MK Goyal, a stalwart of India’s paper industry, passes away

The Indian Pulp and Paper Technical Association (IPPTA) announced the demise of Mohan Krishna Goyal, secretary general of the IPPTA. He was 74.

Goyal served IPPTA with distinction and devotion for nearly a decade as its Honorary Secretary General (2016–2025), and was associated with the organisation in various capacities for over 54 years. In a statement, IPPTA noted that his passing marks the end of an era for the organisation, which he helped shape through his tireless efforts, professional insight, and deep commitment to advancing the pulp, paper, and allied industries in India. IPPTA described his loss as “irreparable” and acknowledged his pivotal role in nurturing and guiding the association “to its present stature through his tireless efforts, vision, and commitment.”

Starting his career off with Shri Dinesh Mills and Shalimar Wires Industries, he is credited with introducing synthetic fabric in India for the first time. Goyal then worked with Reliance Industries, Mumbai, for nearly a decade, and later spent 33 years in the machine clothing industry, where he became known for his technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and innovative mindset. His contributions earned him the respect of colleagues and peers across the sector.

As an industry leader, Goyal championed sustainability and knowledge-sharing. Speaking earlier this year in June at an IPPTA seminar on barrier-coated papers, he emphasised the association’s role in fostering collaboration between industry, research institutes, and policymakers to advance eco-friendly technologies. “IPPTA is at the forefront of collaborative efforts in the industry by creating a platform for a very useful and informative exchange of knowledge,” he had noted.

Colleagues remember Goyal not only as a visionary professional but also as a compassionate human being, humble, approachable, and always willing to lend a hand. “Beyond his intellectual brilliance, he was deeply grounded and loved by everyone who knew him,” IPPTA said in its tribute.

Goyal is survived by his wife, Malini Goyal, and two sons, Manish and Anand.