With a current production capacity of approximately 1,20,000 metric tonnes per annum, Apollo Papers is planning product portfolio expansion to include paper bag grades and Virgin Top Liner (VTL), aligning with evolving sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. In an exclusive interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Dinesh Haripara, Managing Director at Apollo Papers LLP, shares that the company is planning phased capacity enhancement and is leveraging its strategic proximity to Mundra Port to strengthen its export footprint across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America by offering customised, high-performance recycled grades tailored to global market needs.
Paper Mart: Could you begin by giving us an overview of your packaging paper and board operations – including your production capacity, facility locations, and manufacturing setup?
Dinesh Haripara: At Apollo Papers, we have strategically developed a robust and scalable packaging paper and board operation to cater to the growing demand from retail, e-commerce, FMCG, and various industrial sectors. Our manufacturing facility is located in Morbi, Gujarat—close to India’s largest seaport, Mundra Port—ensuring efficient logistics and a strong distribution network for both domestic and international markets.
We currently have a total production capacity of approximately 1,20,000 metric tonnes per annum. Our product portfolio is focused on high-BF and high-performance kraft paper (HRCT), as well as test liner and fluting media, all in recycled packaging grades.
We are also targeting more export markets. Our operations place a strong emphasis on sustainability and circular economy practices, including advanced wastewater treatment systems, energy-efficient processes, and a high usage of recycled fibre sourced from reputed global suppliers.
To further strengthen our raw material base, we have recently visited the USA to establish long-term supply agreements for specific long fibre sources, ensuring consistency and quality in our production.
Our integrated manufacturing setup is designed to deliver consistent quality, with flexibility in GSM, BF, and RCT values, allowing for customised specifications based on client requirements. Our continuous investment in automation, R&D, and quality assurance helps us maintain high standards and stay aligned with the evolving needs of the market.
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PM: Please walk us through your current product portfolio. What grades, GSM ranges, and end-use applications do you cater to, and are there any speciality packaging paper and board products you offer?
DH: Apollo Papers offers a high-performance range of recycled packaging paper products designed to meet the dynamic needs of both domestic and export markets. Our core product portfolio includes high BF kraft paper (BF range: 18–35), high RCT grades, test liner and fluting media.
Manufactured with a strong focus on strength, durability, and printability, our products perform exceptionally well in high-speed corrugation lines. We offer GSM ranges from 90 to 250, catering to a wide spectrum of applications.
The end-use applications include corrugated boxes, e-commerce and FMCG packaging, industrial packaging, agricultural produce boxes, export-grade cartons, and paper bags.
We continuously develop customised grades to meet specific customer requirements, including tailored GSM/BF combinations for load-bearing packaging, enhanced surface finish for superior printability, long-fibre kraft grades using imported fibre for higher strength, high tear factor papers for paper bag applications, and plans to introduce Virgin Top Liner (VTL) for premium packaging solutions, mostly used for white line goods, such as electronic home appliances.
Our flexible manufacturing setup and customer-centric approach enable us to deliver performance-driven, sustainable solutions, positioning Apollo Papers as a trusted partner in the packaging paper segment.
PM: Which are your key domestic and international markets? How has your market footprint evolved in the past few years?
DH: Apollo Papers has established a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. Domestically, we serve key packaging hubs across India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, M.P., Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, and Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, catering to a wide network of corrugated box manufacturers and packaging converters. Mostly, we sell our 80% capacity to direct corrugators.
In recent years, our market reach has grown significantly, driven by our focus on quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. The proximity of our facility to Mundra Port has played a strategic role in strengthening our global logistics capabilities, enabling faster turnaround and efficient export operations.
Our recent efforts to secure long-fibre raw material sources from the USA further reflect our commitment to meeting international quality standards and enhancing product strength for overseas clients. As a result, Apollo Papers is increasingly recognised as a reliable export-oriented packaging paper manufacturer.
The rapid growth of e-commerce, FMCG, and organised retail has significantly increased the demand for strong, lightweight, and sustainable packaging solutions.
PM: Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of packaging. What steps have you taken to integrate environmentally responsible practices into your manufacturing and sourcing?
