Paper Mart October-November 2020 by Tulip 3P Media Private Limited

CONTENTS October-November, 2020, Paper Mart

India’s Exciting Packaging Story

Paper Mart presents a feature article on the packaging sector by initiating a dialogue with the key paper mills, the corrugators, and the brand owners/institutional buyers of packaging in India. This feature presents a rundown and some key insights on the packaging sector- views with regard to the future of the packaging sector and how big a role will be played by the innovations in the sustainable material solutions, the demand drivers of the market, and the efforts made by the companies in view of the development of innovative packaging solutions.

West Coast Paper Mills Ltd.: In Process of Developing New Paper Packaging Products

“West Coast Paper has recently launched 100% plasticfree, biodegradable coated paper board as a replacement for plastic or plastic-coated paper cups, plates and other disposable products.”

ITC-PSPD: Continually Innovating to be Globally Benchmarked

“A host of solutions based on recyclability, light-weighting, plastics substitutions are growing to drive packaging papers/boards, beverage packaging, molded pulp and newer bio-based materials.”

Stora Enso: Aiming to Leverage Packaging Design Capabilities “The investment in new dispersion technology aims to achieve the desired barrier properties in a more sustainable way, leading to production of new barrier coated paperboard products in 2021 that will have a lower carbon footprint and work better in a recycling system.”

DS Group: Digital Transformation Can Be a Key Driving Factor for Paper Mills and Packaging Industry

“The packaging is the fifth largest sector of the Indian economy, accounting for USD 70 billion and is also predicted to grow at a rate close to 12-15%.”

16 58 JK Paper Limited: Sustainable Packaging Holds the Key to Drive the Packaging Industry

“The move from single-use plastics to paperboard owing to the concerns of businesses and sustainable packaging combined with other powerful trends will drive major changes in consumer packaging” – Mr. Partha Biswas, Chief-Sales & Marketing, JK Paper Limited affirms in an interaction with Paper Mart.

Marico Limited: Sustainability Must be Viewed Holistically

“Marico’s sustainability objective is focused to create industry-leading value with brands and products that the consumers prefer, while at the same time, conserving resources, protecting the environment, and improving social conditions.”

71 • B&B Triplewall Containers Limited • CEL Packaging Private Limited • P.R. Packagings Ltd. • Reliable Packaging • Shree Arun Packaging Co. Pvt. Ltd. • Supack Industries Private Limited • Trident Paper Box Industries • Vital Paper Products Pvt. Ltd.

NEWS

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L The market is moving more and more toward sustainable solutions and the overall demand for paperbased packaging is projected to increase in the coming years. Since the incorporation of sustainability opens up doors for different packaging possibilities, there have

been many breakthroughs in paperbased packaging solutions in recent times. Moreover, the massive surge in e-commerce in recent times has laid the groundwork for further growth in the packaging sector. According to a report by IBEF, the packaging sector is categorized

into two major segments -rigid and flexible packaging, with rigid packaging accounting for 64% market share. Also, in terms of packaging materials, 55% of the sector is dominated by plastics, followed by paper & cardboard (20%) and glass (10%).

USD 204.81 billion

26.7% annually

USD 975.4 million

Expected growth of the Indian packaging industry by 2025.

Growth rate at which the sector is estimated to grow in India.

E-commerce share of packaging sector is expected to reach by 2025.

- Source: IBEF Rise of e-commerce With technology becoming a ubiquitous part of our cultural fabric, the power of the internet has paved a way for the evolution and growth of e-commerce. Rising internet proliferation and further access to technology coupled with increasing smartphones use have laid the groundwork for consumers to shift to online shopping methods such as mobile commerce and social commerce on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Thus, the advent of the ever-evolving and dynamic e-commerce sector is creating a surge in demand for innovative packaging solutions that will cater to the evolving customer perceptions. According to a market research report by IBEF, titled ‘Indian Packaging Industry Riding on the E-Commerce Wave’, the Indian packaging industry is expected to reach USD 204.81 billion by 2025 from USD 50.5 billion in 2019 at 26.7% annually. The e-commerce segment of the packaging market was estimated at USD 451.4 million in 2019 and is forecast to reach USD 975.4 million by 2025 at 13.8% annually. With the rise of e-commerce, it is no longer necessary for consumers to visit brick-and-mortar stores when what they’re looking for can be delivered right to their doors. This market change has been a boon for the packaging sector. Now, the

important aspect is - developing right-sized packaging to reduce waste and increase efficiency, having the product’s box to be as primary and assessing whether secondary packaging is still needed as the growth of e-tailers is reshaping the entire e-commerce system. With the surge in e-commerce, the Indian packaging industry is witnessing sharp growth and is one of the strongest growing segments. According to the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), the packaging consumption in India has increased by 200% in the past decade, from 4.3 kgs per person per annum (pppa) to 8.6 kgs pppa. Sustainability as the key driver for growth All thanks to a growing demand for more eco-friendly packaging from informed consumers and activists, the manufacturers and retailers are on the verge of a packaging renaissance in which new recyclable and compostable containers will begin to permeate the market. There has been an upsurge in awareness amongst consumers concerning eco-friendliness and sustainability, and without a doubt, they will prefer brands that advocate environmentally-friendly products and sustainability. To achieve eco-friendly packaging, manufacturers must look beyond recycling, and instead research and implement innovative and

creative methods that can make a difference in the long run. This can be accomplished by adopting the practices of a circular economy and integrating processes that address waste prevention. Packaging that is minimal in size, reusable, devoid of plastic and developed with responsibly sourced materials will drastically lower the carbon footprint and prevent spoilage. Growth in retail brings multitude of opportunities In the present retail landscape, outlets such as — supermarkets, convenience stores, supercenters, etc. are increasing at a rapid pace, opening the door for a sea of opportunities for newer innovations in the packaging industry. As per a report presented by Retailers Association of India (RAI) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) titled ‘Retail 4.0: Winning the 20s’, the Indian retail market is likely to hit USD 1.1-1.3 trillion mark from USD 0.7 trillion in 2019 - a 9-11% CAGR growth driven by multiple structural, sociodemographic and economic drivers fueling consumption. The ongoing and projected growth of Indian retail sector further portends well for the packaging sector with more growth of the retail-ready packaging. The big shift: India as a top consideration China has been regarded as “the world’s factory” and being the global

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 11

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L manufacturing hub, the country was one of the world’s largest packaging markets too, with fast-growing rates in segments such as paper packaging, flexible packaging, and rigid plastics packaging. Although, in the pre-COVID times, the country was the leader in the sector it was the largest consumer, manufacturer and exporter of packaged materials and goods. However, the pandemic-led lockdown and the prevailing anti-China sentiments have led to countries and companies to look for alternatives, in order to eliminate their supply chain disruptions, which further directs to the projection that India’s growing packaging industry may benefit in the near future. Packaging for building brand identity With rising trade, the phrase “let the buyer beware” became popular since inferior and impure quality products were disguised and sold to uninformed customers by counterfeits. Consequently, the manufacturers turned to use packaging in innovative ways to establish their brand identity. In what ways does packaging affect our perceptions and the shopping choices we make? Package colors, materials, and other design elements are very deliberate and shape our outlook for a product. Much like advertising, packaging appeals to our emotions and directs our attention to specific product features. A study conducted by the Paper and Packaging Board and IPSOS shows that 7 in 10 (72%) of consumers agree that packaging design can influence their purchasing decisions. In the same study, it is stated that 71% of consumers said they were more likely to buy brands that package their products in paper or cardboard, than in other materials. Shift in demand during pandemic Amid the pandemic, the demand for packaging for groceries, healthcare products and e-commerce transportation has increased exponentially; but, at the same time, the demand for industrial, luxury and

sections of B2B-transport packaging has declined.

Paper mills gearing up for the surging demand

It is noteworthy that the demand for all types of healthcare packaging and related substrates, including flexible blister foils, pumps, closures and rigid plastics, has soared. That is, the pharmaceutical packaging has become an important component of drug delivery in India. Similarly, the demand has also spiraled for packaging used in dietary supplements such as vitamins and essential supplies needed by consumers in a pandemic situation.

Paper and paperboard have witnessed somewhat of an upsurge and they stand to gain further growth momentum in the coming times as it is the only renewable packaging material and moreover, it has an established collection and recycling system.

Outlook of the corrugating and packaging companies The future trends and key demand drivers of the paper-based packaging sector are contingent on consistent evolution and efforts in R&D by the packaging and paper making companies which further raises a new set of indispensable parameters to accelerate value creation. With respect to the trend observed in the paper-based packaging segment, the light weighing packaging is slated to grow in the coming times, and for that, the mills need to produce low GSM and high SCT fluting paper. Another key concern associated with the quality of the paper is the issue of ‘bad odour’ and about improving the surface of the paper to enhance the overall printability of the paper. In addition, it seems that a close collaboration between the corrugators and the paper mills will help in reaching a better understanding of the requirements of each other. Besides, one more matter of concern for the corrugating companies is around the erratic change or increase in the prices of the paper and they contend that the paper mills should hold the price for each quarter. It is quite evident that if the quality of the paper is not satisfactory, the converting and corrugation production lines won’t be able to run efficiently. Also, the advantages offered by using modern technology - such as speed, quality control features, automatic delivery features cannot be realized if the machines have to run at slow speed or have to be halted.

12 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

The present pace of technological development and revolution is projecting profound changes and in response, the paper mills are working to find innovative ways to not only reduce costs, but to increase productivity and develop new value-added products, particularly in specialty products and packaging papers. Growth opportunities are being created as eco-conscious consumers are demanding sustainable alternatives to plastics. The papermaking companies should adopt the cutting-edge technology to leverage the packaging design capabilities and to find new end uses for paper-based packaging materials. Also, there is a great scope in increasing the share of usage of paper as secondary packaging. Overall, it may be said that the paper mills are investing and would be required to invest more in the capacity building and technological upgradation of the facilities to address the various challenges being faced by the corrugators and packaging companies.

Keeping in view the dynamism and promising growth potential of the paper-based packaging segment, Paper Mart has initiated a feature report on the packaging sector by interacting with the key paper mills, the corrugators, and the brand owners/buyers of packaging in India, on – the key emerging trends in the paper-packaging market, the challenges with regard to quality of paper, and the ambitions and strategies with regard to incorporating more sustainable packaging solutions.

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

ITC-PSPD: Continually Innovating to be Globally Benchmarked “A host of solutions based on recyclability, light-weighting, plastics substitutions are growing to drive packaging papers/boards, beverage packaging, molded pulp and newer bio-based materials.”

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. S.N. Venkataraman, Executive Vice President-Marketing & Commercial, ITC-PSPD:

Mr. S.N. Venkataraman, Executive Vice President-Marketing & Commercial, ITC-PSPD

Paper Mart: As there has been a huge upward trend in the recyclable packaging materials market owing to the awareness of consumers about the environmental and social advantages of recyclable/biodegradable packaging products; what are your views with regard to the future of the market and how big a role will be played by the innovations in the sustainable material solutions? S.N. Venkataraman: There are four main influences on how sustainable packaging is projected to grow: change in consumer perception and behavior, affordability and cost of switching to more sustainable packaging, how consumer and packaged goods brands integrate sustainability with their value proposition, and the Government and regulations which influence FMCG and other businesses by way of extended producer responsibility requirements. Waste management concepts began with the three R’s of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and have now morphed into the seven R’s of sustainability. Papers and paperboards stand to gain as it is the only renewable packaging material and moreover, it has an established collection and recycling system. The other major benefit unique to paper packaging is the direct relation between the usage of papers from wood pulp and carbon sequestration and the mitigation of climate change. Innovations in new materials/

substrates and pack design are taking place at a rapid pace viz: bio-based building blocks, lightweighting, shift to mono-materials, ease of recyclability, shift to circular solutions, etc. We are seeing more interest in materials that are increasingly being based on bio-based sources. PM: How cost-effective and efficient is packaging paper/board as compared to other alternate packaging materials? SNV: We must begin with the original idea that a package should save more than it costs, and incorporate the newer idea that, it should be part of a more effective holistic solution, as far as consumers, brand-owners, packaging suppliers and regulators are concerned. As a secondary packaging material, paper/paperboard has always been the preferred choice due to a number of advantages that it offers, viz. protection, tactile feel, unitization, shelf appeal and a wellestablished recycling system. In this case, challenge for paper is to increase its share in secondary packaging. While as a primary packaging material, the new barrier coated papers and boards can replace alternate materials such as plastics in some of the low to medium barrier packaging applications. Here, in this context, the challenge is to explore overlapping areas in primary packaging; for instance, small consumer goods like a scrub/brush need not be packed in a plastic based laminate and can instead be packaged in paper/paperboards. Moreover, we are seeing such trends with e-commerce companies that is, the

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 13

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L pouches, pads and the delivery boxes are increasingly using paper-based materials. PM: What are the demand drivers and end-user applications governing the packaging paper/board market? SNV: Packaging industry in India and particularly paper and boards is due for sustained growth. The e-commerce business is already around USD 500 billion and growing at a rate of more than 20%. Some of the key drivers of the market segment are: growth in per capita income, rural market consumption, lifestyle changes, retail growth, online shopping, growth of services-sector, multiplication of product categories, proliferation of pack sizes, waste management and of course, the overall shift towards eco -friendly packs. The main end-user applications range from pharma, personal care, home care, foods, traditional segments like matches, hosieries and agarbattis and to the burgeoning (pre-COVID) demand from the food service segment. PM: What kind of market trends have you been observing in the past 6-9 months, and how do you see the packaging sector developing in the future? SNV: Packaging was amongst one of the industries to recover initially and overall, the packaging density has increased due to the need to offer extra protection and be safe. Hygiene and personal health has moved into the spotlight and consumers across segments are turning to trusted brands.

emerging in the ‘new normal’. Although there have been new materials made out of combining diverse properties, however, easily recyclable/compostable material may continue to be the norm in the sector. PM: What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in the packaging paper/board market in the near future with the growth in e-commerce and many factors contributing to the growth of the segment? SNV: The challenges are two-fold for paper based packaging materials: one is supply-side capacity addition and the ability to develop high performance grades, and, the other is to understand major trends and develop the new economy valuechains by working with packaging partners and the government. We see a great number of opportunities emerging in solutions that deliver optimal pack – product – performance ratios. A host of solutions based on recyclability, light-weighting, plastics substitutions are growing to drive the demand for packaging papers/boards, beverage packaging, molded pulp and newer bio-based materials. PM: Could you tell us about the new product development, technological upgradations introduced in your company? SNV: Our leadership position owes a lot to the continuous development

Paperboard is viewed as a friendly material especially as it scores well in inhibiting the virus on the surface. On this account, many goods meant for online delivery now have an additional paper bag over them. Major quick service chains in the food and beverage space have stopped re-fills and moved to bio based compostable disposable cups. In my opinion, the packaging sector will innovate based on the demands

14 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

of new products and variants. We continually endeavor to be globally benchmarked in our existing products and we study evolving customer and brand owner needs in developing new variants which are adapted to the specific markets. Compostable paperboards, dispersion coatings, replacement of plastics are some of the areas that we are working on with respect to product development and in association with the end-user, which has been one of the cornerstones of our growth strategy. Some of the new products that we have introduced in the recent past are: •

The Filo Series consisting of FiloServe, FiloPack and FiloBev – a range designed with specific oil and grease barrier properties for the food service segment. The USP here is that all 3 grades can be recycled under existing recycling mechanisms

•

Green Stiffener for soap packaging – a special barrier that replaces LDPE

•

High strength papers for security bags/e-commerce bags/courier covers which can replace plastic bags

•

The latest is the test launch of Protego – an antiviral paper that is touch-safe and can be used for spreading on surfaces like hospital/clinic examination beds and tables PM

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

JK Paper Limited: Sustainable Packaging Holds the Key to Drive the Packaging Industry “The move from single-use plastics to paperboard owing to the concerns of businesses and sustainable packaging combined with other powerful trends will drive major changes in consumer packaging” – Mr. Partha Biswas, Chief-Sales & Marketing, JK Paper Limited affirms in an interaction with Paper Mart.

Mr. Partha Biswas, Chief-Sales & Marketing, JK Paper Limited

Paper Mart: As there has been a huge upward trend in the recyclable packaging materials market, what are your views with regard to the future of the market and how big a role will be played by the innovations in the sustainable material solutions? Partha Biswas: To start with, presently, one of the major responsibilities of the industry is to meet the sustainability concerns of the major corporates for their packaging solutions. There are many segments, for example - the polycoated cup industry wherein the customers are looking for more ecofriendly alternatives from the paper and packaging manufacturers. I feel that the move from plastics to paper will bring major opportunities for the sector. So far, tableware such as — cups and plates have moved from plastics and other substrates to paper. Paper Mart: How cost-effective and efficient is packaging paper/ board as compared to other alternate packaging materials?

Mr. Saikat Basu, Chief General Manager-Sales (Packaging Board and Coated Paper), JK Paper Limited, continued this interaction and shed light on the significant trends of the packaging paper/board market, the influence of the growth of e-commerce, other key growth and demand drivers, and the technological upgradations introduced at the company.

Saikat Basu: JK Paper has constantly made efforts to provide cost-effective solutions to plastic. Venturing into single-layer cup stock has been one such endeavor. However, the overall up-gradation to paper medium is a slow transition, as the cost-benefit analysis is still not very favorable. Additionally, the government legislations such as the imposition of ban on single-use plastics and making paper packaging mandatory can be the true catalyst in propelling this upgradation. In all aspects, packaging paper/ cardboard scores higher over other substrates such as plastic, wood and metal. All these alternative packaging materials are heavier and more expensive than paper, and it gets difficult to convey the brand image of the product. To cap it, in the COVID scenario, papers are more susceptible to the virus, as the virus can survive for a much lesser number of hours on paper than any other material — metal, wood or plastic surface. Other packaging materials are also more difficult to handle and transport.

16 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Mr. Saikat Basu, Chief General Manager-Sales, (Packaging Board and Coated Paper), JK Paper Limited

Hence, not only their intrinsic costs are higher than paper, even their handling costs get multiplied. Paper Mart: What are the demand drivers and end-user applications governing the packaging paper/board market? Saikat Basu: The major demand

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L drivers of the packaging paper and board post-COVID are the pharmaceuticals and the food & beverages sector. In the past one year, India has become a pharma hub and is growing from strength to strength in terms of exports of medicines. Pharma parks are being constructed and we believe that the double-digit growth in the pharma sector is here to stay. Also, most of the pharma products, especially the ones to be exported, need virgin packaging to convey a superior brand-value. Further, the at-home consumption of food and beverages has increased manifold fuelling the consumption of both the virgin and recycled board. In the liquid packaging board segment, 1 liter cartonboard’s consumption has doubled. The small cup (60-90 ml) industry is another silver lining, with other kinds of containers for beverages being phased out due to health concerns. In tier-2 and tier-3 cities, unpacked goods are expected to move to packaged, driven by safety and hygiene concerns. E-commerce will remain a significant growth driver as brick and mortar retail giants are also looking into tapping customers online. This will help both the virgin and recycled packaging propel, as well as kraft and corrugated board segments.

