India’s kraft paper and containerboard market is rapidly evolving, with corrugators shifting focus from traditional BF to performance metrics such as SCT and ECT, alongside increasing emphasis on lightweighting and runnability. In an exclusive interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Mihir Shah, Director, and Mr. Sunil Shah, Managing Director, Aryan Paper Mills, explain how the company is responding to these shifts through technology-led investments, including advanced Kadant stock preparation systems, Valmet headboxes and Bellmer shoe press installations. They discuss key demand drivers, fiber security through global wastepaper sourcing, export learnings from serving over 15 international markets, and the critical capabilities Indian recyclers must build to remain competitive.
Paper Mart: If we look at your kraft paper and kraftliner business today, how would you characterise its scale and mix? How do you see that portfolio evolving over the next few years?
Mihir Shah: We are witnessing a clear shift from the end-user perspective, where performance evaluation is moving away from traditional BF toward parameters such as Short-span Compression Test (SCT) and Edge Crush Test (ECT). Corrugated box plants are making significant investments in high-speed and advanced equipment, and paper mills must rise to meet these evolving requirements.
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PM: What’s driving demand in India right now? Are there particular segments that stand out, and which ones will shape the next phase of growth?
Sunil Shah: Demand has remained steady across key segments, with electronics, FMCG and e-commerce continuing to be strong growth drivers. In addition, we foresee a significant demand upswing in fresh produce boxes, which will be an important growth segment in the coming years.
PM: Fiber security is a recurring concern in India. How are you approaching long-term access to wastepaper and managing quality and price volatility?
MS: We have established partnerships with some of the largest wastepaper balers in the United States. Additionally, our proximity to two ports within 120 kilometres gives us logistical flexibility, enhances competitiveness and allows us to work with multiple shipping lines, thereby reducing supply-side risks.
We have installed Kadant stock preparation systems, Valmet headboxes and a Bellmer shoe press.
PM: What are the biggest cost pressures you are dealing with today, and how are Indian recyclers responding to remain competitive?
SS: Wastepaper and energy continue to be the primary cost drivers for recyclers. To address this, the industry requires long-term government support, particularly with regard to assured coal allocation, to maintain cost stability and competitiveness.
PM: From your conversations with customers, how are expectations evolving, particularly around performance, consistency and lightweighting?
MS: Performance and consistency have become non-negotiable. Since we export to more than 15 countries, we have gained valuable learnings by competing with international players. Factors such as reel build-up, uniform moisture profile and runnability on high-speed corrugation lines are critical, especially as lightweighting becomes more prevalent.
We have established partnerships with some of the largest wastepaper balers in the United States.
PM: Where are you directing investments currently—capacity, efficiency, sustainability or technology—and what is guiding these decisions?
MS: Our investments are firmly focused on technology and process efficiency. We have installed Kadant stock preparation systems, Valmet headboxes and a Bellmer shoe press. These technologies enable us to deliver paper with superior uniformity, consistency and performance.
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PM: Over the next decade, what will Indian kraft and containerboard producers need to get right to stay ahead?
SS: The key will be mastering lightweighting while maintaining high RCT values and ensuring excellent runnability on modern corrugation lines.
Production
• Kraft Paper Grades Manufactured by your Company: Kraft paper grades ranging from 20 BF to 40 BF, catering to a wide range of corrugated packaging applications.
• Kraft Paper Manufacturing Capacity: 12,000 tonnes per month.
