Kuantum Papers Limited is a leading manufacturer of agro and wood-based writing & printing, copier and specialty papers, with a remarkable presence of over four decades in the industry. Their product portfolio extends a wide range of paper grades that cater to various industries and applications and meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Beyond its focus on product excellence, the company prioritizes efforts to reduce its environmental impact, promote inclusive communities and maintain strong governance standards.
In today’s era, there is a paradigm shift towards the adoption of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles that have emerged as the guiding compass for businesses as a way to contribute to a more responsible future. Within the Paper Industry, Kuantum Papers is a distinguished name, setting the benchmark for sustainable leadership. Through a robust framework of ESG initiatives integrated into every facet of its operations, the company is reshaping the landscape of corporate responsibility.
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Green Initiatives: Beyond Paper, Preserving the Planet
Rooted in an unwavering belief in sustainability, encapsulated in the motto ‘Kuantum for Earth’, the company is proactively engaged in a series of endeavors with an aim to minimize its ecological footprint and make a lasting impact on the communities that it serves.
At the forefront of their eco-conscious strategies is the establishment of an on-site Clonal Propagation Center (CPC) with a current production capacity of 20 lacs saplings annually. Kuantum is on the trajectory to grow 1 crore saplings per year and is poised to cover 12500 acres of plantation per annum over the next three years, contributing significantly to reforestation and biodiversity conservation efforts. It has also been pivotal in ensuring the cultivation of superior clones of various fast-growing and high-yielding pulp wood species such as Eucalyptus, Poplar, Casuarina, Melia and Subabul saplings. These clones are distributed to the local farming community at subsidized rates and the farmers are provided training about soil development, pre-planting and post-planting activities as part of the Social Farm Forestry Program, thus enabling an additional source of income.
Water Conservation is of paramount importance to Kuantum Papers. The company has taken proactive steps to reduce the consumption of water by reusing and recycling water within plant operations and ensuring that all treated wastewater is being utilized for the irrigation of more than 2000 acres of land in nearby fields. Several advanced technologies have been deployed that are making a significant difference in reducing dependency on freshwater resources including Disc Filters, Conical Save-Alls, Micro Plate Settlers (MPS) and Dissolved Air Floatation (DAF). Additionally, Kuantum recycles hot water from heat exchangers, employs volute press equipment for handling secondary sludge and utilizes a triple wire belt press at its Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). These initiatives have collectively reduced freshwater consumption by an impressive 2500 m³/day. The company is working continuously on further reducing fresh water usage by 5 m³/tonne of paper.
Recognizing the significance of energy conservation in combating climate change, Kuantum Papers has invested in a Co-Generation Power Plant that uses biomass like rice husk, wood dust and wheat straw dust to reduce the usage of fossil fuels and GHG emissions.
The company’s efforts extend to the restoration of damaged ecosystems, encompassing the identification and reforestation of barren lands close to its facilities. Through initiatives centered on tree plantation in specific communities, it aims to promote green cover, address soil erosion and alleviate groundwater depletion.
Social Responsibility: Empowering Communities and Promoting Well-Being
Beyond its core business operations, Kuantum stands as a beacon of social responsibility, driven by a deep-seated commitment to empowering and uplifting communities, with a focus on education, health and rural development.
The company operates a high school for 400 students in the surrounding villages, equipped with modern facilities and qualified teachers to provide a conducive learning environment for all. It also supports Anganwadi Schools to help young children receive basic healthcare, nutrition and early education.
In the domain of healthcare, Kuantum regularly organizes free medical check-up camps periodically, benefiting around 2000 people in neighbouring villages to promote preventive healthcare practices and ensure the well-being of the local population. Furthermore, the installation of RO systems and the facilitation of an overhead water tank at Saila Khurd Village has led to improved access to clean drinking water.
Rural development initiatives include the provision of sewage treatment plants (STP) in Bharatpur Jattan, the construction of the Suvidha Centre building in Garhshankar and the distribution of sewing machines, providing women with the means to generate income and become self-reliant.
Also Read: Valmet Achieves 100 Percent Carbon Neutral Production in Pulp & Paper
Governance Excellence: Upholding Ethical Standards and Human Rights
Adhering to robust compliance practices, Kuantum ensures that its operations align with its core values and serve the best interests of all its stakeholders. Transparency and ethical conduct are non-negotiable principles that underpin every facet of the company’s activities.
In line with international frameworks such as the OECD guidelines and the UN guiding principles, Kuantum is also intensifying its efforts to reinforce its commitment to human rights. This entails strengthening due diligence procedures, providing comprehensive human rights training to employees and conducting thorough onsite assessments to identify and address potential risks. The company proactively identifies salient human rights issues and develops targeted action plans to mitigate them effectively.
Looking ahead, Kuantum Papers envisions a future where sustainability is the cornerstone of global business practices. Driven by a shared commitment to a brighter, greener tomorrow, the company continues to pave the way towards optimized resource utilization, minimized environmental impact and heightened societal welfare. As it embarks on this transformative journey, Kuantum Papers remains an epitome of purpose-driven leadership, inspiring positive change within the Paper Industry and beyond.
