Middle East emerges as key market for Jani Sales; Company plans to add PM-3 as another greenfield project

Middle East emerges as key market for Jani Sales; Company plans to add PM-3 as another greenfield project
Jani Sales: A Legacy of Innovation in Paper Packaging, Powered by Passion, Persistence, and a Vision for Sustainability

The Pulp and Paper Times

In a candid and wide-ranging conversation on the latest episode of ‘PAPEXPO Talks’ India Paper Talk Show, Abiali Jani, Director of Jani Sales Pvt. Ltd., delved into the remarkable 46-year journey of his family-led enterprise and how it has evolved into a major player in India’s paper and packaging industry.

Jani Sales, founded in 1979 by Mr. Saifee Jani, began as a trading company in paperboards. Now, under the leadership of the second generation—Abiali and his two brothers—the company has expanded into exports, waste paper trading, and most significantly, manufacturing. Abiali Jani recounted how the firm has built strong alliances with major Indian mills like ITC and has become one of the country’s leading suppliers of waste paper, serving not just India, but international markets such as the Middle East, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

A Bold Leap into Manufacturing—Even Amid Crisis

Mr. Abiali revealed that the company’s pivotal transformation came with the move into manufacturing in 2020—a year riddled with COVID-19 uncertainty. "Our plant was supposed to go live in March 2020, but lockdowns hit just days before. It was a huge challenge," he shared. Despite the roadblocks, the Jani brothers pressed forward, completing what Abiali calls the "missing link" in their paper ecosystem.

This expansion included setting up two manufacturing plants with a combined capacity of 4,000 tons per month. Initially meant to produce tissue paper, the company pivoted to manufacturing high-strength, low-GSM kraft paper in response to changing market demands during the pandemic. This adaptation was a game-changer, especially with the explosive growth of the e-commerce sector.

Customer-Centric Innovation and the Power of Feedback

A defining feature of Jani Sales’ success has been its customer-centric approach. "We value feedback—positive or negative," Abiali emphasized. A friend's suggestion to repurpose a tissue paper machine for kraft paper led to a new product line that quickly found success in e-commerce packaging. This openness to change has helped the company not only survive but thrive during uncertain times.

The Environmental Edge of Paper

Abiali passionately addressed the myth that the paper industry harms the environment. "We are firm believers in sustainability," he said. "Our products are made from 100% recycled fiber. The idea that all paper is made by cutting down trees is a myth. Most of our raw material is what people throw away—boxes, newspapers, etc. It’s all recycled and biodegradable."

He also clarified the difference between virgin pulp—made from wood fiber—and recycled fiber, which forms the foundation of their product lines.

The Future: Greenfield Projects, Global Vision, and Youthful Drive

Looking ahead, Abiali outlined Jani Sales’ ambitious plans: “We’re preparing for our third machine in the next year and exploring multiple grades of paper. We're not stopping.” He expressed strong confidence in India’s paper packaging sector, crediting the country's population growth, rising GDP, and urbanization for driving demand. “India will be a global leader in the next 10 years,” he predicted, noting the logistical advantages India holds in exports, particularly to the Middle East.

“We’re proud to announce that Jani Sales has finalised the deal for our 80 TPD Tissue Paper Machine 3 (PM 3), scheduled to start production in 2026.” Jani Sales announced on social media.

The company stated that, With PM 3, our total annual scheduled production will hit 82,000 tonnes, combining the output of our PM 1 MG Machine, PM 2 Tissue Machine, and now PM 3 Tissue Machine

Export Market:

The Middle East is one of the strongest export markets for us, and geographically, it works in India’s favor. Material movement from any Indian port to the Middle East takes just about a week, making logistics quick and efficient. For us, exports to the Middle East account for around 40–50% of our total export volume. There are even weekly vessels available, including to destinations like Japan. Previously, Middle Eastern customers were largely dependent on suppliers from Europe and the USA, where both the lead period and sailing time were significantly longer. This has given Indian suppliers like us a clear logistical advantage in the region.

Advice for the Next Generation

To aspiring entrepreneurs in the paper and packaging industry, Abili offered heartfelt advice: “Trust the next generation. They might not follow your path, but if you give them a chance, they will prove themselves in their own way.”

The interview wrapped up on a hopeful note, highlighting Jani Sales’ unique blend of legacy and innovation. From trading paperboards in the late '70s to becoming a full-fledged, multi-vertical manufacturing powerhouse, Jani Sales is a shining example of how adaptability, resilience, and customer-focus can transform a family business into a future-ready industry leader.

Star Products of Jani Sales:

• High-strength, low GSM kraft paper for e-commerce
• Tissue grades (recycled and virgin)
• Cigarette boards, PE boards, and corrugates for Middle East export

Key Markets: Middle East, Far East Asia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

Upcoming Projects: Third manufacturing line, greenfield expansion, new product grades

With an inspiring motto—“Nothing is impossible”—and a clear roadmap ahead, Jani Sales continues to reshape India’s paper and packaging narrative, one sheet at a time.
 

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