Pudumjee’s Jatia bullish about paper industry growth

Addressing the Indian paper traders body from all over the country, Jatia said about 65-70% of India's 23 million tonne paper production relies on recycled fibres. Jatia said, "There has always been a scarcity of the raw materials for paper manufacturing in the country."

Jatia highlighted fast-growing segments like tissue paper, which is growing at 13% annually, and cup stock, which is growing at 10.5%. He cautioned, "It will be very difficult to repeat last year's performance of 23% growth in the next few years."

Jatia highlighted the lack of domestic technical expertise in specialty paper manufacturing. "No manufacturing company or R&D institutions are ready to share the knowledge since this is their intellectual property," he stated.

Jatia acknowledged the industry's green efforts and the demand for sustainable packaging. He stressed the need for recyclable and compostable products tailored for the food and beverage industry as a viable alternative to single-use plastic, presenting an exciting opportunity for the paper industry.

Jatia added the industry's image "has not been very positive" but saw opportunities in sustainable packaging as a plastic alternative. He extolled the trading community to address issues like "conflicting reports which embarrass both the paper traders and paper mill manufacturers in public forums" and low-cost imports entering the country as "stock lot."

Jatia concluded the need for cooperation: "We have to take advantage of the present situation through responsible growth and better co-ordination."

Arun Jatia’s presentation highlighted the challenges and opportunities for the estimated Rs 80,000-crore paper sector in India to realise its full 6.35% growth potential.