Paperex 2025, the 17th edition of India’s flagship pulp and paper exhibition, was held from December 3 to December 6, 2025, at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka. Organised by Informa Markets in India in collaboration with the Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association (IARPMA), the event was themed “Sustainable Growth of Paper, Paper Packaging, Tissue and Allied Industries in the Changing Global Scenario.” The inaugural ceremony featured a virtual address by Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and for New & Renewable Energy, Government of India. The inaugural session was led by Chief Guest Mr. Pavan Khaitan, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Kuantum Papers Limited and President, Indian Pulp & Paper Technical Association (IPPTA). Other prominent speakers included- Mr. Pawan Agarwal, President, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) and Managing Director, Naini Papers Limited; Mr. Pramod Agarwal, President (IARPMA) and Chairman, Rama Paper Mills Limited; Mr. Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman, Paperex 2025 Technical Committee, Sr. Adviser, Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association (IARPMA); Mr. Rahul Khanna, President, Indian Newsprint Manufacturers Association (INMA) and Managing Director, Khanna Paper Mills; Mr. Mikael Forslund, President & CEO, Elof Hansson Group, Sweden; Mr. N. Gopalaratnam, Chairman, Seshasayee Paper and Boards Limited; Mr. Peter Hall, President, Informa Markets in India and Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets India Private Limited, and Mr. B.P. Thapliyal, Honorary Secretary (IARPMA) highlighting a strong collective focus on sustainability, innovation and global competitiveness.
Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy
In his video message, Mr. Naik appreciated the industry for exhibitions like Paperex, and praised its resilience amid financial uncertainty. He highlighted the sector’s progress in quality, innovation, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, supported by standards from the Bureau of Indian Standards.
He noted that India’s paper production is expected to rise from 24 million tonnes to 32 million tonnes, contributing to rural employment and economic development. Stressing responsibility alongside growth, he emphasised energy efficiency, carbon neutrality and sustainability as critical priorities aligned with India’s 2047 development vision.
Mr. Pavan Khaitan, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Kuantum Papers Limited and President, Indian Pulp & Paper Technical Association (IPPTA)
Calling Paperex 2025 “the world’s largest paper show,” Mr. Pavan Khaitan said the industry is at a defining moment of reinvention rather than decline, with paper one of humanity’s oldest circular materials, assuming a renewed central role in sustainable growth. He explained that three global forces are reshaping paper consumption: decarbonisation and circularity as brands and nations redesign supply chains around low-carbon, renewable materials; the rapid expansion of e-commerce and omni-channel retail, driving demand for packaging board, corrugated boxes and speciality grades; and the post-pandemic surge in hygiene, health and urban lifestyles, making tissue and absorbent products among the fastest-growing segments globally.
Highlighting India’s opportunity, Mr. Khaitan pointed to low per-capita paper consumption and strong macroeconomic momentum, noting that India is on track to become a four-trillion-dollar economy, with robust GDP growth supporting long-term demand. He said Indian mills are showing remarkable agility by modernising operations, integrating backward, improving fibre efficiency, and investing in energy optimisation.
He also addressed the evolving dynamics of writing and printing papers, observing that while office printing may decline, India’s education sector continues to provide a strong buffer, alongside opportunities in premium and speciality grades. Stressing the role of technology, Mr. Khaitan said the future will reward mills that innovate boldly through fibre diversification, water and energy optimisation, advanced barrier coatings and sustainable alternatives to plastics. “India is moving from being a participant to a shaper of the global paper economy,” he said, urging the industry to lead in sustainable packaging, circularity and technology-led growth.
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Mr. Pawan Agarwal, President, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association(IPMA) and Managing Director, Naini Papers Limited
Offering a nuanced perspective, Mr. Pawan Agarwal reframed industry cycles as comfortable times and tough times. Drawing from experience, he emphasised resilience and preparation. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” he remarked.
