“Every parcel shipped anywhere in the world has strengthened the demand for packaging board, corrugated boxes, protective papers, and specialty grades,” said Pavan Khaitan at Paperex

“Every parcel shipped anywhere in the world has strengthened the demand for packaging board, corrugated boxes, protective papers, and specialty grades,” said Pavan Khaitan at Paperex

India’s Paper Industry Poised to Lead Global Sustainable Materials Revolution 

The Pulp and Paper Times | New Delhi:

Mr. Pavan Khaitan, VCMD of Kuantum Papers Limited, addressed global delegates at the Paperex 2025 inaugural session, delivering a powerful and forward-looking perspective on India’s role in the rising sustainable materials economy. Opening his address, he said, “A very good morning to you all. Welcome to Paperex 2025. Dignitaries on the dais, captains of industry, some of them legends, distinguished colleagues, international partners and delegates from across the value chain, it's truly a privilege to speak at Paperex 2025, the world's largest paper show.”

Khaitan praised the platform for its scale and global relevance: “No other global platform brings together mills, technology partners, suppliers, brand owners and researchers at this scale.” He noted that the world is at a moment of profound change—“not all of decline, but of reinvention”—where paper, “amongst the oldest circular material known to humanity,” is assuming a new central role in sustainable development.

He emphasised that “Paper is in transition. This is India's most moment, glorious moment in a changing global materials economy. So, in this context, a materials revolution is actually taking shape here.”

Khaitan outlined how industries across the world are rethinking materials, from packaging to mobility, retail, e-commerce and hygiene. He said “there are three global forces that are reshaping our paper consumption,” beginning with “Decarbonization and circularity.” Nations and brands, he noted, are redesigning supply chains around low-carbon, renewable and recyclable materials, with paper and fiber-based packaging at the center of these solutions.

The second force is the surge in e-commerce and omni-channel retail: “Every parcel shipped anywhere in the world has strengthened the demand for packaging board, corrugated boxes, protective papers and speciality grades.” The third is hygiene, health and urban lifestyles—“a boon of COVID for us”—with tissue and absorbent products among the fastest-growing global segments.

Khaitan explained that these forces have transformed the global paper industry “from volume-driven commodity sector into a technology-enabled, sustainability-driven materials industry.”

India’s Unique Opportunity

He highlighted India’s powerful position in this landscape: “India stands out as one powerful reason. Our consumption is still in its early growth curve.” With India moving towards a $4 trillion economy and a Q2 GDP growth rate of 8.2%—the highest in six quarters—Khaitan noted that the paper sector stands to benefit significantly.

He observed that India operates at a relatively low per capita consumption of paper, making it one of the few major economies where education, packaging and tissue segments still have strong growth potential. At the same time, Indian mills are “showing remarkable agility, modernizing, integrating backward, improving fiber efficiency and investing in energy optimization.”

As a result, he said, “India's paper industry today is not simply catching up. It is poised to lead,” particularly in recycled fiber technology, affordable packaging solutions and energy-efficient operations.

Emerging Domestic Trends

He identified key demand drivers shaping India’s paper future.

First, “packaging is taking center stage,” with the fastest growth in paperboard, corrugation and specialty packaging. Rising e-commerce, quick commerce, FMCG premiumization, food delivery, and organized retail are all accelerating demand.

Khaitan noted that “the sustainability pivot prevails,” as consumers, regulators and global brands increasingly prefer recyclable fiber-based packaging. India’s relatively strong recycling rates and a well-evolved waste paper ecosystem offer a competitive advantage.

He emphasized that tissue and hygiene products are on an “upward curve.” Meanwhile, writing and printing paper, though impacted by digitalization, maintains demand due to India’s large education sector. A shift toward premium and specialty grades is adding fresh value to this segment.

Technology as the Foundation of Future Mills

Khaitan stressed that technology innovation is becoming a defining force:

“As global suppliers and technology partners gather here at this Paperex, one message is clear. The future will reward mills that innovate boldly.”

He highlighted advancements such as high fiber efficiency, fiber diversification, energy-efficient systems, water optimization, chemical optimization, new barrier coatings, and sustainable plastic alternatives driven by single-use plastic bans.

Digital transformation will be pivotal:

“Digital mills powered by automation and AI-driven quality control and predictive maintenance is going to be a game-changer.”

He stated that “AI adoption will bolster and propel the industry forward… its earlier adoption is quite essential.”

India’s Role in the Global Dialogue

Khaitan asserted that India is shifting “from being a participant to a shaper of global economy.” He said the nation is increasingly seen as:

•  a major market for packaging and education,
•  a future hub for recycled fiber-based innovation,
•  a key buyer of global technology,
•  and “a proven champion of circularity.”

He emphasized that global brands now view India not just as a market but as a partner in building responsible circular supply chains. “This is India's moment to define global standards in sustainable paper, transparency and material-like packaging.”

Call to Action for the Next Decade

Khaitan delivered a clear roadmap:

“We need to consider three priorities for the coming decade.”
1. Lead in sustainable packaging
— High-performance boards, recyclable coatings and right-size design will be key.
2. Invest in fiber security and circularity
— Strengthening recycled fiber logistics, improving recovery rates, expanding plantations and adopting alternative fibers.
3. Upgrade technology and talent
— Digitizing mills, modernizing machines, enhancing skills and embracing innovation.

A Historic Moment for India

He concluded with a powerful reflection: “Paper has always been more than a material. It is a symbol of knowledge, communication, learning and civilization itself.”

Today, he said, paper is also a symbol of sustainability and responsible growth. “As we inaugurate Paperex with participation from across the world, let us commit to shaping a future where India becomes a global benchmark for sustainable paper and packaging, where innovation meets responsibility and where growth meets circularity.”
 

Published at : Apr 13, 2026 08:40 AM (IST)

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