Paperworld India highlights sustainability and customisation

Messe Frankfurt’s Paperworld India is ongoing until 25 January, providing a platform for exploring products and services in the stationery, gifting, and promotional sectors. The show is co-located with the Corporate Gifts Show. More than 340 exhibitors are showcasing a variety of innovations, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and customisation.

“This year has been a good one for us,” said Raj Manek, managing director of Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India. “We’ve seen steady growth since the pandemic, and this year, we’re surpassing our 2019 numbers, which was a record year for us.”

At Paperworld India, new segments such as educational toys, paper products, and sustainable brands have grown in participation. “Sustainability is a major focus,” Manek explained. “Buyers are more encouraged to source sustainable products due to growing regulations, especially in markets like Europe and North America. This is something we see more in India as well, with the demand for eco-friendly products rising.”

Similarly, The Corporate Gifts Show has seen growth in pharma packaging, customised gifting, and product categories like bags, apparel, and promotional items. “The personalised gift market in India is growing, with an increase in demand for tailored products,” Manek noted. “This is driven by eCommerce, where customisation is becoming a key trend.”

The global stationery market, valued at USD 145.21-billion in 2024, is expected to grow to USD 178.63-billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence. The demand for eco-friendly products is growing, with 68% of urban consumers in India preferring sustainable gifts, according to the Indian Retailers Association. “Sustainability is not just about the environment; it’s also a business choice,” said Manek. “Manufacturers are adapting because their buyers are demanding it.”

Visitors at both shows can explore a variety of products, from stationery and creative materials to customised gifting solutions. “We aim to support the industries we’re involved in, collaborating with associations to grow these markets,” Manek concluded. “Our role is to help develop sectors, not disrupt them.”

Paperworld India and The Corporate Gifts Show are running until January 25th at Hall 1 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.