PAPEXPO 2025: India’s First Dedicated Paper Industry Exhibition Inaugurated At HITEX, Hyderabad
PAPEXPO 2025 aims to position India as a global leader in eco-conscious paper production
India’s first exclusive exhibition for the paper industry, PAPEXPO 2025, was inaugurated today at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The event is being hosted by The Paper Foundation, an NGO, and is supported by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. The three-day event (June 6–8) is poised to bring together the entire value chain of the Indian paper industry under one roof.
The inauguration was graced by industry stalwarts including Mr. Narendra Paruchuri (MD, Pragathi Offset Printers Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Soumyajit Mukherjee (CMO, Emami Paper Mills), Dr. Ajay Satia (MD, Satia Industries Ltd.), Mr. Rushabh Shah (MD, Three M Paper Boards Ltd.), and Mr. Abiali Jani (Director, Jaini Sales).
Also present were Mr. M.K. Goyal (General Secretary, IPPTA), Mr. Nataraj (Deputy Director, Indian Institute of Packaging), Mr. Nirmal Kuhad (CEO, Papyrus Expo LLP), Mr. Arvind Sharma (Director, Papyrus Expo LLP), and Mr. B.R. Rao (President, The Paper Foundation & Director, Papyrus Expo LLP).
With participation from over 100 national and international exhibitors and more than 15,000 expected visitors, PAPEXPO 2025 is supported by leading industry bodies including the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), IPPTA, and FPTA. The event features cutting-edge innovations in paper manufacturing, converting, printing, packaging, and recycling.
Key Insights from Industry Leaders:
- Mr. Soumyajit Mukherjee emphasized the innovation and diversity on display at PAPEXPO. He noted a shift in the industry landscape—with declining newsprint consumption due to digitalization, but steady growth in writing & printing paper (3% CAGR), craft packaging (8.5% growth), and recycled packaging boards (6–7% growth).
- Mr. M.K. Goyal highlighted the importance of industry self-reliance, urging Indian manufacturers to unite under the Make in India initiative and counter import challenges and misinformation against paper usage.
- Mr. Nataraj from IIP called for more such expos across India and encouraged stakeholders to leverage IIP’s testing and R&D facilities to enhance quality and innovation.
- Mr. Nirmal Kuhad reiterated that 80% of India’s paper is produced from recycled sources like wastepaper, agri-residue, and sugarcane bagasse, reinforcing paper as one of the most sustainable industries.
- Mr. B.R. Rao added that the Foundation is actively funding research to position paper as an eco-friendly alternative in packaging and beyond, advocating for increased policy support and industry collaboration.
- Mr. Arvind Sharma noted the paper industry’s significant contribution to employment and national tax revenue, calling it a cornerstone of India’s economic growth.
Market Outlook:
India’s paper market is projected to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2033, with the packaging segment alone expected to hit USD 13.72 billion by 2025. Exports stood at USD 9.96 billion in 2024, while imports, primarily of newsprint and specialty paper, totaled ₹11,196 crore. Despite growth, India’s per capita paper consumption remains low at 15–16 kg, compared to the global average of 57 kg.
PAPEXPO 2025 serves as a pioneering initiative to elevate India’s standing in global paper production, while dispelling myths about deforestation and promoting sustainable practices. The event unites manufacturers, traders, publishers, packaging firms, machinery suppliers, and decision-makers from across states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and beyond.