In addition, on the product development front, we have ventured into specialty coatings like anti-fungal and alternate solutions against poly, which will be launched very soon in the market. We have also developed a 40 GSM pharma insert and outsert paper, along with an oil and greaseresistant variety — both of which are growing fast and becoming popular with the customers. Paper Mart: What kind of market trends have you been observing in the past 6-9 months, and how do you see the packaging sector developing in the future? Saikat Basu: Except for the first 2 months of lockdown, the pharmaceutical, food and e-commerce revival has reached almost 100% of the pre-COVID demand in the first three-quarters of FY 20-21. However, few segments in the packaging board got affected, in particular, the cultural segments like wedding cards, bindis, garments, etc. which are now reviving at a slow pace. Also, the textbook and notebook covers which use both recycled and virgin board will take some time to revive, as it is majorly dependent on the education segment. All in all, by Q2, we saw the weighted

average packaging demand revival of 75% and by Q3 – it has been 95%. We are quite confident that in Q4, there will be a 110% revival of the preCOVID levels. Paper Mart: What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in the packaging paper/board market in the near future with the growth in e-commerce and many factors contributing to the growth of the segment? Saikat Basu: There will be a diverse range of opportunities in the packaging paper/board segment due to the rise of the pharma, F&B, and e-commerce sectors. By the next FY, I believe that the premium products, luxury garments, cosmetics, and HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants & Cafes) segment will also flourish, as the pent-up demand will be doing the trick. The major corporate houses, especially the FMCG and durables majors will continue their drive to package their goods with the more sustainable medium. It will be a challenge for the paper and packaging manufacturers to keep up with that pace and design alternate products in paper and board with functionalities similar to what plastics and other substrates provide – especially in the food & beverages segment. PM

Paper Mart: Could you tell us about the new product development, and technological upgradations introduced in your company? Saikat Basu: Firstly, we are in the process to expand our capacity by 1.8 lakh tonnes per annum at our Songadh unit (Gujarat). Our state-ofthe-art packaging board plant should start manufacturing the high-quality boards and new innovative products by the mid-2021. As we have invested in the state-of-the-art pulp plant as well as modern sheeting, rewinding, storage, and retrieval facilities; we are confident that we will provide the finest products and services in the country.

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 17

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

West Coast Paper Mills Ltd.: In Process of Developing New Paper Packaging Products “West Coast Paper has recently launched 100% plastic-free, biodegradable coated paper board as a replacement for plastic or plastic-coated paper cups, plates and other disposable products.”

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. P. C. Maloo, Sr. Vice President Marketing, West Coast Paper Mills Ltd.:

Mr. P. C. Maloo, Sr. Vice President - Marketing, West Coast Paper Mills Ltd.

Paper Mart: As there has been a huge upward trend in the recyclable packaging materials market owing to the awareness of consumers about the environmental and social advantages of recyclable/biodegradable packaging products; what are your views with regard to the future of the market and how big a role will be played by the innovations in the sustainable material solutions? P. C. Maloo: There has been an upward trend in virgin as well as recyclable paper packaging materials market in the last few months as the COVID-19 impact has slowed down. Factors behind the uptrend are hygiene-concerns, growth in pharma, food, FMCG and industrial products, growth in online shopping trend as well as environmental aspects. As paper packaging products are biodegradable or recyclable, it helps in protecting the environment to a large extent. The drive of single-use plastic ban in phases by the central and various state governments have helped in developing new products as replacement for some singleuse plastic materials. There is a tremendous opportunity in developing new and innovative packaging products to replace plastic, glass, metal or other base material packaging products. To name a few, Coca Cola is developing 100% paper bottle as

18 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

a replacement of plastic bottle, Nestle has developed recyclable paper packaging to wrap individual bouillon cubes, Mondi has launched water resistant paper bags for cement industry, Stora Enso is introducing its new eco friendly, free from plastic, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable take away bowls for food service packaging. In India also, there are many such instances where new innovative products are being launched to replace plastic packaging material. The role of such innovations will be a key driving force in developing new products as a replacement for plastic or other packaging material. West Coast Paper has recently launched 100% plastic-free, biodegradable coated paper board as a replacement for plastic or plasticcoated paper cups, plates and other disposable products. PM: How cost-effective and efficient is packaging paper/board as compared to other alternate packaging materials? PCM: It depends upon the type of packaging product which is being replaced by paper packaging product. If the replacement is for metal or glass packaging products, it may be cost-effective. But main driving force in using biodegradable or recyclable paper packaging products is environmental concern. Normally, people are ready to pay a premium for sustainability and environmental safeguard as a responsible citizen. PM: What are the demand drivers

Leading Supplier of Complete Paper Machine, Equipment and Application Solutions

180+ Successfully Supply & Installations of Paper Mills & it’s Equipment in Asian & African Countries

Engineers Pvt. Ltd.

N.K.R. Engineers Pvt. Ltd. was founded in the year 1997. N.K.R. Engineers Pvt Ltd. is manufacturer and exporter of Large and Medium Recycle Paper Mill Machinery. An ISO 9001:2015 Cer ﬁed Company Specializa on in Design & Development.

PLANT & FACILITY Ÿ Plant Area - 100000 Sq. Feet Ÿ Build Area - 80000 Sq. Feet Ÿ Lathe Machines Ÿ TOS Make CNC Boring Machine Ÿ TOS Make Automa c VTL Machine Ÿ CNC Plasma Cu

ng Machine Ÿ Automa c Plano Miller Machine Ÿ Hydraulic Press Machine Ÿ Bending Machine etc....

N.K.R. ENGINEERS PVT. LTD. Mfg.: Paper Mill Machinery ISO 9001: 2015 CERTIFIED COMPANY www.nkrengineer.com

Corp. Ofce & Works (Heavy Fabrication & Assembly Shop) "Devashray" Near Express Highway, Opp.: Shreenand City, New Maninagar Road, Vatva, Ahmedabad· 382 445, Gujarat, INDIA Phone: 079 2584 0141 / 42 I +91 92272 28909 E-mail: nkr_eng@yahoo.com | Web Site : www.nkrengineer.com

Regd. Ofce & Works (Rolls Manufacturing Facility) 3,4,5 - Jay Khodiyar Industrial Estate, Near Subhash Estate, CTM - Ramol Road, Amraiwadi, Ahmedabad - 380026

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L and end-user applications governing the packaging paper/board market? PCM: Some of the prominent demand drivers for the packaging paper/paperboard market are -consumer awareness for environment friendly products, single-use plastic ban drive by the government authorities and an increased awareness about health and hygiene concerns. Moreover, the growing trend in e-commerce and online shopping culture and the higher demand in pharma, FMCG, online food delivery and some other industrial activities are further propelling the demand for the paperboard packaging market. PM: What kind of market trends have you been observing in the past 6-9 months, and how do you see the packaging sector developing in the future? PCM: In the last 6-9 months, we have observed increase in packaging board demand due to - a surge in online shopping, the move to replace plastic packaging by paper board, growth of online food delivery platforms and services. Furthermore, use of health and hygiene products and medicines has increased. The consumption of disposable cutlery has also increased. In consequence, the packaging sector is expected to grow at around 12% annual growth rates.

product development, technological upgradations introduced in your company? PCM: : West Coast Paper has always been pursuing to develop and introduce innovative products in packaging segment. Few of such products and their applications in our product range are: WESCO Straw Base & WESCO Straw Fold - to make paper straw as a replacement of plastic straw, WESCO Duraprint - for virgin grade high strength paper bags, WESCO Stiffener - for soap wrapper (with alkali-resistant properties), and WESCO Folding Box Board – for virgin-grade packaging use. Additionally, we have WESCO Wallkup & WESCO Prime – for premium grade paper cups, and WESCO Ecoliner, Firma, & Aquabase – for standard grade paper cups. West Coast Paper is one of the largest manufacturers of cup stock paper boards having a wide range of products for different end use. The paper cup market is growing at about 15% annual growth rate due to health, hygiene and environmental concerns. There is a tremendous opportunity in this packaging segment. Innovative products launched by West Coast: West Coast Paper has introduced plastic free barrier coated paperboard

PM: What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in the packaging paper/board market in the near future with the growth in e-commerce and many factors contributing to the growth of the segment? PCM: As the packaging sector is likely to grow at around 12% growth rate depending upon particular end use, the growth opportunities are tremendous. E-commerce and other driving force will bring new growth opportunities in the paper packaging segment in coming years. But the challenges are to develop new innovative products as a replacement for other packaging material products which should also be cost-effective and easy to use in the long run. PM: Could you tell us about the new

20 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

- “WESCO Prime Super Green” for the manufacturing of cups or other items having requirements of plasticfree barrier coating. The product has all the requisite certificates of biodegradable, plastic-free, food grade, compostable, repulpable virgin grade coated paper board. We recommend using these products for paper cups, paper plates, paper bowls, popcorn tubs, noodle bowls, soap wrapper or any other purpose where water-proof barrier heat sealable coated paper is required. This paper is 100% plastic-free coated paper, biodegradable, food-grade, has good heat sealability, is odourless, and repulpable. What’s more, its generated scrap will attract good price, allows less power consumption as it seals at lower temperature than PE coated during cup making, and needs a lesser amount of coating percentage than PE coating. “WESCO Prime Super Organic” is another paper product with plasticfree barrier coated properties for various end uses. We are also in the process of developing some new paper packaging products as alternatives to plastic or other packaging products to support the Government’s drive to stop use of single-use plastic in phases. PM

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

Stora Enso India: Aiming to Leverage Packaging Design Capabilities “The investment in new dispersion technology aims to achieve the desired barrier properties in a more sustainable way, leading to production of new barrier coated paperboard products in 2021 that will have a lower carbon footprint and work better in a recycling system.”

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Sanjeev Khandelwal, DirectorRenewable Packaging, Stora Enso India: Mr. Sanjeev Khandelwal, Director-Renewable Packaging, Stora Enso India

Paper Mart: As there has been a huge upward trend in the recyclable packaging materials market owing to the awareness of consumers about the environmental and social advantages of recyclable/biodegradable packaging products; what are your views with regard to the future of the market and how big a role will be played by the innovations in the sustainable material solutions? Sanjeev Khandelwal: The evergrowing consumer demand for sustainable products will reward brands that replace fossil-based plastic packaging and fight climate change. New regulations mandate companies to find ways to commit to reducing plastic waste and singleuse items and increasing recycling. All this drives demand for lowcarbon, renewable, recyclable and recycled packaging, where we can help packaging converters, brand owners and retailers become more eco-friendly. Industrial end users will also benefit, as high-quality container boards enable to lower the weight and reduce the emissions of corrugated packaging. PM: How cost-effective and efficient is packaging paper/board as compared to other alternate packaging materials? SK: The fresh fibre and strong, multilayer structure of our boards offer benefits such as higher strength and

22 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

stiffness at lower weight, resulting in converting excellence, reliable packaging performance and high material efficiency. You can reduce the weight of the board without sacrificing package integrity – making it a better alternative to heavier boards. And, the lightweight material means lower costs in the supply chain. PM: What are the demand drivers and end-user applications governing the packaging paper/board market? SK: Population growth, GDP, and urbanization are the main drivers for packaged goods. Both packaging demand and the requirements for materials are affected by other trends as well, such as growth in e-commerce at the expense of traditional retail, increasing globalization, and higher sustainability, product safety and traceability requirements. Most of these are expected to have a positive impact on demand for our products over the next five years. PM: What kind of market trends have you been observing in the past 6-9 months, and how do you see the packaging sector developing in the future? SK: Naturally, the last few months and 2020 have revolved mostly around COVID-19. Many of our products have critical end uses such as packaging food and pharmaceuticals. We have worked hard to ensure our materials reach these vital industries, which have been operational throughout the outbreak. Demand has varied between different end uses. Due to lockdowns and social distancing,

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L the demand for packaged foods and e-commerce packaging has increased, as people have stayed in their homes. On the other hand, this has led to cafes and restaurants closing, which meant somewhat poorer visibility of demand for food service packaging materials.

packaging performance, which we can cater for with our products. Food safety will remain a strong competitive advantage for us, and concerns regarding recycled materials create potential for the demand for virgin-based container boards to grow in food segments.

We have a long history of successfully replacing fossil-based plastics with renewable materials in demanding end uses on an industrial scale. We are committed to supporting our customers in choosing the right materials in the future.

PM: Could you tell us about the new product development, technological upgradations introduced in your company?

PM: What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in the packaging paper/board market in the near future with the growth in e-commerce and many factors contributing to the growth of the segment? SK: Growth of e-commerce and globalized supply chains will create more demand for packaging as well as place different requirements on

SK: Strong innovation and commercialization capabilities will be the keys to replace fossil-based materials with innovative fiber-based products. Our portfolio based on both virgin and recycled fibers gives us the opportunity to explore further possibilities with recycled fibers in our products, and we aim to leverage our packaging design capabilities to find new end uses for paper based packaging materials. By investing in the development of sustainable packaging barriers,

24 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

we help our customers to become more eco-friendly while creating value in the circular bio-economy. Liquid packaging, beverage cups, and certain food packaging are some of the products that have a barrier which serves to protect the packaged product, while also ensuring that the packaging maintains its userqualities. The investment in new dispersion technology aims to achieve the desired barrier properties in a more sustainable way, leading to production of new barrier coated paperboard products in 2021 that will have a lower carbon footprint and work better in a recycling system. In 2020, we started commercialization of AvantForte by Stora Enso, a 100% virgin fiber-based three-layer kraft liner with improved stiffness and strength. The new products will deliver high packaging performance with lower weight to our customers, and we will invest significantly to reduce the mill’s environmental impact. PM

I•N•T•E•R•V•I•E•W

Accurate Multilayer: Bringing Various Value-Added Products “We have a full-fledged quality control department to take care of each and every aspect of our products to meet the set quality standards.”

of products. In North India, we are among the top three manufacturers in terms of quality and quantity as we have the capacity of serving the topnotch products and giving best values to our customers. Mr. Akshay Jain, Designated Partner, Accurate Multilayer Papers LLP

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Akshay Jain, Designated Partner, Accurate Multilayer Papers LLP: Paper Mart: Could you please give us an overview of Accurate Multilayer Papers LLP, its product portfolio along with respective applications? Akshay Jain: Accurate Multilayer Papers LLP is company which is involved in manufacturing rigid board from 1 mm thickness to 3.5 mm thickness. It is the first-of-itskind manufacturing plant in India. We manufacture around 1500-2000 tonnes of rigid board per month. Rigid board is used for making mobile packaging boxes, sweet boxes, luxury packaging, stationery, etc. It is a fast growing product.

PM: What are your future plans and growth strategies for the coming years regarding expansion and adding some value-added products? AJ: At present, we have held-off all our future expansions due to COVID — but definitely when the things become smooth, we will expand ourselves in shape of capacity expansions. We are manufacturing various value-added products such as bleach Kraft, cup stock, Kraft paper for carry bags, high RCT Kraft, high BF Kraft, copier grades, high

PM: What do you think are the key strengths of your packaging paper that will enable you to make your mark in the packaging industry? AJ: We offer the finest products available in India to our customers in every respect. We have a full-fledged quality control department to take care of each and every aspect of our products to meet the set quality standards. We manufacture almost every quality of Kraft paper so you can say we have complete basket

26 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

brightness maplitho paper etc. We are open to adding any other products as our machines are capable of making all varieties of paper. PM: According to you how do you see the demand for packaging paper with regards to the customers you serve? AJ: The demand for packaging paper is definitely going to rise in the coming few years. If we talk about the domestic demand, the growth in white goods and industrialization in India are favourable projections because every industry needs packaging. If we see internationally, then in the coming years, China will be a big buyer, we are hopeful that in the coming few years, the packaging industry will boom. PM

I•N•T•E•R•V•I•E•W

Sukraft Group: Technologically Ready for the Future “One of our key strengths is that all of our units are technologically ready for the future requirements of our clients in the packaging industries.”

decades which is a pretty explanatory feat to tell our story. PM: What do you think are the key strengths of the company that will enable you to make your mark in the packaging industry? Mr. Shankar Patel, Managing Director, Sukraft Group

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Shankar Patel, Managing Director, Sukraft Group: Paper Mart: Could you please give us an overview of Sukraft and its market presence? Shankar Patel: Sukraft is a unique success story in the kraft paper industry since 1996 in India. We have started from 8 MT per day to achieving 1100 MT per day with our Mumbai, Nashik, Chennai, Raipur, and Goa units. We are successfully operating from various locations in India. Some of our customers have been with us from more than two

SP: One of our key strengths is that all of our units are technologically ready for the future requirements of our clients in the packaging industries. One of the recent advancements is that we are going to install an ultra-modern ETP system in our all units which will enable us to produce odor-free export quality paper. PM: What are your plans and growth strategies for the coming years? SP: We are looking to team up with an international partner for our future expansion and to expand our global presence. In all of our mills, we are driven to enhance technology to make us globally ready in the coming three years.

28 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

PM: How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the demand for packaging paper and how do you foresee the future? SP: There were a few challenges that came along with some new opportunities during the lockdown, for instance, the Kraft paper industry had faced a shortage of manpower and the production got affected, but gradually things are improving. Since there has been a growing preference amongst people for online shopping worldwide, it raises the demand for Kraft paper simultaneously. PM: Is there anything else that you would like to add to our interaction? SP: I am quite hopeful for years to come for the Indian paper industry, and especially for the future of the kraft paper industry. Also, the mills will have to make themselves ready for new types of requirements coming in the future. For instance, we will produce lighter GSM food-grade and paper bag products to meet the future requirement of India and the world. PM

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

B&B TRIPLEWALL CONTAINERS LIMITED “We are in the process of setting up our third facility with an installed capacity of 2500 MT per month in Hyderabad.”

Founded: 2011 Plant Size: 3,25,000 sq ft Manufacturing Capacity: 84,000 TPY

30,000 TPY (Planned Expansion)

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Manish Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, B&B Triplewall Containers Limited Company highlights: B&B Triplewall Containers Ltd is one of the biggest cardboard manufacturers in the country, producing boxes and boards with the highest quality and wide variety. Currently, we have two manufacturing facilities with a combined capacity to make 7,000

MT of corrugated boxes per month. Both the facilities put together, we have close to 3.25 lakh sq ft of the built-up area and have the capability to make 1.25 crore boxes per month in numbers. We cater to a wide variety of industries like e-commerce, FMCG, edible oils, automobile, engineering, paints, fruits and vegetables, agarbatti, beverages and many more. Our biggest strength is the early adoption of world-class technology, for instance, we were the pioneers to bring in the latest European technology from Germany and

30 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Mr. Manish Gupta

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L France into India. The fully automatic factory at Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu with a capacity of 5,000 MT per month is one of the single largest plants in India. Further, the advanced technology brought in by machines from BHS and BOBST gives us an edge over our competitors in terms of quality and reliability. At present, we are in the process of setting up our third facility with an installed capacity of 2,500 MT per month in Hyderabad. This will take our total capacity to 9,500 MT per month. Quality-related challenges & key expectations from paper mills: •

•

The Kraft paper market in India is still in its nascent stage and needs a lot of improvement. To start with, the mills in India need to improve the fundamental requirement of smooth runnability for the corrugators. This can only be achieved by giving a jointless reel or a reel with a properly spliced joint, no moon cuts, no profile variation of GSM as well as moisture and adequate protection of the reel like edge protectors and side guards and stretch wrap for safe transit.

