The 17th edition of Paperex 2025 commenced at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, reaffirming its status as the world’s largest and most inclusive platform for the pulp, paper, packaging and allied industries. With a legacy spanning more than three decades, the show brought together 675 leading exhibitors from 28 countries and drew over 33,000 trade visitors, further cementing its role as the premier gateway to India’s rapidly expanding paper market.
Organised by Informa Markets in India in collaboration with IARPMA and supported by the World Paper Forum, Paperex continues to unite global leaders, innovators, manufacturers and policymakers for four days of live demonstrations, knowledge exchange and discussions centred on sustainable and technology-driven paper production.
The inaugural ceremony was led by Pavan Khaitan, President, Indian Pulp & Paper Technical Association (IPPTA). Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Power and Minister of State for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, joined the proceedings virtually. The event also welcomed presidents of major industry associations and senior dignitaries, including Pawan Agarwal, President, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association; Rahul Khanna, President, Indian Newsprint Manufacturers Association; Mikael Forslund, President & CEO, Elof Hansson Group, Sweden; Pramod Agarwal, President, Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association; Peter Hall, President, IMEA, Informa Markets; and Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India. Their participation underscored the sector’s focus on innovation, sustainability and collaborative growth.
Addressing the gathering virtually, Shripad Yesso Naik described Paperex as a pivotal global platform at a time when several industries face financial strain. He highlighted the Indian paper industry’s resilience, noting its steady progress in quality, innovation, energy efficiency and responsible resource management. He observed that the industry’s success under the PAT scheme reflects a balanced focus on energy security and sustainable development. With annual demand rising by 7–8 per cent and capacity projected to increase from 24 million tonnes to 32 million tonnes by 2030, he emphasised the sector’s critical role in rural employment, MSME growth, packaging, education and social advancement. He further noted the sector’s transition to renewable energy and long-term carbon-neutrality goals as essential to India’s environmental leadership.
Pawan Agarwal highlighted the sector’s increased utilisation of bamboo—up to 25–50 per cent of the wood-pulp mix—enabled by the deregulation of bamboo transportation from the Northeast. The reform has strengthened raw-material security and improved economic opportunities in the region. He added that policy support allowing farmers to grow and harvest designated tree species has promoted sustainable agroforestry and built a more inclusive raw-material ecosystem.
Speaking on the industry’s changing landscape, Rahul Khanna remarked that global market unpredictability, fuelled by overseas dumping and volatile market cycles, has reshaped operating conditions. He stated that the sector requires strong policy advocacy and an enduring focus on long-term resilience. He welcomed the infusion of young talent and rapid technological improvements as essential drivers of adaptability and future-readiness.
Pramod Agarwal drew attention to fibre shortages, the challenges faced by nearly 200 non-operational mills and the importance of agro-residue-based production using bagasse, sarkanda, wheat straw and rice straw. He observed that improved waste-paper collection remains essential, as India currently recovers only 50 per cent of its waste paper compared with 90 per cent in developed economies, compelling the country to import around 10 million tonnes annually. Strengthening fibre recovery systems and reducing import dependence were identified as key priorities for the industry’s competitiveness.
Addressing broader global trends, Pavan Khaitan said that the paper and pulp industry is entering a decisive era marked by decarbonisation, circularity, e-commerce-led packaging demand and rising hygiene awareness. He noted that India is well positioned to lead this transition, supported by strong recycling systems, expanding consumption and growing technological adoption across mills.
Adding to the industry perspective, N. Gopalratnam, Chairman, Seshasayee Paper and Boards Ltd, highlighted India’s achievement in meeting 90–95 per cent of wood requirements through farm forestry and plantations. He emphasised that circularity has long been embedded in India’s paper ecosystem through integrated models linking agriculture, sugar mills and paper manufacturing. While per-capita consumption remains at 15–16 kg, he noted this gap represents substantial growth potential in the coming years.
Global insights were shared by Mikael Forslund, President & CEO, Elof Hansson Group, who highlighted the balance needed between growing packaging and tissue demand and sustainable resource management. He emphasised the importance of fibre-based packaging, recyclable composites and circular recovery systems, noting India’s rapid technological adoption as an advantage in this transition.
Peter Hall of Informa Markets noted that Paperex 2025 marks the first edition organised entirely under Informa Markets following the acquisition of Hyve India. He emphasised the event’s enhanced global presence, with more than 700 brands from 27 countries participating amid rapid industry transformation.
Yogesh Mudras highlighted the sector’s strong circularity, recycling nearly 68 per cent of all materials, and its growing focus on sustainable forestry and carbon-neutral operations. With consumption projected to reach 23.5 million tonnes in 2024–25 and per-capita usage far below the global average, he underlined the sector’s enormous growth prospects. He added that Paperex 2025, supported by the New Trends & Technologies conference and the India Innovation Pavilion, plays a crucial role in fostering business opportunities, technological advancement and collaboration across the value chain.
Major industry players including JK Paper, TNPL, Trident Group, BILT Graphic Paper, APRIL Fiber Resource, Andhra Paper, Orient Paper and West Coast Paper participated, representing the full spectrum of paper production and conversion.
