Elof Hansson CEO Mikael Forslund Calls for Responsible and Resilient Growth in Paper Industry

Elof Hansson CEO Mikael Forslund Calls for Responsible and Resilient Growth in Paper Industry

Elof Hansson CEO Mikael Forslund Calls for Responsible and Resilient Growth in Paper Industry
At Paperex 2025, industry leaders Mr. Mikael Forslund, Mr. Pawan Agarwal, Pavan Khaitan, and Mr. Rahul Khanna delivered a unified yet candid assessment of the current state of the Indian paper industry, emphasizing rising volatility, rising input costs, and the urgent need for technological advancement.Together, their insights underscored a critical message: the paper industry must adapt rapidly through innovation, efficiency, and stronger policy support to remain resilient in the months ahead. 

The Pulp and Paper Times | New Delhi

Mr. Mikael Forslund, President and CEO of Elof Hansson Group and Elof Hansson Holding AB, Sweden, addressed global delegates at Paperex 2025 with a compelling and thoughtful speech on sustainable growth, resilience, and collaboration in the global paper and packaging industry.

Opening his address, Mr. Forslund expressed his deep personal connection with India, which began in 1986. He shared how each visit has continued to inspire him, citing the country’s boundless energy, vibrant diversity, and spirit of innovation. “Every time I return, I am struck by a sense of possibility and optimism that feels uniquely Indian,” he said, highlighting the warmth and hospitality of its people.

A Single Sheet of Paper and the Scale of India

Drawing a powerful metaphor, Mr. Forslund invited the audience to imagine holding a single sheet of paper—light, fragile, and easily torn—yet historically entrusted with humanity’s greatest ideas, philosophies, and peace agreements. He contrasted this fragility with the immense scale and resilience of India, a nation operating on a level few others can match in terms of population, demand, and production.

Between the brittleness of paper and the resilience of India, he noted, lies the story of the pulp and paper industry itself—an industry facing pressures from climate change, economic uncertainty, and resource scarcity, yet equally capable of extraordinary resilience through adaptation and innovation.

Essential Products Driving Demand

Mr. Forslund emphasized that paper, packaging, and tissue products, though often overlooked or considered unglamorous, form the backbone of modern life. These materials safeguard food and medicines, support hygiene and healthcare, and act as carriers of knowledge across generations.

With growing demand for food protection, medical packaging, hygiene products, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce, the industry is witnessing sustained growth. However, he cautioned that unmanaged expansion could place significant strain on forests, water, energy, and communities.

“The paradox is clear,” he said. “The very qualities that make our products indispensable can threaten their sustainability if not carefully managed.”

Resilience Through Responsibility and Renewal

True resilience, Mr. Forslund explained, is not merely about survival, but renewal—the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. He stressed that the real question for the industry is not whether it will grow, but how it will grow.

Sustainability, he noted, must remain the foundation of progress, balancing traditional products with continuous innovation. With over 128 years of experience as a global trading house in forestry products, Elof Hansson is uniquely positioned to observe both companies that respect tradition and those redefining materials through innovation.

Innovations Shaping the Future of Sustainable Materials

Highlighting global innovation, Mr. Forslund cited several pioneering companies addressing sustainability challenges:
• Yangi (Sweden): Replacing plastic packaging with recyclable fiber-based alternatives using advanced dry-forming technology that significantly reduces water use, emissions, and costs.
• PaperShell (Sweden): Developing strong, durable, and fully recyclable cellulose-fiber materials as alternatives to plastics and fossil-based composites.
• Everyboard: Transforming recyclable beverage cartons into high-performance roofing boards, diverting waste from landfills and reducing carbon emissions.

Elof Hansson’s Technical Developments in India

Mr. Forslund also shared Elof Hansson’s own technical advancements in India, including proof-of-concept solutions for industrial applications such as metal recovery, nitrogen oxide removal from industrial chimneys, and achieving zero liquid discharge in manufacturing processes.

Initially developed for the pulp and paper sector, these technologies are now being extended to other industries. The company aims to become a preferred technical partner for clean water and air solutions in India and beyond.

Partnership as the New Currency

At the heart of Elof Hansson’s philosophy, Mr. Forslund said, lies the belief that partnership is the new currency. Rather than seeking recognition, the company focuses on quietly building bridges between markets, innovators, and people.

By improving sourcing transparency, promoting recyclable and renewable materials, and enabling efficient resource use, Elof Hansson plays a crucial role in connecting suppliers with customers and helping sustainable ideas find viable commercial opportunities.

A Collective Call for the Future

Concluding his address, Mr. Forslund stressed that the challenges ahead demand collective action, creativity, and shared responsibility. He called on manufacturers, innovators, and consumers alike to work together to balance tradition with innovation.

Returning to his opening metaphor, he said that like a single sheet of paper—fragile yet resilient—the industry stands at the center of progress and sustainable growth.

“By working together, we can build an industry that meets today’s demand while creating a legacy of dignity, resilience, and enduring prosperity for generations to come,” he concluded.
 

Published at : 2026-03-28T09:37:58+00:00">Mar 28, 2026 09:37 AM (IST)