•

India is now rapidly adopting organized retail where packaging is going to play an important role. Going ahead, the corrugated inners will come into direct contact with fresh as well as packed foods and will reach the hands of the consumers. If the paper is not

“With newer technology coming into the box making segment, the need of the hour is the light weighting of boxes which can be achieved only by using high quality paper in lower basis weights.” odour-free, it can cause a lot of problems for the brand owners. Today, only a handful of mills in India can confidently say that they offer odour-free paper which essentially needs to be the basic criteria.

Secondly, in terms of quality parameters, the mills need to focus on the consistency of the quality as well as moving from a BF based structure to an RCT/SCT-based commercial structure. With light weighting being the future, the mills need to produce low GSM high SCT fluting paper. For the liners, they need to produce paper with single side calendaring

transformative change quite quickly. As the companies have figured the new normal in their segment of industry, they have transformed accordingly to fulfill the requirements.

to give a good aesthetic value to the paper as well as great printability.

Current market situation and future: •

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world to a very large extent but we have adapted to this huge

•

The corrugated box industry too has had its challenges, but in the overall scenario, this is one industry that has not been impacted as much as the service sector. There have been shifts in the consumption pattern of the buyers of boxes but the overall volumes have not been largely impacted. In fact, we believe that in the next five years, we are going to see sharp growth in the Indian corrugated box requirements and in the overall economy of the country.

Market trends and demand drivers: •

The market is moving towards higher and consistent quality papers. Newer and larger capacities in the paper mill segment coming up will have a significant advantage over the smaller and older mills that have not been upgraded.

•

There will be a major demand for Kraft paper from the automatic plant sector which is quickly eating into the semi auto sectors pie of business.

•

In the corrugated box segment, the e-commerce and fruits and vegetables along with retail ready corrugated packaging are going to be the biggest drivers of this segment in the time to come. PM

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 31

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

CEL PACKAGING PRIVATE LIMITED “As there has been a big spurt in buying through e-commerce, the demand for simple corrugated boxes is increasing. With the reduced imports of goods and focus on exports, the demand for high-quality exportrelated packaging is also likely to grow in the near future.” Founded: 1995 Plant Size: 4,00,000 sq ft Manufacturing Capacity: 24,000 TPY

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Rajiv Mehta, Executive Director, CEL Packaging Private Limited Company highlights: As early as 1995, CEL Packaging Private Limited (CORE) has brought a revolutionary innovation in the field of corrugated paper packaging in India by introducing European technology and automatic production lines. With time, CORE has developed a definitive expertise in the manufacturing of corrugated boxes and delivering comprehensive

packaging solutions to various industries - pharmaceuticals, auto parts, ceramic, electronics, heavy engineering, agriculture, solar power, chemicals, furniture, etc. With regard to our production capability and fleet of machines, we have acquired machines from Germany, France, Switzerland, Holland, China, and India. We are capable of making all kinds of corrugated boxes with particular specialization in – jumbo boxes, octagonal boxes, boxes to pack auto components and industrial goods, export packaging, automatic line packing boxes, and furniture

32 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Mr. Rajiv Mehta

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L sectors have suffered a heavy blow. In the same vein, the corrugated paper industry has also been restrained during this period.

packaging boxes etc. We are engaged in providing – a detailed diagnostic study of packaging and its solutions; consultancy in setting up and modification of packaging lines to optimize productivity, quality and cost; development of industrial and export packaging and packaging for fragile and free-flowing materials. Quality-related challenges & key expectations from paper mills: •

There are certain challenges we face with regard to the quality of paper and paper boards, i.e. to begin with, the quality of Indian Kraft paper can be determined by the low BF of the recycled paper.

•

Also, there are a lot of inconsistencies in quality in the shades of paper, variation in tensile strength, poor quality of winding, paper cone strength etc.

•

In order to get high strength and good quality virgin pulp in the Indian paper industry has to depend on imports. Besides, the availability of coated white paper is quite insufficient as there are a very few manufacturers making white Kraft liner in India.

•

The scale of the mills and packaging units is also very small compared to the international markets.

Current market situation and future: •

As a consequence of the lockdown imposed during the 1st quarter of FY 2020-21, all the companies across various

•

On the whole, the major constituent of the corrugated paper industry is small-scale companies, and due to the ongoing economic crisis, some of their large customers could not give them the required price. For this reason, many players in the industry began incurring significant financial losses and they had to close down their businesses.

•

It is expected that by the end of FY 2020-21 or during the first quarter of FY 202122, the industry will regain its pre-COVID volume and growth. However, there is a possibility of consolidation and transformation of technology in fewer units with large capacities. Mostly, such units will get its advantages due to being economies of scale, speed due to technology, and quality improvement.

The recovery began, but was somewhat slow at the beginning of the second quarter. However, in the second half, due to the unavailability of

“Over the years, we have acquired a sense of mastery in converting the packaging material of - wood, plastic, EPE, etc. to eco-friendly and recyclable corrugated packaging. That being so, we can manage the small quantity specialized boxes with a large number of job changes and providing faster deliveries to customers.” waste paper, the price of waste paper was increased; and since there is not enough labor that affects the business, in effect, it cannot recover quickly. In the third quarter, the paper mills had received a number of export orders and they started to increase prices heavily in the domestic market that led to a huge cost increase for the industry.

34 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Market trends and demand drivers: •

This time period can be regarded as the time defined by the survival of the fittest. A disciplined approach of business coupled with proper calculation of margin and profitability can definitely help the corrugated paper industry to survive.

•

As there has been a big spurt in buying through e-commerce, the demand for simple corrugated boxes is increasing. With the reduced imports of goods and focus on exports, the demand for high-quality export-related packaging is also likely to grow in the near future. PM

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

PR PACKAGINGS LTD. “The unorganized market segment of converters has led to a counterproductive accumulation of paper sizes in the market.”

Founded: 1991 Plant Size: 3,87,000 sq ft approx. Covered area: 2,36,000 sq ft approx. Manufacturing Capacity: 14,400 TPY

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Ravinder Gupta, Managing Director, P.R. Packagings Ltd. Company highlights:

We offer an array of packaging material – rigid boxes, mono cartons, tubes, and paper bags, in different sizes and colors as well as a variety of effects like embossing, debossing coating, gloss or spot UV,

Started in 1991, P.R. Packaging

soft-touch, etc. We have a distinct

Ltd. (PRPL) is one of the largest

expertise in providing brands

producers of folding cartons in

with end-to-end solutions from

India. Equipped with the most

conceptualizing, designing and

modern manufacturing and

innovating to manufacturing and

quality facilities, PRPL is spread

sourcing of all materials related to

in a covered area of 2,36,000 sq

packaging.

ft approximately with the best technology available today.

Our in-house key technologies

36 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Mr. Ravinder Gupta

SUKRAFT GROUP

SAVING NATURE FROM TWO DECADES

OUR STRENGTHS • Kraft Paper 50 to 120 GSM with the range 20 to 40 BF • Odour Free Kraft Paper • High Tensile and Clean Look • Proper Tear Factor • Perfect RCT and CMT • Quality Raw Material

FACTORY ADDRESS : SUKRAFT RECLYCLING PVT. LTD.

OFFICE ADDRESS : SUKRAFT RECLYCLING PVT. LTD.

PLOT NO. 26, PHASE 1, HONDA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, TAL, SATTARI, GOA, INDIA PIN: 403530

107-108-109, ORION BUSINESS PARK, KAPUR BAWDI, GODHBUNDER ROAD, THANE (WEST), INDIA PIN: 400607 G R O U P C O M PA N I E S

SUNSHINE PAPTECH PVT. LTD. (Mumbai MS.)

SWASTIK PULP AND PAPERS PVT. LTD. (Nasik MS.)

SURYAANS PAPERS (Chennai TN.)

SUKRAFT PAPERS PVT. LTD. (Nasik MS.)

W W W. S U K R A F T.C O M

SUKRAFT PAPERS MILLS PVT. LTD. (Rajpur CG.)

• 200+ Experienced Staff

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L for the Indian paper industry.

include - Mitsubishi and Heidelberg CD102 - 7 colors with online UV, fully automatic film laminators, fully automatic BOBST die cutters and folder gluers for

greater consumption, scarcity of waste papers, and export of

Current market situation and

Kraft paper from Indian paper

future: •

The COVID-19 pandemic has

fluted cartons and duplex folding

created a huge impact on every

boxes.

industry and it has brought

mills to China. •

One major realization amongst most businesses has been to take well-thought-out decisions

Quality-related challenges & key

on capital expenditure. Also,

expectations from paper mills:

decisions about investments

•

in fixed assets will be made

First and foremost — the quality of paper and pulp is still not as per international standards - and that’s why many MNCs push converters to import paper from South Korea, China, etc. It can be seen that there is a lack of openness to the development of special papers; for example, high-quality paper with colored pulp used in the luxury packaging market.

•

Secondly, the unorganized market segment of converters has led to a counterproductive accumulation of paper sizes in the market. The size of the SKU should be limited. Internationally, only 2 or 3 paper sizes are provided - which standardizes the

“A fixed mindset becomes rigid on MOQ and an exorbitant development cost - whereas a growth mindset finds solutions to R&D. This, coupled with additional investments in technology will put Indian paper mills on the international map.”

industry and even buyers know

Finally, with regard to the international market, most mills provide ready to use paper; India still lacks that provision or option from paper mills, or that kind of evolution of the paper converters. The sooner it comes, the better it is

diligent consideration. Market trends and demand drivers: •

many changes in the packaging sector - e-commerce packaging has surged, disposables for food and hygiene have increased manifold, etc. Consequently, the paper prices have shot up to more than double within a year, which is an outcome of

38 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

There has been an increase in consumption of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and healthcare devices over the past year. Now that the COVID vaccines are coming, pharmaceuticals and healthcare are the key sectors that will drive major demand in the packaging industry. So is the requirement of disposable items and e-commerce packaging. Besides, demand for luxury goods is likely to reduce – hence, there will be an impact on extravagant or over-the-top packaging.

•

how much it costs. •

much more carefully and with

What’s more, some brands might look forward to engaging consumers online to drive their e-commerce sales more than spending the same time and effort on the packaging.

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 39

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

RELIABLE PACKAGING “At present, Reliable Packaging has the conversion capacity of 30,000 tonnes of paper and production capacity of 40,000 TPY.”

Founded: 2003 Manufacturing Capacity: 40,000 TPY Conversion Capacity: 30,000 Tonnes

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Nikhil Siplani, Director, Reliable Packaging Company highlights: Reliable Packaging was founded in 2003 and in 2006, the company began manufacturing paper. It was the first paper mill in the entire seven northeastern states. The locals of the region used to burn the waste to get rid of it — however, we started collecting the waste and recycling it. This initiative has not just helped us in protecting the

environment but also in generating employment. For this effort, we were awarded a National Award by the Former President of India Smt. Pratibha Patil in 2011. In 2010, we set up the first plant in Noida, Uttar Pradesh and established the second paper mill for lower GSM grade. In 2017, our Greater Noida plant came into existence and in 2018, we started the Tezpur plant. In 2019, we established Hyderabad plant and in the same year, we established the R&D facility at Greater Noida unit.

40 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Mr. Nikhil Siplani

KROFTA ENGINEERING LIMITED NEW Triple Wire Belt Filter Press (Gravity Table + Belt Filter Press)

Krofta introduces newer enhanced capacity Belt Filter Press. A new innovative unique technique, which will improve overall efﬁciency for sludge dewatering SALIENT BENEFITS: Ÿ First in the Country : Launched by Krofta : Triple Wire Belt Filter Press (Gravity Table + Belt Filter Press) Ÿ To enable handling of Higher throughput Ÿ Ability to handle Higher Solids per day Ÿ More Space for Squeezing the sludge in wet zone Ÿ Evenly spread of Sludge helps in more dewatering & better drainage Ÿ Compact structure and modular design Ÿ Flocculator as inbuilt supply for better dewatering MODELS AND TECHNICAL DATA TYPE Length, mm Width, mm Height, mm Belt Area, m2 Belt Speed, m/min 3 Wash Water, m /hr. Air Consumption, m3/hr. Motor Power, kW

BFP 1.1 T 3500 1430 2200 21.5 2 – 10 8.5 1 0.75 + 0.55

BFP 1.6 T 3500 1930 2200 31.5 2 – 10 13 1 1.1 + 0.75

BFP 2.1 T 3500 2430 2200 41.0 2 – 10 16 1 1.1 + 1.1

BFP 2.6 T 3500 2930 2200 50.7 2 – 10 21 1 1.1 + 1.5

Krofta Engineering Limited Durga Bhawan, A-68, FIEE Complex, Okhla Industrial Area Phase-II, New Delhi – 110020. EPBX : +91-11-4724 2500 | E-mail: krofta@kroftaengineering.com | Web : www.kroftaengineering.com

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L At present, Reliable Packaging has

100% recycled water saving

low-quality fibers, or short

the conversion capacity of 30,000

millions of litres every year. In

fibers, and as starch coatings

tonnes of paper and production

addition, more than 55% of the

continue to increase, they try

capacity of 40,000 TPY.

water consumption is from rain

to compensate for the strength

water harvesting and by 2022,

of long fibers. In the long run,

we expect it to be above 80%.

once the coating is gone, paper-

Further, we have installed a large deckle with two NC cutter machines that reduce trim waste

•

strength decreases significantly

Our target is to be carbon

and an easy roll change-cassette

positive by 2022. Thus, we

type machine at our unit. In

always keep on investing and

and also, in other cases, having excess starch coating also leads to cracking of paper.

addition, there is an individual hot plate temperature control system

•

as well.

Southern and Eastern India, in the general run of things,

Technological Upgradations and efforts regarding incorporating sustainability •

As we are aware of the increasing level of pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Government could ban coal and agro-based fuel boilers at any point in time. Keeping this projection in mind, Reliable Packaging has already prepared in advance to seamlessly change the fuel from agro to gas within 24 hours without interrupting its customer supply chain.

•

“Our suggestion for paper mills is to fight for prices but without devaluating quality as eventually, quality is of great consequence and its value can’t be downplayed.”

we do not face such issues. Our suggestion for paper mills is to fight for prices but without devaluing quality as eventually, quality is of great consequence and its value can’t be downplayed. Current market situation and future: •

ensued with the outbreak of the pandemic and as we collectively adapt to the ‘new normal’, there has been a significant pent-up

As we have moved from coal

demand which has become the new normal for the market.

consumption, our next goal is to reduce it further to 99%.

•

We are using stored rainwater that is sufficient for almost a six-month of our requirement. Since we have invested in solar

•

Due to the economic crisis and unprecedented challenges

to agro, reducing 98% of the

•

Moreover, in our plants in

It is advised to be prepared for

adapting new technology such

uncertainties as much as we

as vacuum transfer printing

can. This situation is projected

machines that reduce crushing

to remain till the beginning of

of flutes and improve CS.

2022.

energy, we will be able to save

Quality-related challenges &

75% of electricity units that we

key expectations from paper

consume.

mills:

We have made many efforts

•

In particular, most factories

to reduce our environmental

in Northern India, with

impact such as our boiler uses

the aim to save money, use

42 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

SHREE ARUN

PACKAGING CO. PVT. LTD. “The integration of paper-based packaging and technology will pave a way for rise in the intelligent packaging solutions…” Image source: Company’s website

Founded: 1970 Plant Size: 50,000 sq ft Manufacturing Capacity: 4,800 TPY

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Tushar Bhotica, Director, Shree Arun Packaging Co. P. Ltd. (SAPCO)

We are into the sheetfed offset

Company highlights:

solutions that meet international

Shree Arun Packaging Co. P. Ltd (SAPCO) is a family-owned company started by my father - Mr. Narayan Prasad Bhotica. Presently, it is spearheaded by my brother Mr. Hemant Bhotica, myself, and my son - Mr. Vishwamdev Bhotica.

printing & packaging industry of converting paper/board, Met Pet, and plastics and a comprehensive range of paper-based packaging quality standards. We are equipped with the latest technologies required for producing every type of carton packaging, including litho-laminated cartons. Moreover, our monthly capacity is about 400 tonnes in the paperboard segment. Quality-related challenges & key

44 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Mr. Tushar Bhotica

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L challenging times.

expectations from paper mills: •

As regards challenges

•

budget expected, the packaging

Although there has certainly

with respect to quality of

been a slowdown of demand

paperboard, one particular

from the non-essential sectors,

concern is in the recycled

and the overall demand

category of paperboard. It

scenario has got affected due

sector is likely to see a strong revival of double-digit growth this calendar year and even further ahead.

is true that there are a very

Market trends and demand

few mills which make a good

drivers:

trouble-free board. Many of the mills indulge in cost saving exercises, without realizing that it is not only leading to poor quality, but also hurting their image in the long run. Recycled paper mills today don’t have a brand image, like the virgin board mills have been able to achieve to the international standards. •

under control, and a favorable

Also, a major cause of concern is the way paper mills change prices every now and then. Many representations have been made to them by our association to hold prices for each quarter, and change it only once every quarter if required. However, this has

•

“With a further improvement expected with the COVID-19 situation getting under control, and a favorable budget expected, the packaging sector is likely to see a strong revival of doubledigit growth this calendar year and even further ahead.”

met with no success.

Online shopping has lent a huge support to the demand for robust packaging. Also, a decline in preference for plastic has given an impetus to the paper-based packaging segment. This trend is here to stay, with both these factors driving packaging innovation in paper.

•

Also, the new age technology and the 21st century business models are opening many new opportunities of print packaging in India. Very soon, we shall see how the integration of paper-based packaging and technology will pave a way for rise in the intelligent packaging solutions which will shape the demand

Current market situation and

for packaging solutions.

future:

to a weak economy. However,

•

Thankfully for the packaging

the future seems bright and

industry, COVID has not

as the last quarter has seen a

led to a major setback as

revival in the majority of the

packaging has been a much

sectors, as is indicated by GST

needed industry to keep the

collections. With a further

pharmaceutical and the food

improvement expected with the

packaging sector going in these

COVID-19 situation getting

46 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

SUPACK INDUSTRIES PRIVATE LIMITED “We feel that there is a gap in understanding the requirement between paper mills and corrugators.”

Founded: 1989 Plant Size: 120,000 sq ft Manufacturing Capacity: 30,000 TPY

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Mr. Mitul Shah, Director, Supack Industries Private Limited

economies of scale and which can handle large-scale production to fulfill the requirements of corrugated packaging.

