JK Paper's strategic plantation efforts ensure raw material security for BCTMP Pulp Mill project

JK Paper's strategic plantation efforts ensure raw material security for BCTMP Pulp Mill project

- JK Paper's AS Mehta Emphasizes Strategic Planning for Sustainable Paper Production
- Focus on Raw Material Source Development for Future Pulp Mills

Paperex 2023 unveils futuristic approach to paper industry: eminent speakers illuminate the path ahead. join the panel discussion on the decade ahead with industry visionaries. don't miss expert insights on the future of paper – here's a glimpse of our distinguished speakers and their addresses!

The Pulp and Paper Times | Greater Noida :

In a recent statement, Mr. AS Mehta, President and Director at JK Paper, emphasized the importance of strategic planning and raw material source development in the paper industry, particularly in the context of writing and printing paper production during a panel discuss at Paperex 2023.

Mehta began by stating that the current priority is not just about investing in new capacities, whether wood-based, virgin fiber-based, or other materials. Instead, he highlighted the critical need to assess the market's requirements for specific paper products. According to him, the writing and printing paper capacity in the country is currently well-balanced in terms of demand and supply.

Addressing the intricacies of paper production, Mehta emphasized the fully integrated nature of the industry, whether it's wood-based, agro-based, or recycled fiber. He asserted that writing and printing paper is not produced in the country from market pulp. When additional pulp is required, existing sources, including recycled fiber, wood, or virgin fiber, undergo debottlenecking to enhance capacity and meet the growing demand for fiber in writing and printing paper.

Mehta underlined the potential for setting up new pulping capacities if there is a requirement. However, he stressed the need for a fundamental shift in the industry's thought process. Before establishing new capacities, there must be a focus on creating a sustainable raw material source. Mehta suggested that building a pulp mill becomes a viable option if a reliable raw material source is secured through well-planned plantation activities.

Sharing JK Paper's experience, Mehta revealed that over the last decade, the company has dedicated consistent efforts to plantation activities, resulting in an incremental plantation of more than 40,000 acres per year. The current target is an ambitious 70,000 acres of plantation this year alone.

Mehta spoke about the importance of seedling activities, emphasizing that JK Paper aims to plant over ten crore clonal, seedling, and rooting plants this year, showcasing a commitment to creating a robust raw material source.

Proudly highlighting the industry's collective efforts, Mehta expressed gratitude for initiatives undertaken through the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) platform. He mentioned that MDF and plywood manufacturers are now actively participating in plantation activities, creating a positive impact on the availability of quality raw materials.

We announced a BCTMP pulp mill much earlier, expected to commence production by the end of 2025. We have already begun plantation for it; in fact, we've been exclusively focusing on plantation for this pulp mill for the past two years. By the time the pulp mill is operational, we will have a readily available raw material source. This level of planning is crucial, and it's our only savior.

The comprehensive strategy outlined by AS Mehta emphasizes the industry's responsibility in ensuring a sustainable and secure raw material source for the production of writing and printing paper, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability
 

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