He urged mills to focus on innovation, efficiency and bottom-line performance during challenging periods. Highlighting the industry’s sustainability credentials, he noted that both raw materials and finished products are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. He called for greater engagement with markets to replace plastic with paper-based alternatives and expressed confidence that current challenges would ease within the next year.
He stressed that the industry cannot control geopolitical or global disruptions but can strengthen its own fundamentals. “We cannot change the geopolitical situation… but we can look at our own house,” Mr. Agarwal said, urging mills to use tough times to become leaner and more agile. Emphasising innovation, he added, “Need is the mother of all inventions,” calling on manufacturers to re-engineer products, improve processes and focus on bottom-line performance to sustain growth through the current cycle.
Mr. Pramod Agarwal, President, Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association (IARPMA) and Chairman, Rama Paper Mills Ltd
Mr. Pramod Agarwal underlined the broader purpose of Paperex, describing it as more than a trade exhibition. “Paperex is more than an exhibition or conference. It is a platform where the entire pulp and paper fraternity comes together to exchange ideas, promote collaboration, and work collectively towards innovation and sustainability,” he said.
He highlighted the resilience of the Indian paper industry amid volatility and rising costs, attributing its strength to innovation, circular economy practices and continuous improvement in environmental performance. Emphasising the role of indigenous technologies, he noted that platforms like Paperex support the vision of Make in India and Make for the World, while thanking delegates, exhibitors and partners for their commitment to industry growth.
Mr. Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman, Paperex 2025 Technical Committee Sr. Adviser, Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association (IARPMA) and Former Executive Director & CEO, Shreyans Industries Limited
Mr. Anil Kumar reflected on the exponential growth of the exhibition, noting that exhibitor numbers have risen from under 100 in earlier years to more than 700 today. He paid tribute to the late Mr. K S Kasi Vishwanath, former chairman of the technical conference, acknowledging his leadership and contribution to the industry.
He outlined the theme of the technical conference- “Sustainable Growth of Paper, Packaging, Tissue and Allied Industries in the Changing Global Scenario”, and stressed that sustainability must be economic, social and environmental.
Over the next three days, 30 technical papers across six sessions would cover topics ranging from alternative fibres and market dynamics to green chemicals, packaging innovation and engineering advancements, with strong international participation.
Mr. Rahul Khanna, President, Indian Newspaper Manufacturers Association and Managing (INMA) and Director, Khanna Paper Mills
Mr. Rahul Khanna addressed the increasing unpredictability facing the industry. “The new global scenario is volatility,” he said, noting that the industry now experiences more extremes than balance. He highlighted challenges such as overseas dumping and price pressures, calling them the new normal.
Despite this, he expressed optimism about technological progress and the growing participation of younger professionals. He stressed that adopting the best available technologies and working collectively would be key to navigating the changing global scenario.
Mr. Mikael Forslund, President & CEO, Elof Hansson Group
In a reflective keynote, Mr. Mikael Forslund shared his long-standing connection with India and drew a powerful analogy between the brittleness of a single sheet of paper and the resilience of the industry and the country. “Paper has been at the heart of progress and peace,” he said.
He spoke about the responsibility that comes with industry growth, especially in the face of climate change and resource constraints. Highlighting innovations from global companies working on fibre-based alternatives to plastic, he stressed that “partnership is the new currency.” Collaboration, transparency and trust across the value chain, he said, are essential to turning sustainability from possibility into predictability.
Mr. Mikael Forslund further emphasised the sector’s societal relevance, noting that “paper, packaging and tissue products may not always capture the imagination, yet their significance cannot be overstated.” He cautioned that rapid, unmanaged growth could burden forests, water and energy systems, adding that “brittleness does not equate to weakness,” but calls for responsibility. True resilience, he said, lies in renewal, “the ability to transform challenges into opportunities” through innovation, trust and collaboration across the global value chain.
