Naini Papers unveils cutting-edge PM3, Pioneering sustainable paper solutions in Asia, Catering to the Food and FMCG Sectors

Naini Papers unveils cutting-edge PM3, Pioneering sustainable paper solutions in Asia, Catering to the Food and FMCG Sectors

- PM3 is one of a kind in terms of configuration, features, and degree of automation—not only in India but across Asia
- The tonnage of PM3 will be close to 150,000 tons per annum, with a GSM range from 40 to 170 GSM
The Pulp and Paper Times

Naini Papers Limited (NPL) has bid adieu to another year, 2024–25, with many new learnings and a stronger resolve to grow into a larger and more efficient corporate entity. It is time to reflect on the past and plan for the future.

Recently, Naini Papers commenced a new unit featuring a state-of-the-art specialty paper machine (PM3) supplied by Valmet. It is one of a kind in terms of configuration, features, and degree of automation—not only in India but across Asia!

The tonnage of PM3 will be close to 150,000 tons per annum, with a GSM range from 40 to 170 GSM. The specialty coated paper machine, PM3, is the first of its kind in India, with a design speed of 1200 m/min. It primarily produces woodfree coated and uncoated grades with a basis weight range of 40–170 g/m². The raw material used will mainly be hardwood pulp, with the option to mix bale softwood and precipitated calcium carbonate as filler.

“It would be, as I mentioned, specialty paper, and we will be producing on this machine as per the demand and needs of the consumers. So it is going to be challenging. There will be a lot of products—it would go to the food industry and FMCG sector to replace BOPP film packaging and flexible packaging. We'll also be producing some coated grades. But all will be for packaging applications,” said Mr. Pawan Agarwal, CMD of Naini Papers, in an earlier interview with The Pulp and Paper Times.

Valmet has delivered the key technologies, automation, and services for Naini Papers’ cooking and fiberline rebuild, as well as the new specialty paper machine PM3 at their mill in Kashipur, India. The delivery increased the mill’s capacity and supports meeting the market demand for specialty coated paper.

“We have successfully collaborated with Valmet on many projects, including pulp mills, and decided to choose them again for this rebuild to expand our pulp production capacity. The additional pulp will be used in PM3. We see big potential for specialty coated paper in the Indian market and are eyeing the environment-friendly flexible packaging segment. The paper produced by PM3 can replace plastics in packaging,” said Pawan Agarwal, Managing Director, Naini Papers Limited.

Mr. Agarwal stated, “As I mentioned, the Government of India has done away with single-use plastic. Today, major companies wrapping their products in BOPP and plastic films do not have a viable domestic alternative. So we see great market potential in this area. This project is essentially targeting the flexible packaging segment. Currently, 99% of flexible packaging is plastic film-based, but there is a lot of scope. Companies like Nestlé have announced that by 2025, they aim to have 100% environmentally friendly packaging. So we are targeting those large consumers who are looking for sustainable packaging solutions. This machine will produce substitutes for single-use plastic that are environmentally friendly.”

“We see 2025–26 as a transformative year for Naini, with its calibrated approach toward developing green products, employing sustainable processes, and leveraging a competent team,” he said in a message on LinkedIn.

In 2024–25, we implemented a new ERP system in partnership with SAP. We reorganized our systems and processes through our own team and with the help of our consulting partners. This year also saw the commissioning of our new specialty paper machine, which has endless capabilities to contribute toward a greener planet.

On the people front, we are proud to welcome new team members across the organizational structure and have automated HR management through DarwinBox. We have also added new business associates as proud partners in distributing our wide product range across the country.

Naini Papers Limited, founded in 1995, is one of the few premier paper manufacturing companies in India. Naini Papers offers high-quality writing and printing papers with improved physical and optical properties. The company is a market leader in producing single-layer cup stock for paper cup manufacturing and saturating kraft for laminate production.
 

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