Paper, print and print packaging in India

PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

In 2023–24, India’s paper industry  produced approximately 26-million tonnes of paper and paperboard. The printing and print packaging sectors consumed nearly 22-million tonnes (around 85%) of this  output, underscoring their critical importance. Conversely, paper remains the single most significant input for these user industries.

On average, paper accounts for  50–65% of overall input costs in print and packaging, making it a strategic resource. Similarly, printing and packaging represent the primary outlets for the paper industry’s output.

PAPER INDUSTRY: SCALE AND  STRUCTURE

The Indian paper industry  represents an investment of approximately INR 80,000-crore, with about 850 units producing paper and paperboard. It has a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5–6%, generating 26-million tonnes annually (2023–24). However, the industry is fragmented and uneven.

PAPER INDUSTRY: INVESTMENT  REALITIES

Fresh investments in greenfield  projects are rare, with no major Indian conglomerate venturing into new paper manufacturing. Even brownfield expansions account for only approximately 15% of total investments, largely focused on:
• Automation
• Clean energy
• Effluent treatment
• Recycled fibre efficiency

Of the INR 12,000-crore  brownfield investments planned, only INR 4,000-crore directly benefits the printing and packaging sectors through product development. The rest targets compliance, infrastructure, or operational efficiency.

Barriers to investment include:

• Policy ambiguity and lack of a  long-term roadmap
• High capital intensity, especially  for greenfield projects
• Land availability constraints
• ESG compliance pressures
• Markets driving “just-in-time”  investment strategies

INDUSTRY RESPONSES

Print Packaging Innovations:

• Digital finishing and  customisation (short runs, prototyping)
• Biodegradable and compostable  substrates (plant-based coatings, barrier papers)
• Smart/active packaging (NFC, RFID,  QR, anti-counterfeit, moisture/temperature-sensitive layers)
• Lightweight and engineered fibre  solutions (microflute boards, high-strength blends)
• Circular economy solutions (layer  separation, recyclability, closed- loop systems)

PRINTING INNOVATIONS:
• High-speed digital printing  (inkjet, electrophotography)
• Eco-friendly inks (water-based,  UV-curable, vegetable oil-based)
• Automation (prepress calibration,  ERP/CRM integration)
• Hybrid presses (offset + digital) for  cost-efficient personalisation.

The challenges for the print and  print packaging industries are in consequence of dynamic end-product user preferences, and the responses to these challenges are
essential for the growth of these  two industries and, therefore, unavoidable.

THE PAPER INDUSTRY: THE WAY  FORWARD

To align with the evolving needs of  printing and packaging, the paper industry must prioritise developments in the following areas:

Area - development focus
• quality and consistency -  uniform GSM and thickness improved opacity, moisture resistance, dimensional stability
• Sustainability - lightweight  grades, higher recyclability, reduced carbon footprint
• Technology - precision coating/ finishing, digital print compatibility, smart papers (RFID/QR)
• Customisation and flexibility -  shorter runs, faster turnaround, specialised solutions
• Specialty and value addition -  high-strength Kraft, coated boards, barrier papers, biodegradable/security paper
• Research and skill development - R&D promotion, lab upgrades, training of paper-tech professionals

Implementation will require  prioritisation and collaboration. A structured inter-industry dialogue platform—linking paper producers with printing and packaging users—can identify immediate focus areas, ensuring mutual growth and a win–win future.

REFERENCES:
• IPMA Annual Reports and  Industry Status
• FICCI – Paper Industry Reports  (Sustainability, Growth Trends, Packaging Needs)
• CII – Paper Sector Insights
• Ministry of Commerce and  Industry, Government of India – Paper and Paperboard Sector Updates
• CRISIL Research on Indian Paper  Industry
• PwC and EY – Reports on  Packaging Industry Trends in India
• Smithers Pira: Future of Global  Printing and Packaging
• Indian Institute of Packaging –  Packaging Trends Survey, 2023