Mr. N. Gopalaratnam, Chairman, Seshasayee Paper and Boards Limited
Mr. N. Gopalaratnam, Chairman of Seshasayee Paper and Boards Limited, was felicitated at Paperex 2025 for his remarkable journey spanning over five decades in the paper industry. Reflecting on India’s progress, he said, “Our plantation programs today meet nearly 90 percent of the industry’s raw material requirements. This itself is a major achievement for a developing economy like ours.”
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Emphasizing the sector’s sustainability legacy, he added, “We practiced circularity long before it became a fashionable term. Recycling, responsible sourcing, and resource efficiency have always been integral to our operations.” Addressing current challenges, he remarked, “Yes, raw material costs and market volatility remain concerns, but I have immense faith in India’s scientific and technological capabilities to overcome these hurdles.”
Sharing his optimism about the future, he stated, “Our per capita paper consumption is still low, and that gives us tremendous growth potential. As literacy, education, and digital inclusion expand, demand will naturally rise.”
Concluding his thoughts, he said, “The Indian paper industry has shown resilience time and again. With innovation and sustainability at the core, I am confident our best years are still ahead.”
Mr. Peter Hall, President, Informa Markets in India
Mr. Peter Hall marked a milestone moment, noting that this was the first edition of Paperex under Informa Markets following the acquisition of Hyve India. Calling it “a very proud moment for all of us at Informa,” he expressed satisfaction at the strong global participation.
He observed that while sustainability expectations are rising and technology is reshaping manufacturing, India stands out as one of the most promising growth engines for the coming decade. This edition of Paperex, he noted, featured over 700 brands from 27 countries, showcasing innovation across pulp, paper, tissue and packaging.
Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets India Private Limited
Tracing the evolution of Paperex over three decades, Mr. Yogesh Mudras recalled its modest beginnings as a small conference with around 40 exhibitors. Today, he said, it has grown into “one of the largest shows in the world in the paper industry.”
He highlighted the scale of Paperex 2025, with over 700 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and an expected footfall of over 33,000 visitors. Stressing India’s growth potential, he noted that per capita paper consumption remains around 15 kg compared to the global average of 50–60 kg, while the industry is growing at about 13.4 percent CAGR and is expected to reach nearly USD 36 billion.
Mr. Mudras emphasised sustainability as the defining theme for the future, pointing out the industry’s inherent circularity with 60–70 percent recycling rates.
Mr. B.P. Thapliyal, Honorary Secretary (IARPMA),
concluded the ceremony by expressing heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, award recipients, sponsors, and industry partners for their presence and continued support. He thanked IARPMA, and Paperex for their collaboration in celebrating industry excellence. He reaffirmed IARPMA’s commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing and honoring leaders who shape the sector’s future.
Award Ceremony
The Indian Agro and Recycled Paper Mills Association (IARPMA), in association with Paperex, jointly presented the IARPMA Excellence Awards.
1. Shri N. Gopala Ratnam, Chairman, Seshasayee Paper and Boards Limited- IARPMA Achievement Award for outstanding contribution to making the Indian paper industry globally competitive.
2. Ms. Renu Pandit (Amit Paper Consultants & Engineers) – IARPMA Rising Star Award for pioneering contributions and consistency in the paper industry.
3. Late Shri K S Viswanathan, Former MD & CEO, Seshasayee Paper and Boards Limited- IARPMA Lifetime Achievement Award (posthumously) for his pioneering leadership and sustainable practices in the pulp and paper industry.
4. Bindals Paper Mills Ltd., Muzaffarnagar – IARPMA Excellence Award – Best Paper Mill
5. Haber Elixir Technologies Pvt. Ltd. – IARPMA Excellence Award – Innovation for application of AI and machine learning in chemical dosing and optimization.
6. SU-Tantra Equipments Pvt. Ltd. – IARPMA Excellence Award – Technology for advancements in indigenous paper machinery manufacturing.
