“Rather than replacing entire plants, paper mills will adopt phased modernization strategies that improve productivity”- Pryank Thukral, MD, Prem Engineering

“Rather than replacing entire plants, paper mills will adopt phased modernization strategies that improve productivity”- Pryank Thukral, MD, Prem Engineering

-The future belongs to suppliers who do more than build machines—they build partnerships, performance, and confidence for the next generation of paper manufacturing 

Completing a decade of industry-focused journalism, The Pulp and Paper Times proudly presents this special anniversary feature exploring the future of paper manufacturing. With the theme “Smart, Sustainable, Scalable: How Paper Machine & Technology Suppliers Will Shape the Paper Industry 2036,” we invited some of the world's leading machine builders and technology suppliers to share their vision for the next ten years. From intelligent automation and energy efficiency to next-generation production technologies, their perspectives reveal how the industry is preparing for a new era of growth and sustainability. Here is perspective of Mr. Pryank Thukral, Managing Director, Prem Engineering

The Pulp and Paper Times

The paper industry is entering a defining decade. Rising environmental expectations, changing fibre availability, cost pressures, and increasing demand for operational efficiency are reshaping how paper mills are designed and operated. By 2036, paper machine and technology suppliers will no longer be viewed merely as equipment manufacturers. They will become strategic partners responsible for delivering integrated, intelligent, and sustainable production ecosystems.

For countries like India, where mid-sized paper mills form the backbone of production, this transition presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

At Prem Engineering, our journey in the pulp and paper sector since 1985 has shown us that the future of paper manufacturing lies in three core principles: smart operations, sustainable systems, and scalable engineering.

Smart Mills Through Digitalization and Automation

The paper mill of 2036 will be increasingly data-driven. Traditional operations dependent on manual monitoring and reactive maintenance will evolve into digitally connected facilities capable of predictive and autonomous decision-making.

Automation and intelligent control systems will play a major role across pulp mills, stock preparation systems, and paper machines. Sensors integrated with process equipment will continuously monitor parameters such as consistency, pressure, flow rates, moisture, and energy consumption. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will help operators identify inefficiencies before they become operational losses.

Predictive maintenance will become standard practice. Instead of waiting for breakdowns, mills will monitor equipment health in real time, reducing downtime and improving machine availability. Digital dashboards and remote diagnostics will enable faster troubleshooting and better process visibility.

However, smart manufacturing does not simply mean adding software to machinery. True digital transformation requires equipment designed with process intelligence and operational flexibility at its core.

Sustainability Will Move from Compliance to Competitiveness

The next decade will also redefine sustainability.

Historically, environmental systems were often viewed as regulatory requirements. By 2036, sustainability will become a key driver of profitability and competitiveness.
Paper mills will increasingly adopt technologies focused on:

• Lower water consumption
• Reduced energy demand
• Higher fibre recovery
• Reduced sludge generation
• Improved chemical efficiency
• Lower carbon footprint

Future fibre lines and stock preparation systems will be designed for maximum resource recovery. Efficient washing, screening, and separation technologies will reduce chemical carryover and improve pulp quality while minimizing process losses.

Waste management will also evolve significantly. Technologies such as sludge dewatering and advanced wastewater treatment systems will help mills convert waste streams into manageable and reusable resources.

For kraft and fibre-smart mills, sustainability will extend beyond environmental performance. It will include process optimization that delivers more production from the same infrastructure while reducing operational costs.

The objective is no longer simply to produce paper—it is to produce paper responsibly and efficiently.

Scalable Solutions for Emerging Markets

One of the biggest opportunities for the Indian paper sector lies in scalable engineering solutions.

Many mid-sized mills face a difficult challenge: they need modernization but cannot always invest in complete greenfield projects. Suppliers must therefore offer flexible solutions that balance performance with practical economics.

This is where modular and scalable technologies will become critical.

Future suppliers will increasingly provide:

• Capacity enhancement through rebuilding
• Process upgrades for existing mills
• Modular stock preparation systems
• Energy-efficient retrofits
• Flexible fibre handling solutions for agro, wood, and recycled raw materials

Rather than replacing entire plants, mills will adopt phased modernization strategies that improve productivity while controlling capital expenditure.

The ability to engineer solutions for diverse fibre sources—including agro residues, wood, and recycled paper—will become increasingly valuable as raw material dynamics continue to change.

Beyond Machinery: The Era of Engineering Partnerships

Perhaps the biggest shift by 2036 will be in the relationship between suppliers and paper mills.

The traditional buyer-supplier model is already evolving into long-term technical partnerships.

Paper mills increasingly expect suppliers to contribute beyond manufacturing equipment. Design engineering, process development, erection, commissioning, manpower training, rebuilding, and lifecycle support are becoming equally important.

Future success will depend on performance-based engagement, where suppliers remain involved throughout the operational lifecycle of the project.

At Prem Engineering, we believe this philosophy represents the future of our industry. From process engineering and equipment design to erection, commissioning, and rebuilding, the goal is not merely to deliver machinery but to deliver long-term performance and measurable value.

Looking Ahead to 2036

The paper industry of 2036 will be shaped by suppliers who combine engineering capability with sustainability and digital intelligence.

Smart mills will run on connected systems. Sustainable mills will maximize every resource. Scalable engineering will make modernization achievable for mills of all sizes.

The future belongs to suppliers who do more than build machines—they build partnerships, performance, and confidence for the next generation of paper manufacturing.
 

Published at : Oct 07, 2026 04:03 AM (IST)

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