Around 550 exhibitors from 33 countries are participating in the world's largest paper exhibition 'Paper Expo' which starting from November 1 here.
Leading paper manufacturers such as ITC, International Paper, Trident, BILT, Century Paper, Voith and JK Paper, among other will showcase their products at the four-day event to be held from November 1-4.
The exhibition has attracted participation from countries like China, Finland and Taiwan. It depicts increasing capabilities of the Indian industry and the potential for new technologies and investments in the paper, pulp and allied industries, a release said.
The per capita consumption of paper in India is abysmally low at 9.8 kg as compared to 350 kg in the US, and the global average of 58 kg. Consumption of paper is projected to grow to about 40 million tn by 2026 from about 14 mt currently.
"Paper industry will contribute more to the GDP, export and also create more employment options in near future in India," Gagan Sahni, Director, International Trade and Exhibition India Ltd (ITEI) said.
The Indian paper industry accounts for about 2.6 per cent of the world's production of paper, providing employment to more than 500,000 people directly and 1.5 million people indirectly.
"It is clear that to meet the growing demand, Indian paper industry requires more raw materials and advanced technology," Sahni said.