Company highlights:

Over the years, the company has grown significantly in size and volume and has equipped itself with the necessary resources to meet the growing demands of the industry. All our corrugated boxes are manufactured in our manufacturing facility at Rajkot, Gujarat, India. With modern infrastructure, our 120,000 sq ft facility is equipped with the latest technology in plant machinery,

Supack Group was established way back in the 1960s, with the focus to provide a comprehensive range of packaging solutions and to improve quality standards in the industry. Then, Supack Industries Pvt. Ltd. was started in 1989 by putting up a state-of-the-art, fullyautomated plant that could achieve a higher degree of perfection in terms of quality and performance,

48 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Mr. Mitul Shah

YUNDA PAPER MACHINERY

Supplier of Complete Set of Stock Preparation and Approach System in China Established in 1981, Yunda specializes in researching and manufacturing of stock preparation equipment. The main products include the Waste Paper Bales Dry Separating & Screening System (patented in China), Chain Conveyor, Drum Pulper, D Type Continuous Pulping System, Drum Coarse Screen, Super Screen, Waste Paper Reject Classified Treatment, Mid Consistency Pressure Screen, Low-Pulse Inflow Pressure Screen, High & Mid Consistency Hydrapulper, HD Cleaner, Fiber Sorter, Reject Sorter, Double Disc Refiner, Disc-Thickener, Flotation Deinking Machine, Conical Refiner, and Hot Disperser System, etc.

Star Products

Drum Pulper

Chain Conveyor

The Waste Paper Bales Dry Separating & Screening System

Mid Consistency Pressure Screen

Double Disc Refiner

Mid Consistency Hydrapulper

Agitator

D-type Continuous Pulping System

Headbox Screen

SSC Super Screen

Recruitment: Sales Engineer Job Requirements: 1. Bachelor degree or above, major in Pulping and papermaking or other related fields. 2. Min. 5 years' experience in pulp and paper or relevant industry. 3. Fluency in speaking and writing English. Whoever can also speak Chinese has priority.

CV receiving email: info@zzyunda.com

Zhengzhou Yunda Paper Machinery Co., Ltd. Address: 168 Shiji Ave., Xuedian, Xinzheng, Henan, China Tel.: +86-0371-62581860 Fax: +86-0371-62586686 Web: www.en.zzyunda.com Email: info@zzyunda.com

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L advanced quality control lab and R&D department etc. In the last four years, the company has installed a new high-speed corrugator with flute changing capability and has also invested in a 5 colour FFG from BW Papersystems USA. Supack Industries has earned a name for itself for quality and proper logistics along with timely deliveries. Today, the group is converting around 30,000 MT of paper into corrugated boxes annually and meeting the packaging needs of a large number of national and multinational companies in various industries such as - textile, dairy products, food products, healthcare, engineering & automobile goods, petrochemicals, electronics etc. Quality-related challenges & key expectations from paper mills: In the past five years, many new paper making units as well as a number of new corrugated board and box making units have come up across India. Currently on the corrugation front, many companies are investing in newer and high-speed equipment, and the paper specification requirements are much higher with the new sophisticated corrugators. Few immediate quality improvements that would help are – moisture control across the deckle, large diameter rolls, joint free paper rolls or paper roll with one joint but with good quality joint, good quality reel core, proper tension across the deckle, odourless paper, and paper without excessive starch.

We feel that there is a gap in understanding the requirement between paper mills and corrugators. They both must work hand-in-hand to resolve issues and develop paper products that perform well, and the corrugators are able to optimally use their equipment to produce consistent quality acceptable by the end users.

slow, and the corrugated industry has been impacted negatively. At present, there has been a huge, never seen before increase in the rate of Kraft paper along with other raw materials like starch, coal, and transportation services. And on top of this, there is an increase in the labour costs. Unlike paper mills, the corrugators have faced huge challenges in getting appropriate increase in the cost of boxes from their customers — which is pushing the corrugators in catch-22 situations.

“With the rise in digital printing, there will be new opportunities in the corrugated industry in the coming times.”

Current market situation and future: The market situation during the lockdown period of March 2021 to June 2021 was very difficult for the corrugated box industry. With major industries under shut down, the corrugated industry was financially hit. Although once the un-lockdown phase started, while we did observe some improvement in the demand, it was still quite

50 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

The projection of the future is seemingly positive, given that there is some understanding of the ground reality of price and demand from the paper mill side as well as the customer side. The pandemic had created an acute shortage of skilled and semi-skilled labour force, who had migrated from the growing industrial states. We foresee a lot of investment has to be done in the automation of the process, to be less reliant on the labour to maintain the supply chain. The corrugators will plan to make an investment in automation only if they see return on investments. Market trends and demand drivers: •

The corrugated industry in India is growing at a healthy pace and will have a steady growth pattern in the coming times. As per a few reports, the per capita consumption of packaging is lowest in India, which is why we will see a steady growth in the

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L way in all kinds of industries and it is being adopted in the corrugated industry too. In the last two years, the digital printing for corrugated has improved drastically and it is becoming more cost effective. We are sure to see the adoption in India soon.

market. Secondly, corrugated packaging is adopted faster as sustainability has become a crucial issue. The corrugated packaging for years has been most eco-friendly and the preferred packaging and will remain so in future. •

•

Since the last few years, we have seen light weighting in the corrugated boxes in Europe, the USA, and China. To achieve the light weighting successfully, we need development on the paper manufacturing front. We are assured that the Indian paper industry can develop the required consistent quality in lighter but high-performance paper for corrugated boxes. Digital printing is making its

•

With the rise in e-commerce and online food delivery services, there will be an increase in the demand for more sustainable and recyclable packaging. The digital printing will open the market for corrugated boxes as it will be able to print more short and customized outputs helping companies to have greater engagement with their

customers. •

Notwithstanding the fact that retail ready packaging is not very common in India, but as we see growth in retail spaces such as - shopping malls, food malls etc; many companies will start adopting retail ready packaging.

•

Horticulture packaging will also drive up the demand in future. As in the developed nations, the fruits and vegetables are cleaned and packed in corrugated trays and boxes, which avoids the damage during transport and storage. In India, there is a great scope of corrugated packaging in horticulture. PM

Manufacturer of : Complete Paper Machine from conveyor to Rewinder • Duplex • Multi Layer Kraft • Kraft • Newsprint

D.S. Pulp & Paper Machinery Pvt. Ltd. D.S. Engineers Mfg.: Paper, Pulp & Cement Plant

Works & office : Plot No. 5314, Phase IV, Ramol Cross Road, G.I.D.C. Vatva, Vatva, Ahmedabad - 382445. (Rajesh Desai) +91 9825042710, 9227225579 E-mail : dspl@ymail.com / dsengineers_raj@yahoo.com www.papermillmachineryindia.com | www.papermillindia.com

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 51

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

TRIDENT

PAPER BOX INDUSTRIES

“In the long run, if a good quality paper is made and supplied; many challenges can be solved easily...”

Founded: 1983 Plant Size: 50,000 sq ft Manufacturing Capacity: 18,000 TPY

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Hardik Desai, Partner, Trident Paper Box Industries Company highlights: Being in the business of corrugated box manufacturing for more than 35 years, Trident Paper Box Industries is managed by the second generation of the family. Four years ago, we had modernized the production facility with the installation of automated lines. At present, we have the capacity of 1500 tonnes per month, which is almost fully utilized. Our manufacturing facility is spread

across an area of 50,000 sq ft with the raw material storage of 13,000 sq ft. The first-rate imported machinery at our unit enables us to produce high quality boards and boxes at a very high speed. Quality-related challenges & key expectations from paper mills: •

With increased competition in the Indian paper industry, paper manufacturers have lost the pricing power due to which profit margins have decreased to a certain extent. This situation has encouraged the manufacturers to look for newer ways to keep their costs

52 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Mr. Hardik Desai

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L in check by diluting the quality of raw material with the use of chemicals and technology. Thus, it has adversely affected the final paper coming out of the mill. •

•

In particular, shorter fibers have taken place of long fibers which plays the highest role in maintaining the quality of paper, and as the strength of paper is reduced, thus, deviations have increased drastically in recent times. Also, the customers have now become very sensitive towards the quality of packaging material and at the same time, cost-conscious as well. Inconsistencies in the quality are not at all accepted and the material is sent back with a rejection note immediately or is accepted but with heavy debts. In this era marked by faster services and delivery of products, it is almost imperative to have superior technology in order to compete with the peers and this aspect enables us to be a step ahead in the market. In the long run, if a good quality paper is made and supplied; many challenges can be solved easily which can play a huge role in bringing about cost-effectiveness, smooth processing in many areas of packaging. It is quite evident that due to the poor quality of paper, the converting & corrugation plants cannot run smoothly; also, the advantages offered by using modern technology such as speed, quality control features, automatic delivery features cannot be realized

since machines have to run at slow speed and halted multiple times. Current market situation and future: •

•

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly made a transformative

“In my understanding, the Indian paper industry is going to witness a huge increase in the demand and has a long and prosperous journey to traverse, thus, the quality of raw material also needs to be ramped up to the globally-accepted standards.” impact on our economy; however, the situation is now coming back to normalcy. •

opportunities have emerged and new doors have opened for all.

It is true that the working conditions including the methodology, mode of working have now changed and there have been some restrictions; however, with that, new

54 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Since vaccines are in the final phase of trials, which once are successfully tested, it is going to make a huge impact on the mindsets of people by encouraging them to go out of their houses more often. Consequently, shopping malls, movie theatres, restaurants, stores, and other public places will again flourish like before, resulting in the recovery of the economy.

Market trends and demand drivers: •

By and large, e-commerce has become a prominent part of everyone’s lives owing to the convenience of doorstep delivery of essentials which is creating a robust demand for paper packaging items more than ever.

•

Many companies are becoming more and more conscious about the eco-friendly alternatives with regard to packaging, which in turn results in replacing plastic with paper-based packaging products.

•

Amid the growing antiChina sentiment amongst the majority of countries around the world, all the EU nations, the USA, UK, amongst others, are now exploring other options for their requirements and seemingly, India is their major consideration. Presently, India has a very small share of the export market, now is the perfect time to capitalize on the opportunity to get a hold of a bigger pie. PM

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

VITAL PAPER

PRODUCTS PVT. LTD. “In view of the US– China trade issues, many global brand owners have started looking at India as an alternate source and have moved some of their businesses to India.” Founded: 2012 Plant Size: 105,000 sq ft Manufacturing Capacity: 36,000 TPY - Boards

(18,000 TPY - Conversion)

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Sashi Ravada, Managing Director, Vital Paper Products Pvt. Ltd. Company highlights: Vital Paper Products Private Limited is wholly owned subsidiary of reputed global paper trading company; Vital Solutions Pte Ltd, Singapore. In the year 2012, we invested in two modern automated paper conversion units in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, India. The first unit located in Special Economic Zone offers custom manufacturing of office and school stationery for the export market and the other

one which is located in Domestic Tariff Zone of Sri City offers corrugated packaging products and solutions. Then, in 2017, we started a manufacturing plant in Sricity, which makes corrugated packaging material with four colour printing, rotary slotted cartons, open & prefold trays and telescopic corrugated cartons. Further, we have invested in installing the first - BHS Eco Line Board fully automatic machine in India, which has a first-of-itskind fully automated glue kitchen, automatic conveyor system, waste management system with 4 colour flexo printing and die-cutting

56 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Mr. Sashi Ravada

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L facilities. Our installed capacity is 3,000 MT boards per month and the conversion capacity is 1,500 MT per month. We have 70,000 sq ft production floor space with 35,000 sq ft warehouse facility. Presently, we have around 200 people in our team. Quality-related challenges & key expectations from paper mills: •

•

One of the major challenges the industry is currently facing is that of “bad odour” in the domestically manufactured papers. While we have conveyed the feedback many times to the paper mills, there haven’t been much improvements, which is pushing us to look for an alternate source of importing raw material. Similarly, the mills should work towards improving the surface of the paper which helps for better printability. In India, we do not get higher BS and RCT papers (which are high strength papers) which again compels us to look for an overseas alternate source. The aforementioned factors are majorly affecting us with regard to supply chain. Thus, we request the paper mills to consider our reviews and suggestions to come to conclusive solutions. Modern India expects quality paper and cartons and we don’t have any choice but to improve our quality.

Current market situation and future: •

With the new normal shaping our lives, the market size has gone up in some clusters. PostCOVID, we have grown by 25%

Consequently, we are aiming to produce 1600 MT per month in 2021 and 2000 MT per month in 2022.

and we expect to see further growth in the coming times. •

Our raw material paper costs have gone up by 30%, and since labour costs have also risen, the COVID SOP and worker absenteeism have

“In the modernday Indian paper industry, the corrugation industry has invested in hightech, automatic conversion plants with high speeds; however, it is equally important that the paper mills make adequate investments to upgrade their manufacturing abilities.” significantly affected our overall efficiency, resulting in lower profitability. •

As markets are growing, new opportunities are emerging. In our opinion, the packaging industry will grow by 15% or more by 2021-2022.

Market trends and demand drivers: •

In view of the US–China trade issues, many global brand owners have started looking at India as an alternate source and have moved some of their businesses to India. The ‘Make in India’ has made the mobile phone industry relocate from Southeast Asian countries to India which has helped various kinds of packaging industries flourish.

•

Although the automobile industry had suffered a huge blow in 2019, but in the postCOVID situation, the industry had bounced back thus helping the packaging industry grow hand-in-hand.

•

Due to the recently growing China–India border tension, a lot of businesses have shifted from China to India. This has helped a lot of white goods and home appliance industries to shift to India and it has definitely boosted the packaging industry and employment creation in a big way. We are expecting to see further growth in this sector.

•

As every coin has a flip side, thus, along with all these favourable prospects, there are also some pertinent challenges. There have been irregular paper imports, shortage of local and international waste paper to be utilized by Indian mills, and the local paper prices have gone up by 30%. Consequently, the customers/brand owners have not increased the price of packaging that leads to lower profitability and low morale. PM

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 57

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

DS Group: Digital Transformation Can Be a Key Driving Factor for Paper Mills and Packaging Industry “The packaging is the fifth largest sector of the Indian economy, accounting for USD 70 billion and is also predicted to grow at a rate close to 12-15%.”

85% recycling of paper and board till 2030 as we move towards a circular economy.

Mr. Sanjay Gupta, VP, Corporate Procurement & Packaging Development, DS Group

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Sanjay Gupta, VP, Corporate Procurement & Packaging Development, DS Group: Paper Mart: The use of paper in packaging is advantageous from a sustainability perspective as it can be recycled and reused, and the systems in place for recycling paper are quite organized and efficient as compared to other materials. However, are there any challenges associated with the effectiveness, sealability, and safety of the inside contents in the paper/ paperboard-based packaging?

PM: There is a clear demand for replacing plastic with recyclable materials in the packaging of consumer products owing to an upsurge in awareness about the negative environmental impact of the former. Do you think the salability and product demand gets increased when it is packaged in paper-based materials? SG: Though there are numerous advantages of using recyclable materials in packaging; however, due to the inefficiency in our human race to handle waste management efficiently and responsibly, plastic has become one of the worst pollutant problems in the world as per The Global Scope of the Plastic Problem as published by WHO in 2018, accounting for about 10% of all of the waste we generate. Every year, the world uses up to 500 billion plastic

Sanjay Gupta: Currently, it is difficult to get desired barrier properties and shelf life alone from paper especially in countries having extreme weather conditions like India but heavy investment in R&D is reaping the fruits across borders to produce barrier coated papers that are hundred percent renewable and recyclable. Packaging Industry can use paper in combination with foil and sealing lacquers instead of plastic from an ecological point of view and get the desired shelf life as well. It is estimated that there shall be around

58 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

bags. Each year, at least eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans – the equivalent of a full garbage truckload every minute. In the last decade, we produced more plastic than in the whole of the last century. More than fifty per cent of the plastic we use is single-use or disposable. We buy approximately one million plastic bottles every minute. It is evident after the COVID-19 pandemic that humans are fighting with nature for their irresponsible behavior towards our gifted beautiful ecosystem. At the same time, the packaging is the fifth largest sector of the Indian economy, accounting for USD 70 billion and is also predicted to grow at a rate close to 12-15%. As this industry is least affected by the pandemic, there is unmistakably an awareness and realization by corporates and our society as a whole that it is our social, moral, and ethical

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L responsibility towards humanity and biodiversity which are part of the ecological reforms incumbent to be implemented following the green economy philosophy. Paper is inevitably going to play a vital role to reach the destination of sustainable finance with the divestment from fossil fuels that has a macabre effect on the planet. PM: What is your outlook with regard to incorporating more sustainable packaging solutions? SG: There are four primary pillars of sustainability — human, social, economic and environmental. All the pillars are interdependent but it is glaringly evident from this pandemic that the first three pillars meant for

of paper in packaging contributes in minimization of CO2 emission levels as we shift towards renewable

PM: What kind of efforts and value addition do you expect from paper mills and packaging companies to ensure maximum efficiency of the final product? SG: Reiterating from the previous responses, it is an industry endeavor to work closely with paper mill’s manufacturing, R&D, and innovation divisions across the globe to exchange technical know-how for the development of barrier paper and helping building infrastructure for recycling, composting and at the same time much emphasizing on forestation.

the materialistic growth are inherently responsible for the carnage of the fourth pillar: environmental, which has been realized in the previous months of utmost importance for our existence. Economic development at the cost of environmental degradation can never be justified. In the current social climate, we need to create a physical possibility of having an industrial global economy for nine billion+ people having mass scaled & economical global supply chain friendly solutions without the need for fossil fuels.

alternatives instead of the banal fossil resources. There is an imperative need to increase global recycling rates and work closely with agencies like the Global Recycling Alliance for Beverage and the Environment (GRACE).

Furthermore, digital transformation can be a key driving factor for the paper mills and packaging industry with more visibility and control in the factories. The introduction of such hyper-scalar systems can monitor and measure existing processes for better efficiency in planning and manufacturing and expedite the process to identify and limit bottlenecks early in the supply chain. PM

In this direction, the use of paper in packaging solutions is unequivocally advantageous for a sustainable and circular society that is renewable, recyclable, repulpable, industrially compositely compostable, biodegradable, and climatically efficient. The involvement

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 59

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

Marico Limited: Sustainability Must be Viewed Holistically “Marico’s sustainability objective is focused to create industryleading value with brands and products that the consumers prefer, while at the same time, conserving resources, protecting the environment, and improving social conditions.”

Mr. Sridhar J, Head (Packaging Development) Domestic, International & Foods Division, Marico Limited

Excerpts of the interview with Mr. Sridhar J, Head (Packaging Development) - Domestic, International & Foods Division, Marico Limited: Paper Mart: The use of paper in packaging is advantageous from a sustainability perspective as it can be recycled and reused, and the systems in place for recycling paper are quite organized and efficient as compared to other materials. However, are there any challenges associated with the effectiveness, sealability, and safety of the inside contents in the paper/ paperboard-based packaging?

unless it has a far-reaching presence in primary packaging and benefits which it can offer as plastics it will be a big challenge for exponential growth. Some inroads have been made by confectionery FMCG like Nestle in Japan having eco-friendly paper wrapper for miniature Kit Kat multipacks in Japan alone. We need to see the balance between cost and sustainability too as we move into the future. PM: There is a clear demand for replacing plastic with recyclable materials in the packaging of consumer products owing to an upsurge in awareness about the negative environmental impact of the former. Do you think the salability and product demand gets increased when it is packaged in paper-based materials?