DH: At Apollo Papers, sustainability is deeply embedded in our manufacturing philosophy and long-term growth strategy. As the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions grows, we have taken several proactive steps to ensure our operations align with global environmental standards. Some of these steps are:
100% Recycled Fibre-Based Production: Our entire product line is manufactured using recycled fibre, significantly reducing our dependence on virgin pulp and contributing to the circular economy.
Sustainable Sourcing: We procure high-quality recycled fibre from reputed global suppliers and have recently explored long-fibre sources from the USA to enhance product strength while maintaining sustainability.
Efficient Resource Management: Our facility is equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems and closed-loop water usage, minimising freshwater consumption and environmental discharge.
Energy Efficiency: We have adopted energy-efficient machinery and processes to reduce our carbon footprint and overall energy usage across production lines.
Low-Waste Operations: Through process optimisation and continuous monitoring, we ensure minimal raw material wastage and aim for near-zero landfill contribution.
Future Commitments: We are actively exploring renewable energy integration, enhanced carbon tracking, and biodegradable chemical alternatives to further strengthen our sustainability roadmap.
By combining innovation with responsibility, Apollo Papers is committed to delivering high-performance packaging papers while contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
PM: How has demand for packaging paper and board evolved post-COVID and amid growing e-commerce and FMCG consumption? Which segments are currently driving the most growth for you?
DH: Post-COVID, the packaging paper and board industry has undergone a significant transformation, driven by shifts in consumer behaviour, evolving supply chains, and a growing emphasis on sustainability.
The rapid rise of e-commerce, FMCG, and organised retail has accelerated the demand for strong, lightweight, and eco-friendly packaging materials. At Apollo Papers, we have seen a steady increase in demand for our high-BF kraft paper, test liner, fluting media, and low GSM high-tear strength papers across a wide range of applications.
The key growth segments include e-commerce packaging converters, FMCG brands and suppliers, industrial and export-grade corrugated box manufacturers, food and fresh produce packaging, and paper bags, especially for grocery, fruits & vegetables, garments, and retail use.
The paper bag segment, in particular, is experiencing robust growth as businesses and consumers increasingly shift away from plastic. Our high-tear strength, low GSM kraft paper grades are specifically designed to meet the durability and printability needs of this segment, making them ideal for a variety of retail and daily-use applications.
Additionally, the demand from sectors like agriculture, consumer durables, and pharmaceuticals continues to grow, driven by the need for moisture-resistant and performance-grade packaging.
Our flexibility in offering customised GSM/BF combinations and long-fibre-based kraft paper ensures that we stay aligned with these dynamic market needs. As sustainability becomes a priority, Apollo Papers remains committed to delivering high-performance, eco-conscious packaging solutions.
PM: According to recent global market data, the packaging paper and board market is projected to grow steadily through 2033. How are you positioning your business to tap into this rising global demand
DH: To tap into the rising global demand, Apollo Papers is focusing on expanding export capacities, enhancing product quality with long-fibre inputs, and developing high-performance, eco-friendly grades tailored for international markets. With our strategic location near Mundra Port, continuous investment in technology, and customer-centric innovation, we are well-positioned to scale globally and meet the evolving needs of the packaging industry.
PM: What are some of the most significant technological upgrades or process improvements you’ve made recently in your mills to enhance quality, reduce waste, or optimize energy usage?
DH: At Apollo Papers, we are committed to continuous improvement and have implemented several key technological upgrades to enhance product quality, minimize waste, and improve energy efficiency across our manufacturing operations:
We have integrated real-time monitoring and automated quality control systems to ensure consistent GSM, BF, and RCT values across every roll produced. Our recent investments in energy-efficient motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and process automation have helped us significantly reduce power consumption and optimize overall plant performance.
We have introduced a centralised Electric Management System to monitor, analyse, and control energy consumption across all departments in real time. This enables us to identify inefficiencies, prevent energy losses, and make data-driven decisions to further improve power usage and reduce operational costs.
We have enhanced pulping and refining equipment, allowing better fibre dispersion and bonding, resulting in stronger, smoother paper with improved printability. We have implemented closed-loop water systems, improved trimming and broken recovery processes, and better fibre retention systems to minimise raw material and water wastage.
Finally, our process data tracking and analytics tools have been introduced to support preventive maintenance, reduce downtime, and improve machine efficiency. These upgrades not only support our sustainability goals but also strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality, performance-driven packaging papers that meet the needs of modern converters and end-users.
We have seen a steady increase in demand for our high-BF kraft paper, test liner, fluting media, and low GSM high-tear strength papers across a wide range of applications.
PM: Are you seeing a shift in customer preference toward higher-strength or lightweight packaging paper and board variants? How are you balancing performance with cost-efficiency in product development
DH: We are witnessing a clear shift in customer preference toward higher-BF as well as low GSM packaging paper and board variants by reducing the number of ply in the box.
This trend is driven by the growing demand for cost-effective, sustainable, and durable packaging solutions—especially in sectors like e-commerce, FMCG, and retail, where performance and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
At Apollo Papers, we address this shift by focusing on optimised GSM/BF combinations, use of long-fibre raw material, and cost-efficient manufacturing.
We develop lightweight papers with high BF and RCT values, ensuring strength without adding excess weight, resulting in reduced packaging costs and improved shipping efficiency.
By incorporating long-fibre content from reputed international sources, we enhance paper strength while maintaining recyclability and resource efficiency.
Through process optimisation, automation, and waste minimisation, we are able to offer competitively priced products without compromising on quality or performance.
This balanced approach allows us to deliver high-performance papers that meet the evolving needs of our customers while aligning with global trends in sustainability and cost-conscious packaging.
PM: What are the major challenges you currently face as a packaging paper and board manufacturer– be it raw material volatility, energy costs, logistics, or regulatory changes? How are you navigating them?
DH: As a packaging paper and board manufacturer, one of our primary challenges is raw material price volatility, especially due to fluctuations in the US dollar. Since we rely on imported long-fibre and other recycled fibre sources, changes in exchange rates directly impact procurement costs.
Additionally, inconsistent availability and rising global prices of waste paper and recovered fibre pose ongoing supply chain challenges. Combined with increasing energy costs and logistics disruptions, these factors put significant pressure on margins and planning.
To navigate these issues, we have adopted a multi-pronged approach such as diversified sourcing from multiple geographies to reduce dependency on any single market, forward booking and inventory planning to buffer against price swings, investments in energy-efficient systems to lower operating costs, process optimization and waste reduction to improve overall cost efficiency, and close monitoring of currency trends and strategic procurement to manage forex exposure. This proactive strategy helps us remain competitive while maintaining product quality and delivery commitments in a volatile global environment.
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PM: Looking ahead, what’s your strategic roadmap in terms of capacity expansion, backward integration, export push, product diversification? How do you envision your mill’s role in the global packaging paper and board value chain in the next 5 years?
DH: While the industry is currently facing a phase of slowed demand due to global economic uncertainty and inventory corrections, we see this as a temporary phase and are strategically positioning ourselves for long-term growth.
Our 5-year roadmap includes capacity expansion, backwards integration, export market focus, and product diversification.
We are planning phased capacity enhancement to be ready when market demand revives, ensuring we can serve larger volumes with consistent quality. We are also evaluating opportunities by developing an association for fibre sourcing to reduce raw material dependency and cost volatility.
With our proximity to Mundra Port, we aim to strengthen our export presence in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, offering tailored, high-performance recycled grades for global customers.
We are expanding into paper bag grades, VTL (Virgin Top Liner), to meet evolving sustainability and regulatory needs.
We envision Apollo Papers playing a more prominent role in the global packaging paper value chain by offering reliable, sustainable, and cost-efficient solutions. Through a blend of operational efficiency, customer-centric innovation, and market agility, we are committed to being future-ready despite current demand challenges.
As the packaging industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering sustainable, high-performance solutions that meet the changing needs of both domestic and global markets.
With a strong foundation, a forward-looking strategy, and a customer-centric approach, we are confident in our ability to grow responsibly and contribute meaningfully to the packaging paper and board industry.
Our recent efforts to secure long-fibre raw material sources from the USA further reflect our commitment to meeting international quality standards and enhancing product strength for overseas clients.
