Wolkem India Launches New Coating-Grade and Filler-Grade Products for Paper Industry

Wolkem India Limited, is India’s largest supplier of ground calcium carbonate, to the paper and board industry, it continues to reinforce its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions. Speaking to Paper Mart, Mr. Gaurang Singhal, Director, Wolkem India Limited, highlighted Wolkem’s strong legacy of over 50 years, supported by its 25-year-old subsidiary Fimakem, which specialises in wet ground calcium carbonate FIMCARB slurry. The company has recently launched coating and filler-grade products, designed to improve paper gloss and reduce production costs. With strong ethics, a global – mining and manufacturing footprint, onsite & satellite plant model, and strong sustainability focus, Wolkem continues to play a key role in India’s evolving paper industry growth story.

Paper Mart: Could you introduce Wolkem India and Fimakem?

Gaurang Singhal: Wolkem India Limited is the parent company, headquartered in Udaipur and serves as a “mines-to-market” company that prizes its ability to own capital mineral assets, allowing the firm total control of its value chain, while serving 15 diversified customer industries across 4 continents. We are primarily engaged in Industrial Minerals such as Calcium Carbonate, Wollastonite, Dolomite, Talc etc, and provide consultancy in air, water, soil studies and environment management. Our subsidiary, Fimakem, focuses on Wet Ground Calcium Carbonate (WGCC) slurry production, catering mainly to the paper and board industry.

PM: What is new at Fimakem for the paper industry?

GS: We have recently developed, new coating-grade and filler-grade products for the paper and board industry. The coating-grade products are designed to enhance gloss, while the filler-grade products help reduce overall paper production costs. Both concepts address key performance and cost challenges faced by manufacturers.

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PM: Have these products already been launched in the market?

GS: Yes, products have already been launched this year and we have begun supplying them to customers.

PM: How has the market response been so far?

GS: The response has been very positive. We see strong interest from paper and board manufacturers, and there are good opportunities ahead. Fimakem has been associated with the paper industry for over 25 years, and Wolkem for more than 50 years, so customers trust our expertise and long-term commitment.

PM: What is your view on the current state of the Indian paper industry?

GS: India’s per capita paper consumption remains very low, which means the industry has significant growth potential. We are also seeing some level of consolidation across the sector. As one of the Pioneering suppliers of Calcium Carbonate, holding a major market share, we are proud to be part of the industry’s growth journey.

India’s per capita paper consumption remains comparatively low, which means the industry has significant growth potential. We are also seeing consolidation across the sector.

PM: What challenges do you foresee for the industry?

GS: One of the key challenges is imports of raw materials, which put pressure on domestic suppliers. However, innovation and value creation for customers are essential. We believe suppliers must support customers by enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.

PM: Wolkem is known for its satellite plant concept. Could you explain this model?

GS: 25 years ago, Wet Ground Calcium Carbonate Slurry was new to the Paper industry, we had to explain what it was, its uses. We were also the first to introduce the satellite or onsite plant concept in India. Under this model, we install a dedicated production facility either within or very close to a customer’s paper or board plant. This ensures just-in-time supply, lower inventory costs, consistent quality, and improved operational efficiency for customers.

Today, we have the maximum number of satellite plants, serving the largest number of customers in our industry and operate across 5 states of India, ensuring Just-in-Time supply to virtually every major Paper and Board plant in the country.

PM: Sustainability is often debated in the paper industry. How does Wolkem contribute?

GS: Sustainability is central to our philosophy. We focus on environmental protection, water conservation, natural resource preservation, corporate social responsibility, health and safety. Being in the natural resources business, responsible sourcing and green manufacturing practices are integral to how we operate, the awards and certifications we win regularly for our efforts are testimony.

PM: What are Wolkem’s future plans over the next five years?

GS: Our plans include strengthening our raw material base, both within India and internationally, expanding our footprint in the paper and board industry, and introducing new products and services. There are many growth opportunities ahead, and we are well positioned to capture them.

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PM: What is Wolkem’s market presence today?

GS: We are fortunate to be the world’s largest wollastonite and India’s leading Ground Calcium Carbonate producer. Our carbonate slurry business is entirely domestic, as it cannot be transported internationally, where we hold the highest market share in India, supplying to almost all paper and board manufacturers. We operate 12 mining and manufacturing sites, across 6 states of India and in Malaysia, ensuring proximity to customers and Mineral Assets.

PM: Is there anything else you would like to add?

GS: We remain deeply committed to the paper and board industry. Being a family business means we take a long-term approach. Our values, ethics, Sustainability, reliable supply, and long-term value creation are core to our vision. With a workforce of around 1,200 people, we believe India is in a strong position for growth, despite challenges, and we are excited to be part of that journey.