Sridhar J: The trend of considering paper and paperboard as packaging material is here to stay due to its sustainability angle. However, the biggest challenge would be its use as primary packaging and its safety concern for mould growth specifically when we intend to use it for packing hygroscopic products or products with high moisture content. In my viewpoint, the secondary packaging has always been and will continue to be dominant with paperboard packaging. However,

60 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

SJ: I think sustainability must be viewed holistically. It has to address not only recyclability, but reducing - as a primary motive in order to achieve long term benefit. Keeping in view the recyclability-pressure on the plastics, Marico has also gone ahead with plastics recyclability as we would look out for materials which not only reduce plastics by design and technology but replace and reduce in order to yield sustainability benefit in the long run. A great example is an innovation of Tide’s 50-year-old detergent packaging specifically for shipping directly to consumers’ doorsteps. The Eco-Box is 60 percent less plastic than the equivalent bottle. On top of having less packaging made of the cardboard box, it is specifically designed for e-commerce which does

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

not require any secondary re-boxing or bubble wrap. The Eco-Box also enhances consumer experience with a no-drip tap that is easier to use and less messy than other liquid packaging. It can be regarded as a classic example of design thinking and sustainability. Hence, looking at these examples, I believe that the consumers would like to have a blend with three elements in packaging viz - the wow factor, the cost and the sustainability. PM: What are your ambitions and strategies with regard to incorporating more sustainable packaging solutions? SJ: Marico’s sustainability objective is focused to create industry-leading value with brands and products that the consumers prefer, while at the same time, conserving resources, protecting the environment, and improving social conditions for those who need it most. We believe in longterm growth along with collaboration which can have a significant impact on our business and sustainability goals. As of now, the consumption of paper board packaging is limited and plastics take the lead due to the nature of the product like oils both for hair and cooking. Marico, in line with its commitment to sustainability, has announced its partnership with Future Retail’s

format Big Bazaar to launch a plastic recycling program ‘Plastic Lao Paise Kamao’. Aligned with the national agenda on plastic waste management, this initiative is aimed at building awareness amongst consumers around plastic recycling and encourages them to take an active role. However, we will look for partnerships in the paper and paperboard industry not only with respect to innovative materials which can be a breakthrough and will present a mutual benefit as a business. A great example is an RCT-based paper where we have made inroads that not only give us the opportunity to reduce but better strength for the corrugated boxes. However, availability has always been a concern and due to the pandemic, it has aggravated the cost concerns. Marico would also look around for technology and materials which can be unleashed for our products sold in the e-commerce segment which has been a concern with respect to handling and paper and paperboard can play a huge role in this aspect. PM: Please outline the efforts and research made by the company in view of the development of innovative packaging solutions that is positive for the environment? SJ: Marico as an organization has always believed in the ‘reduce’ and ‘recycle’ mantra for packaging. We

have been in the forefront offering reduced bottle weight through design and technology saving a few hundred tons of plastics over the past few years. Hence, a major effort has been made in moving to lower weight bottles and making the corrugated robust enough to have the last mile delivery satisfying the consumers. PM: What kind of efforts and value addition do you expect from paper mills and packaging companies to ensure maximum efficiency of the final product? SJ: In my view, the paper and paperboard industry can cooperate with the entire FMCG industry by offering RCT-based papers at optimum cost so that value and benefit along with sustainability can be at the forefront. Additionally, the technology of using coated papers in primary packaging giving a barrier to the product can be offered to us and we can partner with the packaging manufacturers to get this rolling. This move will present a long-term benefit not just in the area of sustainability but it will also be a win-win situation for us as well as our supplier partners. I am aware of the technology on paper bottles etc. for the premium beverage industry; however, we need to acquire the technology and make it affordable for the bottom of the pyramid so that it can be in reach to the consumers. PM

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 61

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

Packaging Spotlight: Brands Embracing Sustainable Alternatives

New sustainable and food safe flexible packaging paper from Holmen Paper — also pitched as a potential alternative to polywrap.

New range of kraft papers launched by UPM Specialty Papers for bags, wraps, single-packs and lamination.

Nestlé Brazil introduces its complete NESCAU beverage range in SIG combiblocMini carton packs.

H&M swaps plastic for paper packaging in select e-commerce markets. The packaging solution will help H&M Group towards reaching the goals of its circular strategy for packaging by 2025.

62 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

Mondi has developed a paper-based packaging solution for Drylock Technologies’ baby diapers. The EcoWicketBags are recyclable, replacing the traditional plastic packaging.

Coca-Cola reveals paper bottle prototype. The company aims to create a paper bottle that can be recycled like any other type of paper, and this prototype is the first step on the way to achieving the vision.

The LEGO Group switches to eco-friendly paper bags in its packaging. The Danish toymaker has been looking for an environmentally safe alternative, both for their packaging and the toys as well.

Maggi has broken new ground by becoming the first major brand to use recyclable paper packaging to wrap individual bouillon cubes, for its organic range in France.

Johnnie Walker, the whisky which traces its roots back 200 years, will soon be available in paper bottles.

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 63

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

Amazon India successfully eliminates 100% single-use plastic in packaging across its fulfilment centers.

Flipkart has achieved an overall reduction of about 50% plastic in packaging across its own supply chain.

BillerudKorsnäs launches Pure Performance, a white top kraftliner. The company claims that its new kraftliner can provide material reduction and “extraordinary strength”, thanks to its three-ply construction.

The 75cl Frugal Bottle is made from 94% recycled paperboard with a food-grade liner to hold the wine or spirit.

Samsung introduces cardboard packaging that becomes furniture post-use. The new eco-packaging is made from eco-friendly corrugate cardboard allowing customers easier recycling.

64 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

KROFTA

NEW MEGACELL

Krofta introduces State of the Art Technology: NEW DAF especially designed for Paper Industry. A unique technique, far enhanced compared to circular machines. MEGACELL PRODUCT RANGE:

SALIENT BENEFITS:

Ÿ 50-70% savings* in Civil Cost

Model Number

Maximum Flow(m³/h)

Power (kW)

Megacell-5

0.37

Ÿ Higher capacity Product at Low

Megacell-10

100

0.37

Foot Print (Required lessor land space)

Megacell-15

150

1.1

Megacell-20

200

1.5

Ÿ Much Lower running Power cost

Megacell-25

250

1.5

in comparison to Present DAF Technology

Megacell-30

300

1.5

Ÿ Excellent Output performance Ÿ Cheaper installation cost* Ÿ A very compact unit

Megacell-35

350

1.5

Megacell-50

500

1.5

Megacell-65

650

1.5

Megacell-75

750

1.5

Megacell-100

1000

3.0

compared to Sedicell

*As per Krofta Terms and Conditions.

Krofta Engineering Limited Durga Bhawan, A-68, FIEE Complex, Okhla Industrial Area Phase-II, New Delhi – 110020. EPBX : +91-11-4724 2500 E-mail :krofta@kroftaengineering.com Web : www.kroftaengineering.com

P•A•C•K•A•G•I•N•G S•P•E•C•I•A•L

Mondi launches water-resistant paper bags for cement industry. Standout characteristics include its water repellent surface and high tensile strength in a wet environment.

Smurfit Kappa replaces EPS frozen food packaging with sustainable paper-based alternative. The product is the latest addition to Smurfit Kappa’s Better Planet Packaging portfolio of products, many of which are popular substitutions for single-use plastic.

The 4evergreen Alliance was formed to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimizes climate and environmental impact.

Ritter Sport has swapped out its standard plastic wrappers for paper-based packaging in a first-time trial.

Greif, a global leader in industrial packaging products and services has launched sustainable fibre drums for packaging.

66 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

N•E•W D•E•V•E•L•O•P•M•E•N•T

Servall Engineering: Spurring Manufacturing Growth With Industry 4.0 “We are in the midst of establishing a technology centre in Europe to bridge the gap of technology and requisite manufacturing information to the customers as per Industry 4.0 concept. In fact, we have definite plans to establish the same in the year 2021.” Mr. Shreeman Ram, Executive Director, Servall Engineering Works Pvt. Ltd.

In an interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Shreeman Ram, Executive Director, Servall Engineering Works Pvt. Ltd. presents his views on the recent developments at the company, their key strengths, future growth strategies, and how the government initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” are anticipated to propel the growth of the Indian Paper Industry. Paper Mart: To start with, could you please shed some light on new developments at Servall Engineering Works? Shreeman Ram: In the quest of excellence and to remain a trusted partner in the pulp and paper industry worldwide, we have acquired new technology and knowhow from Europe and have ventured into complete drying solutions as steam & condensate, hood & pocket ventilation, web stabilizers and air dryers. Furthermore, on various requests and inputs from the market worldwide, we have re-started recycled fiber pulping line from conveyor to approach flow.

With the advent of Industry 4.0, concept, Servall is in the middle of establishing a technology centre in Europe to bridge the gap between traditional and modern paper making. Also, it is to be noted that the partnership with the Indian paper industry is not only limited to complete paper machine line or fiber line, we are aggressively looking to serve our esteemed customers for unit equipment, sections, spares and rebuild. PM: What do you think are the key strengths of the company that enables you to make your mark in the paper Industry? SR: Much of Servall’s success can be attributed to its tradition of keeping abreast of the technological developments and constant innovation. Towards this end, the company has entered into technical collaborations and license arrangements with world leaders in pulp and paper machinery segment. Servall with its large manufacturing facility — from the state-of-theart foundry to final assembly, its

68 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

manufacturing processes are under stringent quality controls to cater requirements of the customers. Our manufacturing processes are approved by TUV and ASME, and all products go through rigorous quality inspection before shipping to the customers.

“Advanced hardware and software, cutting edge technology and skilled engineers and designers have ensured that Servall’s machines are globally renowned for their high performance, ruggedness and durability.”

N•E•W D•E•V•E•L•O•P•M•E•N•T Furthermore, Servall’s design and project department is a key pillar of strength for the company. Advanced hardware and software, cutting edge technology and skilled engineers and designers have ensured that our machines are globally renowned for their high performance, ruggedness and durability. The engineering division includes a full-fledged CAD centre equipped with the latest 3D modelling analysis and engineering software. PM: What are your future plans and growth strategies for the coming years? SR: We are in the midst of establishing a technology centre in Europe to bridge the gap of technology and requisite manufacturing information to the customers as per Industry 4.0 concept. In fact, we have definite plans to establish the same in the year 2021.

PM: The government initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” are anticipated to drive the demand and propel the growth of the Indian equipment manufacturers. How do you perceive the kind of contribution these initiatives could make to the overall growth of the Paper Industry? SR: If you take a look at the various projects that have been launched in India, you will notice that there are very few mills that have the resources to import full machines from Europe. So, a lot of these machines are being made in India to reduce the cost. We, at Servall, have always practiced “Make in India” since the inception (i.e. since 1970) and the majority of our projects are based on in-house manufacturing. Moreover, with recent developments and requirements to declare the country of origin is also slowly impacting the paper industry to embrace and encourage the “Make in

“With the implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept and technology centre, we shall be wholly self-reliant (“Atma Nirbhar”) by the year 2022.” India” initiative. Our manufacturing process and final assembly are approved by TUV and ASME which further testifies our assertion of bringing quality products to the customers. With the implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept and technology centre, we shall be wholly self-reliant (“Atma Nirbhar”) by the year 2022. PM

R.S.ENGINEERS

Manufacturers of : • Doctor Blades • Doctor Holders • Doctoring Systems

• Doctor Oscillation Systems • Felt Stretchers • Autoguides

Address : Plot No.19, SR.NO.2608, Shanta Gulab Industrial Park, Besides Damanganga Industrial Park, Karvad, Vapi-396193 Cell : +91 9898130415, +91 9227830415 Email : ayaz@rs-engineers.com, sales@rs-engineers.com Website : www.rs-engineers.com

www.papermart.in / / October-November, 2020 | 69

P•R•O•D•U•C•T N•E•W•S

Spirabelt - Another Revolution in Corrugating Belts By Feltri Marone The technology pioneered by Feltri Marone – Spirabelt - includes the high grip spiralbased bottom belt and the perfect configuration of a modern and efficient corrugating machine. For more than a decade, many corrugating machines have adopted for the bottom belt a high grip belt, to avoid board slippage between top belt and board when producing heavy products or using difficult and slippery papers. These belts have been manufactured by using a slightly different version of the standard base for the corrugating belt and applying on the paper side a special silicone coating that confers to the belt a very high coefficient of friction. All this has been well accepted by the industry but still this belt has to rely on a seam made of steel hooks, something that can cause board marking, uneven belt thickness and sometimes even abrasion of the steel plate supports and even pressure shoes. But until now nothing different was available and so the industry had to deal with these products only. The technology of Spirabelt has introduced a completely new vision on how a corrugating machine can operate and nearly twenty years of experience have demonstrated the need for open belts to achieve better board quality and reduction of operating costs. Now this technology has been adapted also for the bottom belts and Feltri Marone has pioneered this research for quite a few years with the result of being able to launch the new high grip spiral-based bottom belt and the perfect configuration of a modern and efficient corrugating machine. The production trials have been extremely successful and Feltri Marone is now in the position to strongly advise customers not to rely anymore on old and standard grip belts, but to adopt this new seamless design. It is quite seamless because the typical structure of the spiral base allows the seam to be totally hidden, without the need for any cover by flaps or fluffy materials and without the need for stainless steel hooks. Therefore all risks for board marks due to the seam hooks or uneven belt thickness can be eliminated.

70 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

SPIRATRACK - the high grip spiral-based bottom belt.

N•E•W•S

ITC-PSPD Steps up Focus on Sustainable Packaging Solutions The focus is on sustainable packaging solutions with the development of innovative B2B value-added paperboards. November 27, 2020 ITC- Paperboards and Specialty Papers Division is laying special focus on the value-added paper packaging business and import substitution given the unfolding opportunities in new segments of the packaging business. This range covers environmentally sustainable, recyclable and compostable materials. The new paperboards are emulsioncoated with a barrier that can withstand oil, grease and the strains of varying temperatures of take-away food. As reported in a leading daily, Mr. Vadiraj Kulkarni, Divisional Chief Executive of ITC-PSPD states: “ITC is focusing on import substitution, capacity building and process innovation to build a competitive value chain. We are working closely with the entire ecosystem, end-users and printers and converters to enable transition from single-use plastic substrates to sustainable packaging solutions.” The growth of e-commerce, the need to store food items in new packaging replacing plastics, and increasing focus on environment-friendly packaging opens up a big business opportunity. The business has introduced a ‘green stiffener’ to replace lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE) used in making antifungal soap wrap. This new product has effectively replaced the LDPE used by premium soap brands. The paper division business closed the last financial year with revenues of INR 6,100 crore, and saw about 10 per cent of its produce being exported. Exports are likely to go up. In value terms, exports account for 15 per cent. Over the years, ITC’s social forestry has greened over eight lakh acres and created 150 million person-days of sustainable livelihoods for tribal and marginal farmers. These plantations help sequester more than twice the carbon dioxide emitted by all the units of ITC, thereby making it the only carbon-positive company in the world for 15 years in a row.

ITC-PSPD

Production capacity To further reduce dependence on specialized imported pulp, which earlier could not be produced in the country, ITC has invested in a bleached chemi-thermo mechanical pulp plant at Bhadrachalam. With a production capacity of 100,000 tonnes per annum, this has enabled the company to substitute imported pulp with domestic pulpwood thereby saving valuable foreign exchange. The company is in the process of setting up a high-pressure recovery boiler to augment the pulp mill capacity. The enhanced pulp capacity will further reduce pulp imports and help procure additional wood from farmers. The Bhadrachalam plant has seven lakh tonnes per annum paper/paperboard capacity and 4.5 lakh tonnes per annum of pulp capacity. According to a study, the eco-friendly packaging industry will grow at a CAGR of 7.5 per cent from 2020 to 2025. This presents a huge economic opportunity for the producers and makes it imperative for packaging solutions and process to become more sustainable. 

Satia Industries Seeks Permission to Bid on Ballarpur Industries Acquisition Satia Industries Ltd. plans major expansion cum acquisition; seeks permission to bid on Ballarpur Industries Ltd. acquisition. December 21, 2020 As reported in a leading daily, Satia Industries Limited has notified BSE and NSE that it is seeking to apprise and seek permission to bid for acquisition of Ballarpur Industries

Ltd. (BILT) and to seek permission for appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers Pvt. Ltd. (PWC) as advisors to assist it for acquiring Ballarpur Industries Ltd.

www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 71

N•E•W•S The company is on expansion mode and has invested INR 500 crore capex in order to purchase additional land and ordered New European Paper Manufacturing Machinery. The company has also received final Environmental Clearance from the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Delhi. Company has its ultra-modern, completely integrated manufacturing unit in Punjab with capacity to manufacture over 1,05,000 MTPA with 3 paper machines and 100 per cent in house power generation, along with state of the art effluent treatment plant, paper machines, pulping machinery and also a chemical recovery plant. The company has plans to make best in class facility by focusing on modernization of its existing plant and machinery; quality up gradation by increasing wood pulp in its raw material mix and making surface sized paper for high speed multi-color printing and plans to double its production capacity by setting up a new paper machine in its existing premises, whereby the profitability may increase substantially. Paper industry in India is the fastest growing major paper market in the world. Free trade Agreements with ASEAN and South Korea led to an increase in exports at 10 YR CAGR of 15 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively. With the booming conditions in the paper industry and increasing growth due to ban on plastics, the consumption in the Indian market is expected to rise and the company will benefit substantially with increased profitability. Company is planning to exploit opportunities currently going on in Indian market causing shift towards more use of paper and wood based food plates and cutlery. For this segment company is planning for an initial capital outlay of Rs 15-18 crores and has partnered with an MNC which is into food brands.

Dr. Ajay Satia, Chairman & MD, Satia Industries Limited.

Backward Integration: Power Capacity and Eucalyptus Plantation Company has a 33 MW of power capacity as industry is power intensive. Out of 33 MW, 19-22 MW is utilized for its internal capacity and the rest is transferred to grids in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates. As energy generated by Satia is in the form of Biomass energy. This in-house energy generation provides an edge over one of its peer. Power consumption rate for company’s own production is at Rs 2-2.5 per unit; it stands at Rs 5-7 per unit. Company also has a Eucalyptus plantation in 540 acres which consumes waste treated water from paper plants. With above new developments, and Major Acquisition plans, this share may present an excellent investment opportunity. 

UFlex to Double its Aseptic Liquid Packaging Plant’s Capacity to 7 Billion Packs Per Annum ASEPTO, liquid packaging business of UFlex announces doubling of capacity from existing 3.5 billion to 7 billion packs per annum at its Sanand, Gujarat plant. December 21, 2020 UFlex Limited, India’s largest multinational flexible packaging and polymer science company and first Indian manufacturer of aseptic liquid packaging, announced to double its aseptic plant’s production capacity from 3.5 billion to 7 billion packs per annum, in Sanand, Gujarat. The capacity expansion will be completed within the next 10 months approximately. The expansion is in response to the new contracts and increasing demand for the company’s aseptic packaging laminates. Driven by a strong and healthy order book and consistent market growth, this initiative doubles the production capacity and will allow creating company’s expanding operations team by adding more workforce; which will strengthen the company’s expansion plan.

72 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

UFlex to double its aseptic liquid packaging plant’s capacity.

N•E•W•S Mr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, President & CEO, Aseptic Liquid Packaging Business, UFlex Ltd., said, “Asepto expansion is part of the growing need for aseptic packaging and I am excited that our team and state-of-the-art facilities we have are well-positioned to respond to the increasing demand for our services and innovative technology in aseptic packaging. Despite the pandemic, we have continued to deliver services without a pause and carried on with innovative thoughts to deliver expected results from our customers.” “We have been working on taking Asepto globally, and our expansion takes a leap to enlarge the brand’s horizons to different continents. We remain the most innovative packaging company when it comes to aesthetic rejuvenation in aseptic packaging space. The expansion steps in our operations reflect ASEPTO’s strong position in the marketplace and positive outlook for the future.” continued Mr. Sharma. Once the commissioning of the project is complete, the company would take steps for global expansion. Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Chairman and Managing Director of UFlex Ltd., said, “Asepto has now grown and entering into its next phase of life cycle with the first expansion plan announcement. This expansion of production capacities is our natural progression,

addressing our rapid growth in the aseptic liquid packaging space, and stepping strong footsteps into the global arena. Asepto is taking one step at a time, and that’s the best way I foresee to imbibe growth approach in the given global economic scenario.” The first phase of expansion will focus on adding new machines to the existing line i.e., the best-in-class new generation Gallus printing line (M/S Heidelberg Web Carton GmbH) from Germany. The new-age machine has progressive features, loaded with sophisticated technologies that make it extremely efficient and sound in operation. The machine prints at a speed of 500 MPM (meters per minute) — an ideal choice for UFlex’ aseptic liquid packaging business growth strategy. The Slitting Line is high -performance machine from IMS technologies S.P.A- Italy, which is super-fast giving output at a speed of 1200 MPM. In addition to increasing the capacity, the company has also added Doctoring Line and over 8 new tools/formats as part of its expansion. This is targeted to be completed within approximately ten months, adding Asepto’s capacity to address the increasing demands. 

ITC-PSPD to Foray into Speciality Papers ITC’s Paperboards and Specialty Papers Division (ITC-PSPD) will be manufacturing new speciality papers to replace plastic packaging. December 14, 2020 ITC Paperboards & Speciality Papers Division is foraying into new speciality papers to replace plastic packaging amidst growing consumer awareness on climate change-the consumer response to the Covid pandemic is also helping spur the change. As reported in a leading daily, Mr. Vadiraj Kulkarni, CEO, ITC’s PSPD stated, “Our new range of products meant for the delivery and food serving markets or as take-away to replace plastics are doing well as consumer preferences are changing environmental consciousness as well as greater stress on hygiene and contactless delivery during these times has been a help.” ITC has come up with a range of products called Filopack, Fuilobev, and Filoserve with water, oil, and grease resistant properties meant for food and beverage packaging, keeping in mind that Indian cuisine has a greater oil and grease content than most others. It has also come up with paper bowls-branded Indobowl- that can replace plastic containers. Mr. Kulkarni further added, “We see the growth of e-commerce, takeaways, and the need for environmentally friendly packaging spurring business opportunities for us. The division has also developed a ‘Green Stiffener’ to replace Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) used in making anti-fungal soap wraps. Studies indicate that the eco-friendly packaging industry will grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 7.5 percent between 2020-2025.”

ITC-PSPD to manufacture speciality papers

Piggybacking on this expectation, ITC has already announced that it will be investing around Rs. 2,500 crore into the paper and paperboard business and expand capacity to 1 mt by 2025. Some Rs. 2,000 crore, or 80 percent of the money, would go into expanding its facilities at Bhadrachalam in Telengana.  www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 73

N•E•W•S

Trident Group Launches ENVIRO – an Eco-friendly Copier Paper This brand new range of copier paper is made from wheat straw and with minimal chemical usage. November 21, 2020 After a series of eco-friendly copier paper launches, Trident, once again, is proud to present ENVIRO. Keeping in mind the market demands, ENVIRO comes in A4 size and in 67 GSM. It comes with all the essential features and benefits the market has come to expect from Trident Paper. This brand new range of copier paper is made from wheat straw and with minimal chemical usage. Enviro offers stunning performance and real value for money. Trident was among the first mills globally to produce copier paper from wheat straw and is now one of the largest paper units in the world. Our eco-friendly paper serves four very critical purposes – for people, our society, farmers and the environment.

ENVIRO Copier Paper.

The fact is, Trident utilizes agri-residue which otherwise would have been a waste, thereby saving 5,000 trees every day. It also enables Indian farmers to earn extra income, thus supporting their livelihood. And most importantly our paper prevents burning of crops and in doing so helps in reducing environmental pollution.

•

High strength, bulk paper with excellent surface properties

•

Compatible with all types of photocopying systems and hassle-free both side copying

Special features of ENVIRO:

•

Ideal for quality printing, photocopying, assignments and job works

•

Suitable for office and home printers with any speed and configuration

•

Preferred by most jobbers for economical quality jobs and commercial usage 

•

Premium multipurpose office paper

•

Manufactured with latest twin wire technology

•

Super-white bright paper with properties. No fade out or reversion

excellent

optical

The multipurpose usage:

Century Pulp and Paper Inaugurates 2.6MW Solar Plant Erected by Sharma Fabricators A 2.6 MW solar plant was inaugurated by Mr. J.P. Narain, CEO, Century Pulp and Paper under the power purchase agreement with Enfrosun Solar (P) Ltd. December 30, 2020 Mr. J. P. Narain, Chief Executive Officer, Century Pulp and Paper has inaugurated a 2.6 MW solar plant erected by Sharma Fabricators and Erectors (P) Ltd under a power purchase agreement with Enfrosun Solar. Founded in 1954, Sharma Fabricators and Erectors is one of the leading erections and installation companies for the pulp and paper industry in India. The company has gradually diversified its operations by entering into other segments like petrochemical, aluminum, power, staple viscose fibre etc., the pulp and paper industry is still the core focus for the company. 

74 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Image source: Shrama Fabricators

N•E•W•S

Ambani Paper Signs Contract With Parason Machinery for 500 TPD Pulp Mill Parason Machinery will be supplying a complete stock preparation line along with reject handling systems for Ambani Paper’s duplex board mill in Morbi. January 13, 2021 Ambani Paper and Parason Machinery have recently signed a contract for the supply of 500 TPD pulp mill for former’s duplex board mill coming up at Morbi, Gujarat. Parason Machinery will be supplying a complete stock preparation line along with reject handling systems to Ambani Paper. The company will also execute detailed plant engineering which will result in higher efficiencies and energy savings for the paper mill. “We have placed an order with Parason Machinery because of its proven track record. The stock preparation line proposed by them is technically advanced and offer good value to the investment made. We are sure that Parason’s expertise in stock preparation system will help us manufacture premium quality duplex board for the domestic and overseas customers” - Mr. Prayag Patel, Director, Ambani Paper LLP. “The stock preparation system for Ambani Paper will help

Ambani Paper signs contract with Parason Machinery for 500 TPD pulp mill.

them produce the highest quality duplex board with minimum water and energy consumption. We are committed for the success of our customers” - Mr. Kishor Shekhar Desarda, Director, Parason Machinery (I) Pvt. Ltd. 

www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 75

N•E•W•S

ITC-PSPD Upgrades Mill’s Complete Winder Drives With ABB’s Latest System Paperboard and specialty paper producer ITC achieves greater uptime, improved reliability and better runnability through major upgrades completed in a short timeframe. December 16, 2020 ABB has completed a large-scale remote commissioning of winder drives, upgrading and commissioning PM5 installations at ITC’s Paperboards and Specialty Papers Division mill in south-central India. This project included upgrading the mill’s complete winder drive system to ABB’s latest ACS880 drives, AC motors, AC800M controller and process panel, as well as ensuring that all new assets were fully commissioned and ready for operation. Following studies of the existing machine, detailed task planning, and numerous checks on the safety aspects of every task, ABB’s domain expertise helped the team complete the commissioning in just three days. ITC engineers conducted a series of installations, hardware and I/O checks, and reporting of field challenges. Team feedback indicated the user-friendly ABB system assisted with this site work. As a result of the drives upgrade, ITC will benefit from more accurate winder controls, including inertia compensation calculation, loss compensation, accurate load share and tension, while also experiencing higher operating speeds, with improved uptime and reliability. Initial feedback from ITC reported improved runnability and reliability, while devising a solution for remote commissioning helped to reduce unnecessary downtime.

ABB has completed a major winder drive system upgrade with remote commissioning

“Our ABB team mobilized quickly and used its remote expertise to complete this large-scale commissioning project, overseeing all drive parameterization, controller and human-machine interface (HMI) programming, testing and commissioning,” said Mr. Sanath Kumar, Global Product Manager for Paper Machine Drives and Vice President and Head of Engineering for Process Industries, ABB India. “For any paper producer, the winder is a critical machine, which directly affects production. Any delay or malfunction will completely stop paper production processes. Remote commissioning during a planned maintenance timeframe was essential to maximize uptime for ITC and avoid unnecessary production losses.” 

JMC Paper Tech Commissions 150 TPD Paper Machine at Burayu Development, Ethiopia JMC Paper Tech Pvt. Ltd. has successfully completed the commissioning and paper reeling in its very first operation at M/s Burayu Development PLC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. January 2, 2021 As informed to Paper Mart, JMC Paper has deployed and installed a 150 TPD triple fourdrinier paper machine on turnkey basis at Burayu Development PLC in Ethiopia.

and assistance from paper machine hall to foundation details as well as load details, the company has provided all the details and drawings for the excavation.

The Ethiopia-based paper mill will manufacture writing & printing paper, kraft paper, white top kraft liner and other MF grade paper.

Mr. Rajni Patel, Chairman & Managing Director, JMC Paper Tech Pvt. Ltd. stated, “Upon completing the basic civil work, JMC Paper sent its team for starting the erection and the installation of the paper machine. The company provided complete assistance for all the necessary electrical,

Right from the land preparation to every other requirement

76 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

N•E•W•S pneumatic and pipeline work. In addition to this, we also supplied all the machinery manufactured with qualitative work and as a result, machine is performing accurately and resulting with the great paper reeling right after production was completed. Now, we have established a benchmark, every machine we supply- is performing greatly and comes into the production from the very first day.” 

Triple fourdrinier paper machine erected at Burayu Development PLC in Ethiopia.

Mayr-Melnhof Karton to Acquire Kotkamills The proposed acquisition will bolster MMK’s position in virgin-fiber based cartonboard segment. December 11, 2020 Mayr-Melnhof Group has announced the plan to acquire Kotkamills Group Oyj – Kotkamills, from its shareholders for an Enterprise Value of around EUR 425 million. The inclusion of Kotkamills will strengthen MMK’s position in the attractive virgin fiber based cartonboard (FBB) and Food Service Board (FSB) market, augmenting its already established position in recycled fiber based board segment. At present, Kotkamills operates two board and paper machines at its integrated mill in Kotka (Southern-Finland). A FBB/FSB board machine which started up in 2016 following an investment of more than EUR 180 million with current sales volumes of around 260 kt and a planned capacity of 400 kt; a Saturated Kraft paper machine with 170 kt capacity in which the company is a leading global supplier. The group hopes that this transaction will also create a strong offering of barrier coated FSB solutions which can replace plastic and plastic-coated board, in addition to Mayr-Melnhof’s coated recycled board (CRB) and coated liner. Further, it has been projected that the addition of Kotkamills’ saturating kraft paper has diversified the business by adding a new product. Peter Oswald, CEO, Mayr-Melnhof Group, comments: “The acquisition of Kotkamills is an ideal complement to our existing cartonboard business. It strengthens MM’s business model as a dedicated cartonboard and folding carton producer with a reinforced position in virgin fiber based cartonboard which has good growth potential. Kotkamills adds significantly to MM’s sustainability strategy offering innovative solutions for plastic replacement. We

78 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Kotkamills produces virgin fiber based cartonboard (FBB) and Food Service Board (FSB) and operates two paper machines at its integrated mill in Kotka in southern Finland.

have great confidence in the top-class team of Kotkamills to shape a promising future together.” The transaction is subject to customary completion conditions and regulatory approval and the closing of the transaction is expected by mid-2021. Markku Hämäläinen, CEO, Kotkamills, states: “From Kotkamills’ point-of-view this acquisition is a perfect match. Mayr-Melnhof Karton will provide Kotkamills a strong foothold in the carton board market with the barrier coated FSB solutions which can replace plastic and polyethylene-coated board.” 

N•E•W•S

Stora Enso and Tetra Pak Explore Feasibility of Building Recycling Line for Used Beverage Cartons Both the companies are initiating a feasibility study to assess the viability of building a large-scale recycling line for Used Beverage Cartons (UBC) at Stora Enso’s Ostroleka Mill in Poland. November 16, 2020 Stora Enso and Tetra Pak are collaborating to explore the possibility of building a new recycling line to significantly increase the recycling of used beverage cartons in Central and Eastern Europe. The two partners are initiating a feasibility study to assess the viability of building a large-scale recycling line for Used Beverage Cartons (UBC) at Stora Enso’s Ostroleka Mill in Poland. In the model Stora Enso would pulp and separate the fibers from used beverage cartons at its Ostroleka Mill and use the recycled fibres as a raw material, while Tetra Pak would secure the recycling and reuse of polymers and aluminium which shall be processed by a dedicated partner. The Ostroleka Mill is an integrated pulp, paper, containerboard and corrugated box mill that produces recycled fibre-based products. The mill has the capacity to produce 725,000 tonnes per year of testliner, PfR fluting, sack paper and wrapping paper. If realised, the annual capacity of the new recycling line would be 50,000 tonnes of UBC. This would be a significant increase in recycling capacity for beverage cartons across Europe, boosting the European beverage carton recycling rate from the current 51%.

Stora Enso’s Ostroleka Mill in Poland.

In the first stage the recycled post-consumer beverage carton material would come from countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Stora Enso expects the feasibility study to be completed in six months, after which the possible decisions about the project and timeline would be confirmed. 

Holmen Paper Launches Flexible Packaging Paper Holmen PACK is a ‘fresh and smooth’ paper for flexible packaging solutions, which its producer Holmen Paper calls a ‘new alternative to MG-papers’. November 11, 2020 Holmen Paper has launched a new sustainable, food safe flexible packaging paper that is also being pitched as a potential alternative to polywrap. Holmen PACK is produced from fresh wood-fibres from sustainably managed Swedish forests, and is approved for direct contact with food. The new flexible packaging paper comes in answer to a market surge, since European consumers increasingly prefer paper to plastics and want to switch to recyclable packaging. Holmen PACK combines the beneficial printing properties from a wood-containing paper with the necessary elements of strength from a kraft paper. The paper has a smooth surface on both sides thanks to double-calendering in the production process. This, says Holmen, makes it a great alternative to the traditional MG – machine-glazed – papers that only have one side with a glossy surface. The paper has adequate mechanical strength for industrial use, converting, and many areas

Holmen PACK

within end consumer use. When used as a protective layer it helps preserve the quality of wrapped or interleaved items throughout handling and storage. As Holmen PACK is approved for food contact, it can meet the demands for branded consumer bags and dry food packaging, supermarket bread, fruit and vegetable bags, as well as fastfood take-away packaging. 

www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 79

N•E•W•S

UPM Unveils New Range of Kraft Papers for Packaging Applications The new UPM Solide kraft paper product range is designed for bags, wraps, singlepacks and lamination, is recyclable in the regular paper recycling stream. October 30, 2020 UPM Specialty Papers has launched a new range of kraft papers designed for bags, wraps, single-packs and lamination. The UPM SolideTM family of kraft papers features a versatile combination of strength as well as converting properties. All grades in the portfolio offer excellent printability to maximize the shelf impact of packaging. All papers in the UPM SolideTM family are recyclable in regular paper recycling stream. The UPM SolideTM kraft papers are produced using 100% renewable and strong fibres from sustainably managed forests. Ensuring the safety of packaged products is a shared responsibility. UPM takes product safety very seriously and we do our utmost to ensure our papers are safe to use. Our product safety systems cover the entire manufacturing process from the procurement of raw materials to the delivery of end products. The UPM SolideTM products are certified as safe for direct food contact. The products have received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). In addition, mills producing UPM specialty papers are certified according to ISO 22000 food management systems. The product range also offers alternatives that are free from optical brighteners. UPM Solide product family The UPM Solide portfolio offers a broad range of kraft papers to choose from, with substance ranging from 45 g/m2 up to 90 g/m2. Samples and trial reels of the UPM Solide portfolio are available.

UPM Solide product family

UPM SolideTM combines high strength and good printability. UPM SolideTM Smooth offers high printability with good strength. Excellent choice when you need the visuals of your product to make an impact. UPM SolideTM Strong offers excellent strength and good printability. The paper is free from optical brighteners, making it an excellent choice when you are looking to convey your natural image. UPM SolideTM Lucent is a natural white translucent paper with high strength properties. The smooth surface offers good printability and convertibility. 

Nestlé Brazil to Launch NESCAU Beverage Range in SIG Carton Packs Nestlé Brazil’s new NESCAU carton packs will feature SIG’s renewable and recyclable paper straw solution. December 3, 2020 Nutrition and health care products manufacturer Nestlé Brazil has partnered with SIG, a systems and solutions provider for aseptic carton packaging, to introduce its complete NESCAU beverage range in SIG combiblocMini carton packs. The new NESCAU carton packs, which are expected to meet Nestlé’s sustainability goals, will feature SIG’s renewable and recyclable paper straw solution. SIG said that switching to SIG’s market-ready paper straw solution for aseptic carton packs could help Nestlé prevent the use of up to 300 million plastic straws per year.

80 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Nestlé’s NESCAU beverage range

N•E•W•S Nestlé aims to make all of its packaging reusable or recyclable, including the non-use of non-recyclable plastics by 2025.

Nestlé plans to operate three SIG filling lines to fill combiblocMini carton packs for the NESCAU brand.

SIG South America market director Andressa Joaquim said that the company developed the entire project for Nestlé from the installation and adaptation of the filling technology, to applying the paper straw to the carton after filling, at the Feira de Santana plant.

Starting in December 20202, Nestlé plans to make available the NESCAU Prontinho packaging with the new SIG paper straw, in five sizes from 125ml to 250ml at major retail stores in Brazil.

Joaquim added: “Our main objective was to use all our knowhow and technology to find the best, and at the same time, most sustainable solution for Nestlé.”

Nestlé aims to minimize the use of plastics in the brand’s products and create awareness among the consumers about the correct disposal of packaging. 

DS Smith to Launches Virus-Resistant Packaging The British multinational packaging business has announced a partnership with Touchguard to develop antimicrobial coating in packaging. December 09, 2020 DS Smith, the leading sustainable packaging company, has announced its partnership with the company - Touchguard to develop a new range of sustainable cardboard packaging to protect consumers against harmful bacteria and virus. The ‘Touchguard’ product is a patented formulation, distinct in that it is specifically designed for use on the surface of the paper, where it is more active and efficient in minimizing risk of infection transfer of certain bacteria and viruses. Alan Potts, Design and Innovation Director for DS Smith commented: “While it would never replace good hygiene practices and due care, this technology has the potential to bring a real and proven additional layer of protection to our customers and their consumers as packaging moves across the supply chain. Importantly, this technology maintains the sustainability of our products and it is 100% recyclable.” Although there is no evidence of virus transfer from cardboard, Touchguard’s patented technology has proven to be efficient against a number of bacteria and viruses, including envelope viruses, of which COVID-19 is a member. DS Smith is looking to use the technology across its operations in North America and Europe. As especially amid the pandemic that has boosted e-commerce nationwide and increased demand for shipping boxes, this new packaging will further build consumers’ confidence in handling packaging in their homes.

The sustainable packaging company is planning to use the technology across its operations in North America and Europe.

Julian Dugdale, the inventor and CEO of Touchguard said: “Our partnership with DS Smith provides us with an opportunity to bring our patented Touchguard technology to the market at scale through its sustainable packaging offer. With its manufacturing reach across Europe and the US and an extensive e-commerce and fast-moving consumer goods customer base, we will be able to offer a range of solutions to support changing consumer habits.” As part of its recently launched “Now and Next Sustainability Strategy,” DS Smith has committed to closing the loop through better design and it has planned to manufacture 100% reusable or recyclable packaging by 2023. 

4evergreen Alliance Launch: Striving For Full Circularity of FibreBased Packaging By 2030 4evergreen holds its launch event perfecting circularity with fibre-based packaging. November 25, 2020 The wood fibre-based packaging alliance 4evergreen held its launch event entitled “Perfecting circularity with fibrebased packaging”. The online event included a panel debate

with industry leaders from Stora Enso (Finland), Huhtamaki (Finland), Mars (US), Nestlé (Switzerland) and Smurfit Kappa (Ireland).

www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 81

N•E•W•S It highlighted the alliance’s vision to further advance circularity of fibre-based packaging and introduced the sector’s existing circular and sustainable best practices. By following a holistic approach and adapting innovative solutions, 4evergreen aims to increase the recycling rates of fibre-based packaging to 90% by 2030. Susanne Haase, Programme Director of 4evergreen, introduced the alliance’s vision and mission and highlighted the solid achievements of the industry: “Fibre-based packaging is the most collected and recycled packaging material in Europe. Already today, we exceed the targets set for us by European legislation – But being good should not stop us from getting better.” Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, welcomed the initiative of the fibrebased packaging industry via a dedicated video address: “The mission of 4evergreen is clearly in line with the thinking of the European Commission and our objectives for a circular lowcarbon future. The Circular Economy can put Europe back on its feet, and packaging is an important part of the new Circular Economy Action plan, it commits to ensuring that less packaging waste is generated overall and that all packaging is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way in 2030.” “We will support the fibre-based industry value chain contribution to a climate neutral society by offering alternative packaging formats made of circular and renewable materials,” stated Annica Bresky, CEO of Stora Enso. Kerstin Jorna, Director General at the European Commission department for Internal market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs commented that DG GROW is now looking at how each of the 14 industrial ecosystems that they have identified – also encompassing the fibre-based packaging sector – can contribute to the 55% emission reduction target, and what are the investment needs related to the contribution to the climate target.

4evergreen Alliance Launch Event

Tony Smurfit, CEO of Smurfit Kappa, concluded: “I am convinced that our creativity for adopting innovative solutions and our commitment to the shared vision of perfecting circularity for all fibre-based packaging will make the alliance a great success.” As highlighted by key brands panelists from Mars and Nestlé, the alliance aims to further optimise and promote its circularity, climate and environmental impact by focusing on improving the current circular performance of packaging used for household and on-the-go products. 4evergreen will focus on the following activities: •

Develop design for circularity guidelines for fibre-based packaging

•

Establish industry-wide recyclability evaluation protocol for fibre-based packaging

•

Publish guidelines for improved collection and sorting of fibre-based packaging in Europe

•

Drive innovations in areas increasing circularity of fibrebased packaging 

H&M Introduces Sustainable Packaging Solutions With the objective of becoming a fully circular organization, H&M Group has developed a multi-brand packaging system with bags made of certified paper that are recyclable. December 31, 2020 Swedish multinational clothing-retail company – H&M Group has introduced a new multi-brand paper packaging system that is reusable and recyclable. With the massive boost in online shopping worldwide and with that plastic waste, the fashion company discerned a need to find solutions for sustainable packaging. H&M Group stated in a press release “with Black Week just behind us and holidays around the corner, online shopping has reached its peak. And due to the pandemic taking over this year, it is safe to say that e-commerce has changed forever. But while online orders increasing as a general global trend, so

82 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

With the new recyclable packaging solution, H&M Group is stepping towards the goals of its circular strategy for packaging, which includes designing reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025 at the latest.

N•E•W•S is the packaging waste. Most of it being plastic that ends up in landfills or in the ocean, having an extremely negative impact on our planet.” Millions of packages have been sent to customers as part of a pilot-test of this for more sustainable packaging solutions at its distribution centers in the Netherlands, UK, Sweden, China, Russia, and Australia. Inspired by the packaging strategy and to become a fully circular organization, H&M Group has developed a multi-brand packaging system with bags made of certified paper. Once opened, the bags are recyclable. Hanna Lumikero, service owner and responsible for the new packaging system at H&M Group, said in the release that “we are introducing a type of packaging that is better for both the customer and the environment. It is yet to be improved since we need to continue working on replacing the use of plastic throughout our logistics supply chain. But by introducing this new multi-brand packaging we are creating a huge impact by

replacing the outer plastic with a paper solution. This is a small step on a long journey.” The H&M brand has started to implement the new system in selected markets, and this will only rise during the next months and with that, reach an even bigger group of customers all around the world. At the beginning of 2021, the brand &Other Stories will join our journey and ship their online orders in recyclable paper packaging. The packaging solution will give an impetus to the H&M Group towards reaching the goals of its circular strategy for packaging, which is, reducing packaging by 25 percent and designing reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025 at the latest. Together with other actions, this has contributed to a 4.7 percent reduction in plastic packaging during 2019, which is over 1,000 tons of plastic. By implementing the new packaging pilot, the H&M group moves closer to reaching these goals. 

Mondi Develops Paper-Based Packaging Solution for Drylock’s Baby Diaper Ranges The new paper-based packaging solution – WicketBag can be placed in existing paper streams, even in countries with the strictest recycling regulations, thereby supporting the circular economy. December 21, 2020 Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has introduced a new paper-based packaging - EcoWicketBag for Drylock Technologies’ baby diaper ranges, bringing sustainable paperbased packaging to the hygiene market globally. The global hygiene products manufacturer reached out to Mondi to come up with a more sustainable alternative to its existing plastic diaper packaging that would travel well, have a strong shelf-appeal, and protect the product –at the same time, using renewable resources and significantly reducing its CO2 footprint. Werner Van Ingelgem, R&D director at Drylock Technologies states “We approached Mondi because of their expertise in paper packaging and their extensive knowledge of the global hygiene market. Consumers are looking for more sustainable packaging that is kinder to the planet without compromising on the integrity of the product. With the EcoWicketBag, consumers can be confident of product quality and packaging sustainability.” In particular, a major advantage of using paper-based packaging is the recyclability of paper and that consumers are more likely to know how to dispose of it correctly. The EcoWicketBag can be placed in existing paper streams, even in countries with the strictest recycling regulations, thus, supporting the circular economy. An EcoWicketBag made out of fully compostable materials is also available.

The new sustainable packaging solution – EcoWicketBag.

Moreover, Mondi also assured that EcoWicketBag fits with Drylock Technologies’ existing plant processes, meaning it is the first paper wicket bag range that can be filled and sealed on existing machines. Claudio Fedalto, Chief Operating Officer Paper Bags, Mondi says “We work closely with our clients using our customercentric EcoSolutions approach to create packaging that is fit for purpose – using paper where possible, plastic when useful. With Drylock Technologies, it was key to reduce the amount of plastic used, meet our customer’s sustainability targets and protect the products for consumers. By liaising closely and asking the right questions from the outset, we have been able to deliver on all of the above.” 

www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 83

N•E•W•S

Ritter Sport Launches Limited Edition Chocolate Wrapped In Paper The chocolate packaged in paper is Schoko & Gras, milk chocolate with hemp seeds. The limited edition comprises 35,000 bars and is available exclusively from Billa. November 10, 2020 In collaboration with its retail partner Billa, Ritter Sport is offering a limited edition wrapped in paper in Austria. Following on from its first prototype, “In Papier”, in early 2020, this sees Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG taking a further step towards paper-based primary packaging. The German family-owned company says that it hopes the practical test will provide new insights into how paper packaging performs during automatic packing, transport and, ultimately, on the shelf. The packaging material complies with that of the prototype but has a somewhat heavier grammage which makes it more robust – one conclusion which could be deduced after the initial test in January. “Our goal is to develop a packaging material from a renewable, recyclable raw material which simultaneously complies with our high demands on product protection and safety”, explains Katja Binder, Head of Packaging Development at Ritter Sport. “Having gleaned experience with the 500 bars of our prototype, we have optimised some features which we are

Ritter Sport’s limited edition chocolate wrapped in paper

now testing in practice on a much higher number of units. What it all comes down to now is whether the paper proves itself on its typical journey from production to the consumer”, is how Binder summarizes the expectations on the practical test. 

Kemira to Develop Biodegradable Coating for Paper and Board Industry Kemira announces exclusive partnership with Danimer Scientific to develop biodegradable coating for paper and board industry. December 10, 2020 Kemira and Danimer Scientific have recently announced a partnership to develop biodegradable aqueous barrier coatings for more sustainable paper and board products. As the brand owner’s and consumer’s demand for sustainable paper and board products increases, this coating and surface treatment will ensure paper and board items are fully biodegradable in soil and water. Danimer Scientific’s biopolymer, Nodax™ (polyhydroxyalkanoate, PHA), is renewably sourced from the seeds of plants, such as canola and soy and is 100% bio-based. Antti Matula, SVP, Global Product Lines & Business Development for Kemira Pulp & Paper comments “Evaluating PHA is one step in realizing our bio-based strategy to deliver high quality, sustainable and circular packaging solutions. Sustainability is one of the main drivers of Kemira’s long-term growth and Kemira’s target is to reach bio-based revenue of over EUR 500 million by 2030. We are dedicated to our customer’s success as

84 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Image source: Kemira

we increase the value of their end-products. This partnership with Danimer Scientific will bring new bio-based and circular products to markets and is an important milestone in reaching our bio-based growth targets.”

N•E•W•S Majority of paper and board products from cups to food packaging are currently coated with fossil fuel-based polyethylene which hinders the recyclability of the products and creates plastic waste. John Moore, Senior Vice President of business development

at Danimer Scientific says “PHA is a proven biodegradable alternative to fossil fuel-based materials. Partnering with Kemira will enable us to expand to paper applications, delivering a repulpable and biodegradable material without sacrificing the product quality that brands and consumers expect.” 

HANABi Project: Cellulose and Ceramics Unite For Improved Packaging HANABi, a start-up spearheaded by French academic research consortium SATT Linksium, is working on an “ultra-light” cellulose and ceramic hybrid material promising flexibility and liquid resistance. December 18, 2020 The HANABi project is being implemented by the SIMAP and LGP2 laboratoires. The goal is to combine the advantages of paper and ceramics in order to keep the best of both worlds and create an alternative to plastic packaging. Every year, 7 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. Once dumped in water, plastic packaging, bottles and labels cannot break down completely. Instead, they turn into microparticules that can be found everywhere. Reducing this waste is a major environmental challenge. To replace plastic food packaging, researchers at Grenoble INP were able to combine technology for two materials that were previously considered to be incompatible. The first of these materials is cellulose, which is studied at LGP2. “While paper has the advantage of being flexible and biodegradable, it also lets through water and gas. On the other hand, ceramics, which is studied at SIMAP, can be both waterproof and gas-proof. But not very flexible!” explains Erwan Gicquel, a postdoctoral researcher at LGP2, who is working on the project with Frédéric Mercier, a researcher at SIMAP. As part of a project funded since 2018 (Labex CEMAM and Tech 21), the two scientists developed a hybrid material made up of 99% cellulose. “By adding just enough ceramic material in the right place using a secret bonding process, we are able to obtain a 99% cellulose material that has the advantages of

HANABi’s cellulose & ceramic hybrid, an alternative to plastic.

plastic (waterproof and gas-proof ) all the while being flexible and printable like paper,” explains Frédéric Mercier. Several patents are being filed in order to protect the bonding process for combining cellulose and ceramics. This will enable the project to transition to large-scale, low cost production. A startup project called HANABi is currently being established via the SATT Linksium and should be ready to go in the Fall of 2021. Several players in the food industry have already expressed interest in the project (for example, to replace wine labels). But the “zero plastic” HANABi is also targeting other markets such as packaging or construction, where it could be used for isolation and benefit from the flexibility and lightness offered by cellulose. 

SKion Water Acquires Remaining Shares of Paques Following the transfer of Paques’ ownership to SKion Water, the company will continue its activities under the Paques brand. December 17, 2020 Over the past few years, rapid growth has turned Paques into an important player in the international market of industrial wastewater treatment. This market is going through an important change. Today’s customers increasingly demand

complete solutions, turnkey project delivery and sometimes even including “own and operate” contracts. Following this trend implies an important extension of the business model of Paques: from technology development, where Paques has

www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 85

N•E•W•S its roots, to contracting. The question of how to respond to this market development has been on the agenda of the management board, supervisory board and the Pâques family and German SKion Water as the two shareholders for some years. All this has led to the decision of the Pâques family to sell its entire 80% interest to the current minority shareholder SKion Water. When SKion Water invested into Paques at the end of 2011, Paques was the first water sector investment of SKion Water. Today, SKion Water has a group turnover of roughly 700 million Euros and operations across the world. It provides fresh water and wastewater treatment solutions to both municipal and industrial customers. The largest companies within SKion Water are Ovivo, EnviroChemie Group and ELIQUO WATER GROUP. With the acquisition of Paques, SKion Water can leverage the Paques’ technologies in offerings of its group companies and thus increase the market potential for Paques. SKion Water is 100% owned by German entrepreneur Susanne Klatten. Dr. ReinhardHübner, CEO of SKion Water: “Paques has been a starting point of our journey in the water sector. Over the years, Paques developed several innovative technologies and today with its global footprint delivers high-end treatment plants to its customers across the world. Becoming part of SKion Water will allow Paques to leverage the customer access and broader technology portfolio of the other companies in our group. We thank the Pâques family for their trust in us continuing to develop the company further and welcome the Paques team to SKion Water.” Stephan Bocken, CEO of Paques Holding: “The vision of the Pâques family instilled a culture in Paques that made it the undisputed technology leader in its wastewater field for decades – we will continue in this tradition, all while taking advantage of SKion Water’s product range. Furthermore, SKion Water companies will be able to take advantage of Paques’ strong presence in Latin America, India and Asia”.

Paques is one of the world’s leading companies in the field of development and construction of cost-effective purification systems.

JoostPâques, Pâques family: “Paques has grown tremendously over the past few years. We are proud of what has been achieved by everybody who contributed to this success. Since innovative entrepreneurship is in our genes, the Pâques family will continue with translating innovative biotechnological knowledge into large scale applications.” Following the transfer of Paques’ ownership to SKion Water, the company will continue its activities under the Paques brand, the location in Balk will continue to exist in full and the current management team and supervisory board will remain in place. Paques will remain an independent company within SKion water, just like Ovivo, EnviroChemie and ELIQUO. The Pâques family will focus on developing new technologies in the field of biomaterials and retain its representation on the Supervisory Board as well as continue to liaise the Company with the Watercampus and the Dutch water sector. Florin Finance acted as advisor to the selling shareholder, the Pâques family. 

Voith Launches the OnPerformance.Lab – a Remote Service Center for Digital Optimization of Paper Production Data-based remote service helps paper manufacturers increase the efficiency and availability of their production facilities. The service combines software-supported analysis of machine and process data with the expertise of Voith specialists. November 27, 2020 With the OnPerformance.Lab, Voith is now offering paper manufacturers the opportunity to identify and exploit improvement potential for their production through an indepth analysis of process data. The Remote Service Center at the Heidenheim site became operational at an interactive online event attended by customers and Voith experts. Dr. Jürgen Abraham, President Products & Services and

86 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Digital Business Officer at Voith Paper explains: “The remote digital services provided by the OnPerformance.Lab enable customers to significantly improve the performance and availability of their production lines. Within the scope of a service agreement, we leverage AI-assisted analysis and evaluation methods and the expertise of our engineers to help customers optimize their processes and reduce the use of resources in the paper manufacturing process.”

N•E•W•S The optimization is based on process and machine data that are transferred via a VPN or cloud connection to the OnPerformance.Lab, where they are analyzed with the help of data mining methods and artificial intelligence. The continuous monitoring at the process level registers deviations immediately and allows fast and accurate corrections to be made. In addition, the industry-specific expertise of Voith’s specialists facilitates the evaluation of the data and the development of individual, specific and implementable recommendations to stabilize and increase machine efficiency. All OnPerformance.Lab services are designed to increase the performance and availability of the customer’s machines and reduce the use of resources in the paper manufacturing process. To guarantee a comprehensive improvement in all process steps, Voith experts pro-actively develop optimization proposals for discussion with the customer. The OnPerformance.Lab services are available for the entire production line from stock preparation to winder and can be scaled as necessary. In their service agreement, customers can specify a range of important KPIs such as fiber consumption, basis weight, paper moisture and grade change times, and can add others at any time.

Process and machine data are transferred via cloud or VPN to the OnPerformance.Lab, where they are continuously analyzed with the help of data mining methods and artificial intelligence.

With the OnPerformance.Lab, Voith is supporting the digital transformation of the paper industry. The efficiency improvements achieved through the Remote Service Center help manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness and correspondingly make their production processes more sustainable. 

Vietnam’s Xuan Mai Paper Acquires Tissue Production Line from ANDRITZ The PrimeLineCOMPACT tissue production line has been delivered to Xuan Mai Paper Co. Ltd. for its mill in Ho Chi Minh City. December 09, 2020 The new energy-efficient tissue machine at Xuan Mai Paper, which is supplied by ANDRITZ Group, has a design speed of 1,300 m/min and a paper width of 2.85 m. It produces highquality tissue grades made of either 100% virgin or 100% deinked pulp (DIP). Also, the PrimeLineCOMPACT tissue line is equipped with a 15 ft. steel Yankee with a PrimeDry Hood COMBO from ANDRITZ Novimpianti. The innovative hood design – a pressurized wet chamber heated with steam and a special dry chamber – enables highly efficient drying while saving energy. The scope of supply included - a separate DIP line (to be started up this month), a stock preparation system for LBKP/ NBKP market pulp, an approach flow system, a fiber recovery and broke handling system, machine clothing by ANDRITZ Fabrics and Rolls, basic and detailed engineering, as well as process pumps for water and pulp. The entire line is equipped with an ANDRITZ PrimeControl automation package and an advanced multi-motor drive system. Thanks to the excellent cooperation between Xuan Mai Paper and ANDRITZ China, the tissue production line went into operation smoothly in spite of the very challenging times relating to COVID-19. Mr. Phạm Văn Dũng, Director of Xuan Mai Paper Co., Ltd., said: “We had a tight and demanding time schedule. From the very

The tissue production line, that is, equipped with an ANDRITZ PrimeControl automation package and an advanced multi-motor drive system has commenced operations.

beginning, ANDRITZ put excellent people on this project and they managed all aspects of their work very well. Their support day and night right up to start-up of the machine was excellent. All the members of our Board and I too are very pleased that we succeeded in completing this project together in these difficult times.” 

www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 87

N•E•W•S

Toscotec to Supply Three Tissue Rebuild Projects Toscotec will deliver three tissue machine rebuilds located at different mills to a confidential global producer. November 19, 2020 Toscotec will rebuild the drying sections of two tissue machines, as well as the wet end and winding sections of another machine. The drying section rebuilds include the supply of two Toscotec’s third-generation-design TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryers, steam and condensate systems, and high efficiency TT Hoods, including one newly optimized combustion system. The energy efficiency given by the integration of the steel Yankee and the hoods will result in a significant reduction of the tissue machines’ thermal consumption. The other project requires the modification of the approach flow and fibre recovery systems and the complete rebuild of the machine’s wire and pope reel sections. The provision of expert services, including engineering, dismantling of old equipment, erection, commissioning, startup, and training, ensures a complete package for the rebuilds. Since the start-up of its first TT SYD in 2000, Toscotec is the forerunner and world leading manufacturer of Steel Yankee Dryers boasting close to 230 TT SYDs sold and over 200 currently operating in five continents. These two new TT SYDs will replace the mills’ existing Yankee dryers. Toscotec holds the record as the manufacturer who supplied all of the SYD replacements that took place in Europe to date.

Toscotec to supply three tissue machines rebuild

Riccardo Gennai, Toscotec Sales Manager, says: “We take pride in the continuous evolution of TT SYD. Toscotec started up the first steel Yankee dryer in the tissue industry. TT SYD’s third-generation design enhances the machine’s drying performance and energy efficiency to a degree that it really makes us stand out in the market.” 

Successful Start-Up of Sun Paper’s First Paper Machine Outside Of China It is the 11th Voith line operating at Sun Paper, while being the 5th packaging paper line for Sun Paper. December 22, 2020 Sun Paper has started up its first paper machine outside of China. The XcelLine packaging paper machine PM 1 has successfully started operation in Laos, showing the steady implementation of Sun Paper’s “Forestry-pulp-paper integration” project. The PM 1 marks the start of the customer’s expansion into South East Asia. Despite the challenging conditions exerted by COVID-19 in Laos, the packaging paper machine started up 17 days ahead of schedule, and has set up a new record from I/O check to first jumbo roll. The performance and fast start-up of the machine showcased once again the state-of-the-art technology of Voith XcelLine paper machines. It is the 11th Voith line operating at Sun

88 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

XcelLine packaging paper machine PM 1

Paper, while being the 5th packaging paper line for Sun Paper. With a width of 6.6 meters and a design speed of 1,200 m/min, the PM 1 will produce packaging paper with a basis weight of 140 to 250 g/m2 and an annual production capacity of 520,000 tons. With its expertise, knowledge and global footprint, Voith will support Sun Paper with their global expansion. 

N•E•W•S

Stora Enso Invests EUR 80 Million in Wood Handling at Imatra Mills The investment of EUR 80 million will enhance Stora Enso’s production capabilities for premium packaging board. December 11, 2020 Stora Enso has decided to invest in centralising and modernising the wood handling capacity at its Imatra mills in Finland. The investment supports the Group’s strategy of sustainable profitable growth through packaging in strong customer segments. The investment is planned to start in Q1 2021 and to be completed in Q3 2022. The Imatra mills produce premium packaging boards for food, beverage and luxury packaging. The purpose of the investment is to modernise the wood handling process in Imatra and centralise it in one of the existing wood yards. The project includes the installation of a new, third debarking line, improvements to chip handling systems, and modifications to the existing wood yard infrastructure. The centralized and modernized wood handling capacity will improve the stability and efficiency of the process. In addition, the new, more efficient debarking line will reduce water consumption of the process and lower the environmental impact.

Over the past few years, Stora Enso has invested more than EUR 200 million in Imatra.

The Imatra mills, with two production units Kaukopää and Tainionkoski, produce premium packaging boards for food, drink and luxury packaging. The annual production capacity is 1,195,000 tonnes of packaging board. 

Valmet Supplies Machine Vision to Stora Enso’s More Sustainable Barrier Coating Process Valmet IQ Web Inspection System provides efficient and continuous online quality control to reduce the origins of web defects. December 17, 2020 Valmet will supply a Valmet IQ Web Inspection System (WIS) to Stora Enso’s coating and laminating plant in Forshaga, Sweden. The new system will be installed on an extrusion coating line producing a new dispersion barrier paperboard for paper cups and food packaging. The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the third quarter 2020. Made without the traditional plastic layer, the process is more sustainable and sets tight margins for quality management. The high-quality board is liquid and grease resistant during use. It is also recyclable and breaks down like paper in the recycling process to provide a high yield of recovered fiber. The 3rd generation Valmet IQ Web Inspection System (WIS) delivery includes Ultra-High resolution 8K dual-line TDI (Time Delay Integration) cameras with advanced image processing and synchronized high power stroboscopic LED lighting. Realtime and history defect maps, as well as defect details and trends are available from operator stations with precisely detailed defect classifications made by means of MIDA (Multiple Image Defect Analysis), multi-geometry inspection and the latest software algorithms based on artificial intelligence (AI). 

90 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Valmet IQ Web Inspection System

N•E•W•S

Mondi to Acquire Turkish Corrugated Packaging Firm Olmuksan Following the completion of the transaction, Mondi will launch a mandatory tender offer to acquire the remaining 9.62% of outstanding shares in the Company held by minority shareholders. January 5, 2021 Mondi has agreed to acquire 90.38% of the outstanding shares in Olmuksan International Paper Ambalaj Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş from International Paper for a total consideration of EUR 66 million. The implied enterprise value on a 100% basis would amount to around EUR 88 million. Olmuksan is a leading and well-established corrugated packaging player in Turkey, listed on the Istanbul stock exchange. Its network of five plants provides a diverse customer base with high-quality sustainable packaging for food, beverage, agriculture and industrial applications. For the twelve months ended 30 September 2020, the Company produced 256 thousand tonnes of corrugated packaging and generated revenues of TRY 1,093 million (EUR 150 million). Mondi has operated successfully in Turkey for many years and has developed a strong understanding of the market and its long-term opportunities. Our current Turkish footprint includes four corrugated packaging plants and a recycled containerboard paper mill, as well as three flexible packaging

Olmuksan Site

sites. Leveraging our expertise and experience in this market, together with our global virgin and recycled containerboard portfolio, we expect to generate significant operational improvements and paper integration upside. The transaction remains subject to competition clearance and other closing conditions and is expected to complete in the first half of 2021. 

Voith Realizes Ropeless Threading for Board Machines in Two-Tier Dryer Sections TailStabilizer is part of the Voith Prevo range of tail threading and cutting systems. It is suitable for rebuilds and optimization of existing threading systems. December 14, 2020 In board machines, threading the paper web following shutdowns or breaks in the dryer section has until now been a complicated and time-consuming process. The process of using ropes to guide the tail through the dryer section presents safety risks and involves an extensive maintenance effort. A new Voith solution offers paper manufacturers unprecedented flexibility and reliability. The TailStabilizer can now be used for the first time in board machines with two-tier dryer sections for ropeless threading of the tail, improving both efficiency and safety. The system is being used successfully at a paper mill in China, for example. Due to the much higher basis weights in the board segment, ropeless threading is particularly challenging from a technical standpoint. The Voith TailStabilizer system enables absolutely reliable, fully automated and safe threading in the two-tier dryer section. A specially developed peel-up component, positioned as close as possible to the roll, ensures maximum peeling effect. The optimized arrangement of multi-row air nozzles and air deflectors lifts the tail from the drying

With its flexibility, the TailStabilizer technology offers a large operating window with basis weights of up to 300 g/m2.

cylinders and quickly fixes it to the TailStabilizer to transport it from there to the next drying cylinder. As a result, the process also minimizes shredding. Because it works contactlessly, unlike other solutions, it also avoids wear and unnecessary maintenance work. This results in reduced maintenance and greater equipment availability.  www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 91

N•E•W•S

DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences Partners With Kemira For Development of Biobased Material Innovation Collaboration will develop and commercialize applications of DuPont’s enzymatic polymerization technology – a powerful step toward a more circular economy and sustainable future for materials. December 17, 2020 DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences and Kemira have announced an exclusive partnership for the development and commercialization of DuPont’s enzymatic polymerizationbased polysaccharide platform technology for certain applications. The collaboration will bring new, biobased and inherently biodegradable product lines to Kemira’s strategic markets including paper and board, water treatment and the oil & gas industries. Under the terms of the partnership, DuPont will provide Kemira with access to its newest material platform technology, which uses enzymatic polymerization to design and produce polysaccharide materials directly from simple sugars. Kemira will provide the application development expertise and the market access required to jointly develop and commercialize these sustainable material offerings globally to Kemira’s strategic markets. The underlying technology for this novel material platform has been demonstrated at integrated pilot operations and is ready to advance to full commercial scale. The DuPont enzymatic polymerization material technology applies biotechnology tools to design polysaccharides. This new material innovation allows for enzymatic polymerization of sugar (sucrose) into poly-glucose (polysaccharides) under controlled, enzyme catalyzed polymerization conditions. This approach enables the specific and designed synthesis of polysaccharides as typically found in nature but with high purity, defined structural material properties and particle morphologies.

DuPont and Kemira are committed to performance-driven product innovation.

The enzymatic polymerization-based product portfolio is readily biodegradable and supports recycle or re-pulping of various paper and pulp-based material streams, for example in packaging end uses. For some applications, these biodegradable products avoid the concern of microplastic formation, reducing the impact of uncontrolled environmental material leakage. Within a circular economy, material innovation should deliver on a series of key requirements to offer viable options to meet sustainability goals and contribute to decarbonize the underlying material portfolios. The enzymatic polymerization-based polysaccharide material platform enables positive contributions to these goals by avoiding waste, expanding the scope of recyclable materials and providing biodegradable product options for a range of material applications. 

Resolve To Make India Free From Single-Use Plastic: PM Modi Addressing the nation through the 72nd edition of his monthly radio programme, PM Modi made a clarion call to make the country free of single-use plastic. December 27, 2020 As reported in a leading daily, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to resolve to make the country free from single-use plastic and appreciated the efforts by some people for undertaking cleanliness drive. “We have to think how garbage gets on beaches and mountains in the first place; after all, it is one amongst us who leaves this garbage there, we should take a resolve that we will not leave garbage at all,” the Prime Minister said. “We should take a vow that we will not litter; this is the first

92 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

N•E•W•S resolve of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. I want to remind you of one more thing, which couldn’t be discussed that much because of Corona. We have to make our country free from single-use plastic; this should also be one of the resolutions for 2021,” he added.

“He along with his team and volunteers go to different areas of Himalayas and clear the plastic garbage left behind by tourists. He has cleared tonnes of plastic,” he said.

Addressing the nation through the 72nd edition of his monthly radio programme and the last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of the year 2020, PM Modi mentioned about Pradeep Sangwan from Gurugram who is running a campaign “Healing Himalayas” since 2016.

“A couple from Karnataka — Anudeep and Miusha got married last month in November. After marriage, many couples go on a trip but decided to clear the garbage on Someshwar Beach of Karnataka. Several others also joined him. They collected over 800-kilogram garbage from there,” he added. 

He also highlighted a similar effort by a couple from Karnataka.

Ilim Announces Strategic Partnership With Xiamen C&D Corporation as Part of Silk Road Project Implementation of Ilim’s investment program will allow in meeting the growing demand for tissue and packaging materials. December 15, 2020 Ilim Group, a leading Russian manufacturer of pulp and paper products, is becoming a key market player in Southwest China. The group has signed an agreement with Xiamen C&D Corporation, one of its key partners, on paperboard and pulp supply to the provinces in Southwest China via the Silk Road. As agreed, pulp will be supplied to paper mills in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, as well as to Chongqing direct-administered municipality. This project will allow Ilim Group to increase its export volumes significantly as part of the Belt and Road transportation and logistics system (the Silk Road). By 2024, Ilim Group plans to deliver to Southwest China up to 300,000 tonnes of paperboard and 180,000 tonnes of pulp per year.

Ilim Group and Xiamen C&D Corporation

By 2025, Ilim Group will increase aggregate output of its mills by 1 million tonnes of finished products. Construction of a new pulp and paperboard mill in Ust-Ilimsk with a capacity of

600 thousand tonnes is one of Ilim’s key projects which will be completed in 2022. Proximity of its Siberian Mills to China gives Ilim another competitive advantage. 

Domtar Sells Personal Care Business in USD 920 Million Deal The sale of Domtar’s personal care business will allow the forestry company to refocus its efforts on strengthening its paper, pulp and packaging portfolio. January 8, 2021 Domtar has announced the sale of its personal care stream of business to American Industrial Partners (AIP) for USD 920 million. Sale reaffirms commitment to pulp, paper, and packaging, says company. Proceeds from the sale will be used to pay down debt to the tune of USD 600 million and repurchase about USD 300 million worth of company shares. The move is part of a long-term plan to create shareholder value in becoming an “industry-leading paper, pulp and packaging company. 

The sale to AIP is expected to be complete by the end of March.

www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 93

N•E•W•S

Fedrigoni Acquires Mexico-Based Industrial Papelera Venus Fedrigoni specialising in the production of special papers for packaging, graphics and self-adhesive labelling products further strengthens its in self-adhesive labels and increases its overseas presence. December 11, 2020 Fedrigoni S.p.A., a European leader in the production of special papers, high value-added products for packaging and graphics, and self-adhesive labels, has completed the acquisition of Industrial Papelera Venus, a Mexican company with headquarters in Mexico City that develops, produces and distributes self-adhesive materials, with a leading position in the local market. Industrial Papelera Venus has a turnover of approximately USD 18 million and employs approximately one hundred people. This acquisition, the third in two years, further strengthens Fedrigoni’s position as third largest manufacturer of Pressure Sensitive Labels in both Europe and Latin America with the Arconvert, Manter and Ritrama brands. Fedrigoni Group is one of the global leaders and the largest manufacturer in Europe in wine and plays a leading role in food, household product and logistics labels, as well as in high-tech adhesive film for pharmaceuticals, beverages and personal care products. The Group can now also provide both high-tech and high aesthetic-value solutions for self-adhesive labels and visual communications self-adhesive materials for indoor and outdoor signage, with a diverse and extensive range of products. 

Mr. Marco Nespolo, CEO, Fedrigoni Group

Cascades to Modify Paper Machine to Manufacture Recycled Liner From Newsprint The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the fourth quarter 2020. The value of the order will not be disclosed. December 14, 2020 Valmet will supply an extensive paper machine grade conversion rebuild with a wide scope of automation and services for Cascades’ Bear Island mill in Virginia, the United States. In the project, paper machine PM 1, designed to produce newsprint, will be rebuilt to produce high-quality, lightweight, 100 percent recycled linerboard and medium grades for the North American market. The start-up of the rebuilt paper machine is scheduled for the end of 2022. The scope of the order includes 8,500-mm wide (wire) containerboard machine PM 1. It will produce recycled linerboard and medium grades with a basis weight range of 88-176 g/m2 and design speed of 1,370 m/min. The annual capacity will be 465,000 short tonnes. 

94 | www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020

Cascades has ordered paper machine grade conversion rebuild from Valmet.

S•U•B•S•C•R•I•P•T•I•O•N F•O•R•M

www.papermart.in / October-November, 2020 | 95

PAPER MART

A Bi-monthly Magazine for PULP, PAPER & CONVERTING INDUSTRIES in INDIA

Event Calendar 8-10, April 2021

Paperex South India

Chennai, India southindia.paperex.in 25-28, April 2021

TAPPICon

Atlanta, USA www.papercon.org 16-18, June 2021

Tissue & Paper Bangkok Bangkok, Thailand www.tissueworld.com/bangkok 29-29, August 2021

Pack Plus

New Delhi, India www.packplus.in 2-4, September 2021

India Corr Expo

Greter Noida, India www.indiacorrexpo.com 9-11, September 2021

Papertech Expo * Due to COVID-19 event status could change. Please check with the organizers before visiting.

Dhaka, Bangladesh www. papertechexpo-bd.com 21-23, September 2021

Tissue World

Dusseldorf, Germany www.tissueworld.com 13-15, October 2021

MIAC

Lucca, Italy www.miac.info/en 9−12, January 2022

Paperex

India Expo Centre, Delhi- NCR, India www.india.paperex-expo.com 16-18, March 2022

Tissue World Miami

Miami, USA www.tissueworld.com/miami

Oct-Nov, 2020

Vol.: 21 / No.: 04

Editor & Publisher Parveen Kumar Jain – pkj@tulip3pmedia.in Associate Editor Geetika Jain – gjain@papermart.in Editorial Team Laique Khan – desk2@tulip3pmedia.in Soumya Ojha – desk3@tulip3pmedia.in Graphic Designer Ravi Thakur – ravithakur@tulip3pmedia.in Tajinder Singh – design2@tulip3pmedia.in Advertising & Marketing Puneet Dua – mktg@papermart.in Priya Thapar – mktg2@tulip3pmedia.in Support Team Kushagra Mehrotra Sandeep Kumar Rahul Kumar admin@tulip3pmedia.in Chief Executive Officer Priyank Jain pj@tulip3pmedia.in Editorial & Publisher's Office : Paper Mart, Tulip 3P Media Pvt. Ltd. 218, Sanjay Nagar, Gulabi Bagh, New Delhi-110007, INDIA

Correspondence Address: Tulip 3P Media Pvt. Ltd. 207-B, Second Floor, NDM-2, Plot No. D-1, 2 & 3, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitam Pura, New Delhi-110034, INDIA, Tel.:+91 11 45678 421 / 22 / 23 Mob.: +91 99999 350 11 / 22 / 44, E-mail : info@papermart.in / info@tulip3pmedia.in International Sales : RNP Nicolas Pelletier 16, rue Bannier 45000 Orleans, France Tel.: +33 682 25 12 06, Fax: +33 238 422910 Chinese Representative: China Pulp & Paper Industry Publishing House No. 101, Gongyenan Road, Jinan Shandong, China Tel.: +86 531 88522949 Owned, Published & Printed By : Parveen Kumar Jain, Published at 218, Sanjay Nagar, Gulabi Bagh, Delhi-110007, INDIA. Printed at: Pankaj Paper Mart, 218, Sanjay Nagar, Gulabi Bagh, Delhi-110007, INDIA. All disputes regarding this magazine will be settled in Delhi (India) Jurisdiction Only. The views expressed in the columns of Paper Mart are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher & they accept no responsibility for them. CAUTION: No part of this magazine including advertisements designs, prepared by us or through us should be copied, reproduced or transmitted by any one without prior written permission of the publisher.

Paper Mart Partner magazine :