Paperex 2025 Opens in New Delhi With Record Participation and Global Industry Leadership!

Paperex 2025 has officially opened its 17th edition at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi, reaffirming its status as the world’s largest trade platform for the pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, and allied industries. The four-day event brings together an unprecedented 675+ exhibitors from 28 countries and has already drawn over 33,000 trade visitors, demonstrating the sector’s strong momentum and rising global relevance. Organized by Informa Markets in India in partnership with IARPMA and supported by the World Paper Forum, Paperex continues to serve as an essential catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and business growth across the paper value chain.

The event was inaugurated in the presence of leading industry representatives, including Pavan Khaitan, President of IPPTA, and senior members of various national and international paper associations. Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, addressed the audience virtually, applauding the sector’s key role in sustainable manufacturing. He acknowledged India’s growing paper demand—rising at 7–8% annually—and projected that production capacity could increase from 24 million tonnes to 32 million tonnes by 2030, driven by renewable energy adoption, enhanced recycling practices, digitalization, and carbon-neutral strategies aligned with India’s Vision 2047.

Industry leaders emphasized critical themes such as sustainability, raw material availability, modern technologies, and supportive government policies. Pawan Agarwal, President of IPMA, highlighted the significant rise in bamboo usage—now forming 25–50% of the fiber mix—thanks to liberalized cultivation policies. Rahul Khanna from the Indian Newsprint Manufacturers Association pointed out that the sector is navigating global volatility and requires investment in advanced technologies, consistent policy reforms, and capability-building to remain competitive.

The agro and recycled paper segment also shared its challenges. Pramod Agarwal noted that despite nearly 800 mills in India, about 200 remain non-operational due to fiber shortages, GST complexities, and restrictions on waste-paper imports. With domestic recovery at only 50% and nearly 10 million tonnes of waste paper imported annually, he stressed the importance of stronger recovery systems and diversification into agro-residue-based fibers.

Global perspectives echoed confidence in India’s rising influence. Pavan Khaitan emphasized how fiber-based materials are gaining worldwide traction due to circularity, e-commerce growth, and heightened hygiene demands. N. Gopalratnam, Chairman of Seshasayee Paper and Boards Ltd, stated that farm forestry now supports nearly 95% of India’s fiber requirement, a globally unmatched achievement that reinforces India’s leadership in circular manufacturing models. International voices—including Mikael Forslund of the Elof Hansson Group—praised India’s commitment to responsible production, recyclable materials, and technology adoption, all of which are positioning the nation as a key contributor to the global paper economy.

Representing the organizer’s perspective, Peter Hall of Informa Markets highlighted the significance of this edition being the first under the Informa banner post its acquisition of Hyve India, resulting in a broader global footprint and participation from over 700 brands. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, pointed out India’s enormous growth potential: with per-capita paper consumption at just 15 kg, compared to the global average of 57 kg, the market is poised for expansion. He noted that the Indian paper and packaging industry is projected to reach USD 16.64 billion by 2028, driven by innovation, sustainable forestry, and strong domestic demand.

Featuring leading companies such as JK Paper, TNPL, Trident Group, APRIL Fiber Resource, BILT Graphic Paper, Andhra Paper, Orient Paper, and West Coast Paper, Paperex 2025 demonstrates the complete value chain—from pulp resources to finished packaging solutions. With strong international participation, a robust innovation agenda, and alignment with global sustainability goals, Paperex 2025 reaffirms India’s position as one of the most dynamic, competitive, and future-ready paper markets in the world.