPPRI. 

The final session will discuss paper and packaging industry: product quality, export marketing and government policies with Dharam Dutt, professor, IIT Roorkee; RK Jain, technical expert, UNIDO; Kirtiraj K Gaikwad; Mohammed Gouse, senior manager of ITC; Virendra Singh, member secretary of CHD 16, DVSSA; and Bhanu Prasad of Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers.