Paper industry in India is expected to see an average growth of 7 per cent during the next one year according to prediction by the Indian Pulp and Paper Technical Association (IPPTA).
“The sector is expected to grow 7 per cent per annum. From the current about Rs 30,000 crore size, the turnover of the industry is likely to touch 60,000 mark by 2025,” said M B S Nair, president, IPPTA. Currently, the Indian industry is accounts to about 2.5 per cent of the global production of paper.
However, he showed confidence that the paper, paperboards and newsprint consumption in the country will also grow to 17 million tonne from the current 12 million tonne in the next five years. IPPTA has about 2,500 members, including 100 overseas members.
“During the current financial year, the global production of paper in 2011-12 is expected at 400 MT, while in India it would be 11 MT. However, our consumption is 12 MT,” said R C Mall, Director, Emami Paper Mills. India imports 1.6 million tonne of paper per year, in which 1 MT comes under newsprint.
“Though domestic consumption is growing, the per capita consumption is only about 10 kilo gram against the global average of 57 kilo gram,” Nair said. As per the association, about 31 per cent of the country’s total production is met through raw materials like wood and bamboo, while 47 per cent comes from recycled wastes and the rest from agro products.
