MLM Group is strengthening its footprint in India while exploring new value-added applications. The company shared its plans for pharma-grade Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) production from pulp, alongside its ongoing innovations in packaging and technical paper. In an exclusive interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Chirag Jain, Founder & Director – MSIL, MLM India, shared that the company is also expanding its pan-India warehousing network, addressing logistics and supply chain efficiency. Currently, the group has warehouses in Delhi, Mumbai, and Gujarat, with plans to add facilities in South and East India. The company anticipates robust growth in packaging paper, corrugation, and technical grades, while keeping an eye on geopolitical and global trade challenges that could impact supply chains.
Paper Mart: Are there any specific innovations in the pipeline that you would like to share?
Chirag Jain: Yes, we are venturing into pharma applications. We are planning a plant for Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) made from pulp. This product has potential applications in pharma, cosmetics, and other industries. This is one of our key focus areas for forward integration and value addition.
Watch: Top Paper Companies 2023
PM: What opportunities do you see in the Indian paper industry over the next five years?
CJ: The opportunities depend on the sector. Packaging, corrugation, and technical grades are growing 10–15% per year. E-commerce, food packaging, and both primary and secondary packaging are driving demand. India is also a net importer of pulp, so we are bullish on virgin fiber imports and the pulp sector.
PM: What strategies are you employing to expand your market presence domestically and internationally?
CJ: Domestically, we are expanding warehouses across India. Currently, we have warehouses in Delhi- 3,000–4,000 tonnes capacity, Mumbai- 10,000 tonnes capacity, also our largest warehouse and Gujarat- 5,000 tonnes capacity. We are now planning warehouses in South India and East India. This pan-India distribution allows us to serve customers efficiently, from small orders to large-scale requirements, with services like splitting, rewinding, cutting, and sheeting.
PM: What supply chain issues have you observed recently?
CJ: Most supply chain issues come from geopolitical disturbances, like sanctions, transport disruptions (e.g., Red Sea incidents), or tariff wars. For virgin fiber products, there are currently no major challenges. Some constraints exist in the recycled/waste segment, as the EU prefers to consume local waste internally.
Also Read: Bhola Ram Group Strengthens Paper Portfolio with Debt-Free Operations and INR 30 Crore Capex
PM: How do you foresee the Indian paper and packaging industry over the next 5–10 years?
CJ: I’m not very bullish on writing, printing, or publication paper. However, packaging paper, boards, and technical paper are growing at 10–12% annually, making it a sustainable business. Consolidation is happening among converters and traders. Traders and converters will evolve in two ways: they will either specialize in niche markets or focus on volume business. Creativity will also play a major role– traders and converters who innovate in product applications or packaging solutions will sustain and grow, while those who rely purely on volume may face challenges. Overall, the market is set for structural changes and strategic evolution across both packaging and trading segments.
Rooted in the 90-year Mitthanjee legacy, MLM India Limited, established in 1948, is a leading importer and indentor of paper, paperboard, pulp, and newsprint—championing trusted global paper trade across generations.
