From its modest beginning in 1982, Naini Papers Limited has evolved over the years by embracing technology in the art of making paper. It has grown through calculated steps taken by the management and infusion of guidance by its Managing Director Pawan Agarwal. The group’s brand positioning, ‘Ethically firm, environmentally strong’ resonates the business culture of the organization.
Paper is one of the most environmentally sustainable products on the Earth. It is biodegradable, bio-compostable, and one of the most recycled products of the planet, sights Mr. Pawan Agarwal, Managing Director of Naini Papers Limited. But pulp and paper mills have to focus on their processes and adopt and adapt technologies that make the paper-making process environmentally friendly, to suit the industry requirement, scale of operations and economy of scale of the Indian paper industry.
The myth of ‘Save Paper, Save Forest’ has been dispelled and it has been duly recognized that paper has been the most sustainable product. It is an economically viable and environmentally feasible alternative to single use plastic. Many companies are looking for opportunities to replace single use plastic with paper such as the food industry, cosmetic industry and many more, thus leading to the booming potential of the sector. But this potential can be fully utilized only when it is backed by sustainable initiatives that lead to resource optimization, environment preservation and maximum profitability.
Sourcing of Paper Fiber
According to Mr. Agarwal, over 70 percent of pulp in the paper industry in India is obtained from recycled pulp whereas virgin pulp constitutes 28 percent of the pulp and paper industry. This has led to imports of virgin pulp from other countries, eventually leading to the rising cost of paper products in India.
Furthermore, another challenge grasping the pulp production is that the paper recovery rate in India is only 50 percent, and the vision is to increase this percentage to 65 percent by 2030. Thus, procurement of pulp remains a challenge for the industry. Mr. Agarwal has suggested, in one of its conferences, that the government must allow the paper mills to irrigate on degraded land. This will not only improve the soil fertility, prevent land degradation and decrease pollution levels but the waste land could also reap economic benefits as it can be used to grow trees that could generate virgin fiber for the paper industry.
Watch: In Pursuit of Lesser Water Footprint
Sustainable Manufacturing and Water Efficiency
In its manufacturing operations, the black liquor generated from the mill is completely incinerated in a chemical recovery plant to generate green energy and caustic is recovered. Apart from that, the company has reduced its freshwater consumption to 1200 m3/day from 1900 m3/day, after the installation of the IBS showering system on the paper machine.
The ETP (Effluent treatment plant) comprises an Activated Sludge process and a state-of-the-art DCS-based bio-methanation plant from the Netherlands for high effluent load drains followed by tertiary treatment. The company recycles approx. 50% ETP treated effluent after the secondary stage for wet washing of raw material and wetting of bagasse wet bulk storage. Balance 50% is tertiary treatment before discharge.
The company also recycles its waste water discharge following the zero liquid discharge concept. The company has installed a ZLD plant of capacity 2000 m3/day after tertiary treatment which consists of 2 stage RO followed by multiple effect evaporators for reject handling followed by ATFD (Agitated thin film dryer). The reusable water recovery (TDS < 100 ppm) from the complete system is about 95%.
Waste Management
Apart from its sustainable manufacturing operations and water efficiency, Naini Papers also focuses on its waste management initiatives. The company continues to manage its waste in a responsible manner and exceed regulatory requirements wherever possible. It is committed to reducing waste and increasing the disposal of waste through sustainable vendors that can reuse, recover or recycle the waste products. The company is also committed to reducing its hazardous waste and ensuring that its disposal is handled by appropriate vendors.
Stakeholders Going Green
Naini Papers is continuously working with stakeholders and partners to protect the environment, increasingly understanding the environmental issues and disseminating good practices to the community. The company is committed to making continuous improvements in the management of environmental impacts. This includes selecting contractors and suppliers based on their ESG performance, which it continually reviewed and tested. Apart from that, the paper manufacturer also collaborates with downstream operations to reduce the environmental impacts on the logistics and supply chain.
The pulp and paper mill is also a responsible neighbour that effectively engages with local communities regarding its operations and come up with emergency response plans. The company is committed to minimizing its environmental impacts through adequate engagement with relevant stakeholders.
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Climate Change
Climate change is a widely recognized international concern with national and international governments constantly delving over policies and frameworks to resolve this. Naini Papers is also firmly committed to doing their bit to overcome this crisis.
Naini Papers is determined to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations in a manner that supports national strategies and is in line with the commitment to its stakeholders to operate a sustainable business.
The company’s strategies include climate change risk mitigation and innovation to reduce environmental impacts, engagement with stakeholders, public disclosure, and mechanisms to ensure accountability for climate change-related matters within the organization.
The key focus of the company is to assess the potential impact to its business from evolving climate change policies as part of its ongoing risk management processes; to work actively with the key stakeholders including suppliers to improve the reduction of waste; and to report annually on the progress made by the mill.
Biodiversity Conservation
Naini Papers is committed to conserving and promoting biodiversity by integrating sustainable development goals into its business operations and striving to enhance biodiversity wherever possible.
The company has worked with relevant authorities and affected parties when operating from sites that are surrounded by natural habitats, to ensure their protection through effective pollution control measures and management plans, to conserve or enhance the biodiversity. Furthermore, the mill complies with relevant statutory requirements and guidelines, with respect to designated areas, on any of the new development sites.
The company developed appropriate action plans in partnership with officials and organizations that promote biodiversity on a local and national level, and identify ways in which the company can support the development of selected programs and initiatives.
Conclusion
Naini Papers is strongly committed to manufacturing writing and printing, industrial grade & copier papers that are developed in a safe, healthy & clean environment and is taking every possible measure to adopt and adapt green technologies to achieve end-to-end sustainable operations.
