From an R&D Chemist in a Paper Mill to a Leading Paper Chemicals Manufacturer: The Journey of Mr. Arvind Sharma

From an R&D Chemist in a Paper Mill to a Leading Paper Chemicals Manufacturer: The Journey of Mr. Arvind Sharma

Paper Industry Is an Essential and Environmentally Friendly Industry; Biodegradable Food-Grade Paper Offers Significant Growth Opportunities: Arvind Kumar Sharma

The Pulp and Paper Times

With nearly five decades of experience in the pulp and paper industry, Mr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, a first-generation entrepreneur and one of India's leading paper chemical manufacturers, believes the paper industry remains one of the most essential and environmentally friendly industries, with sustainability and biodegradable paper products creating significant opportunities for future growth.

Speaking during an interaction on Paper Trail Talks – The IPPTA Podcast, Mr. Sharma, Managing Director, Anmol Polymers, reflected on his nearly five-decade journey in the pulp and paper industry, the evolution of India's paper chemicals sector and the future opportunities emerging from sustainability-driven market trends.

Sharing his professional journey, Mr. Sharma said he started his association with the pulp and paper industry in October 1976 and is set to complete 50 years in the industry in the coming months.

"I come from a very simple family, and my father was a teacher. I started my career with the paper industry at Star Paper Mills, Saharanpur, as a research and development chemist," he said.

After working in a paper mill, he joined a chemicals manufacturing company producing guar gum powder, a natural polymer used by industries such as paper, textiles, explosives and food. Following three years in manufacturing, he moved into a marketing assignment with a Mumbai-based company, where he marketed chemicals for textiles, adhesives and industrial applications.

After serving other companies for 11 years, Mr. Sharma decided to establish his own business despite having no financial background.

"We started with a very moderate beginning by trading chemicals, especially guar gum powder. Gradually, we expanded our portfolio by adding more products," he said.

Initially, the company had no major infrastructure, research and development facilities or quality control laboratory. It began by supplying chemicals to small industries while maintaining a clear focus on developing tailor-made products for the Indian paper industry.

Recognising that Indian paper mills use different raw materials, including agricultural residues, waste paper recycling and wood pulp, the company concentrated on identifying industry challenges and developing customised solutions.

"We tried to identify the actual problems faced by the paper industry and concentrated on developing solutions. Fortunately, we introduced several novel solutions, and today, after this long journey, we are among the largest paper chemical manufacturers in India," Mr. Sharma stated.

Speaking about the environmental credentials of the paper industry, Mr. Sharma said there are several misconceptions regarding paper manufacturing.

"My view is completely different from those who believe paper is harmful to the environment. In my opinion, paper is one of the most essential industries," he said.

He explained that the paper industry is highly organised, particularly in developed countries, where more than 70% of paper is collected and recycled repeatedly. He further noted that paper mills also ensure sustainable raw material availability through plantation programmes.

"If mills harvest around 100 hectares, they generally replant around 200 hectares to ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials. The Government of India is also promoting plantation activities, and today there are different varieties of wood that grow very fast. Therefore, paper is an environmentally friendly industry and is steadily moving towards sustainability," he added.

Explaining the company's expansion strategy, Mr. Sharma said the decision to establish multiple manufacturing facilities was driven by logistics and customer service.

Initially, all products were supplied from the company's Himachal factory, resulting in significant logistical challenges. Since the products were not very expensive, transportation costs accounted for nearly 8–10% of the product cost in some cases while also increasing delivery time.

"We decided to establish manufacturing plants at different geographical locations to serve customers in a more efficient and beneficial manner," he said.

Mr. Sharma attributed the successful management of multiple manufacturing facilities to a strong technical and management team and a family-oriented work culture.

"Many experienced employees were transferred to the new plants, while our company culture has always been like a family business. Several team members have been associated with us for 20 to 30 years. This strong sense of belonging has made execution smooth and helped us manage multiple operations successfully," he noted.

Sharing his message for young entrepreneurs and professionals entering the paper industry, Mr. Sharma emphasised the importance of sincerity, dedication and continuous learning.

"My experience has taught me that one must work sincerely, with dedication, open eyes and an open mind. One should continuously look for new opportunities and new options," he said.

Highlighting future market opportunities, he observed that consumers worldwide are becoming increasingly conscious about environmental protection, while plastics are becoming more hazardous and difficult to decompose.

"Paper, therefore, has become a very good alternative. We have also seen a significant change in consumer behaviour over the past few years. Earlier, food items such as samosas were commonly packed in old newspapers. Today, the younger generation does not want to take that risk. They are looking for better alternatives to plastics, especially biodegradable food-grade paper. We are actively working in this segment, and I believe it offers very good opportunities for both our company and the paper industry as a whole," Mr. Sharma concluded.
 

Published at : Sep 04, 2026 07:24 AM (IST)

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