In today’s fast-paced world, packaging plays a crucial role in product presentation and protection. Paper packaging materials have gained significant popularity due to their eco-friendliness and versatility. Among the numerous suppliers of paper packaging materials, Shitla Papers stands out as a leading provider. With over 40 years of experience, they have served over 1500 clients resulting in annual sales of more than 2,00,000 MT. They have recently launched “Ekvee Food Wraps” catering to the food packaging industry, an organic cellulose paper offering a sustainable alternative to various non-biodegradable foils. In a recent interaction with Paper Mart magazine, Mr. Ayush Mittal, Managing Director, Shitla Papers Private Limited, talked about the company’s history, product portfolio, USPs, and market footprint. He also talked about the evolution of the Indian paper industry and forecast for the coming years.
Paper Mart: Can you provide a brief introduction to Shitla Papers Private Limited, its history, and milestones?
Ayush Mittal: Established in 1983, Shitla Papers has established itself as a reputable supplier of high-quality paper packaging material. With 40 years of experience in the industry, the company has a deep understanding of customer needs and offers a wide range of packaging solutions. We have an annual supply capacity of 4 lakh tonnes of paper, and we take great pride in our remarkable achievements that have propelled us to the forefront of the paper industry.
We are committed to providing premium paper and packaging solutions to our clients and excel in serving paper products worldwide. Our vision is to consistently deliver the finest quality products across the globe and to contribute to our customer’s success. At Shitla Papers, we are deeply committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Shitla Papers’ eco-friendly offerings allow businesses to align with their green initiatives while ensuring the safety of their products.
PM: Please shed light on your market footprint.
AM: We have a strong presence in India and abroad, with head office in New Delhi. We have a network of more than 200 associate offices, 20+ sales offices, and 10+ branch offices across India and a presence in 10 countries across the globe.
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PM: Could you please tell us about your product portfolio?
AM: Shitla Papers takes pride in offering a diverse range of kraft paper products. From lightweight options suitable for packaging to sturdy variants used in industrial applications, we have it all. We have the ability to tailor products to specific customer requirements which has garnered us a loyal clientele across various sectors, distinguishing us as one of the most customer-focused kraft paper manufacturers. Our comprehensive product portfolio encompasses a wide range of packaging grades, including kraft paper, duplex board, virgin top liner, and FBB/SBS board. Additionally, we offer a variety of specialty papers, such as carry bag papers, bleached kraft, MG kraft, MG poster PE-coated, and uncoated. We also deal in black kraft paper, available in 50 GSM to 300 GSM with high bursting quality and tear resistance. We also supply pulp/waste paper and absorbent kraft to meet the diverse needs of our customers. We trade an extensive range of lightweight GSM materials encompassing a wide spectrum, spanning from 15 GSM to 90 GSM and 12 BF to 45 BF. We provide reliable packaging products that demand durability and elegant presentation.
PM: What are your USPs and what sets your company apart as a leading supplier in the paper industry?
AM: Our unwavering commitment to excellence is reflected in our comprehensive range of USPs, designed to provide our customers with an unparalleled experience. We are dedicated to on-time delivery, with priority service provided by all our channel partners. Our 24/7 support team is always available to assist our clients, and each customer is assigned a dedicated account manager to ensure personalized attention. We offer a wide variety of options for every type of product, making us your one-stop solution for all your packaging needs. With our exceptional after-sales support, our clients can rest assured that we are here to support them every step of the way.
PM: Kindly tell us about the recent developments along with future plans.
AM: As we expand our services globally, we anticipate enhanced reach and engagement across all sectors, aiming not only to secure the highest double-digit market share but also to establish ourselves as an industry leader, capturing the hearts and minds of those we serve. We have recently launched “Ekvee Food Wraps” catering to the food packaging industry. It is an organic cellulose paper offering a sustainable alternative to various non-biodegradable foils, demonstrating our commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
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PM: What is your suggestion to the industry to make paper more sustainable?
AM: The concept of green business practices has gained significant momentum as individuals, corporations and governments recognize the urgent need to address environmental challenges. Green business practices encompass a range of sustainable strategies that aim to reduce the negative impact of businesses on the environment while simultaneously fostering long-term growth. One of the primary benefits of implementing green practices in business operations is cost savings. By optimizing energy consumption, reducing waste, and using sustainable materials, companies can cut down on expenses while enhancing efficiency. According to me, the industry should focus on increasing operational efficiency by reducing costs and minimizing waste. Additionally, I would encourage investing in paper recycling, along with education and awareness campaigns for individuals and businesses to promote the selection of sustainably produced paper products and support environmentally conscious brands, which are essential practices in this regard. Furthermore, fostering certification and labeling paper products with recognized eco-labels can enhance transparency and empower consumers to make informed choices.
PM: How has the paper industry evolved in recent years and what trends do you foresee in the near future?
AM: The Indian paper industry has exhibited consistent growth over the years, driven by factors such as increasing literacy rate, population growth, urbanization, and economic development. Moreover, the demand for paper-based packaging materials, such as cartons and corrugated boxes, has been rising due to the growth of e-commerce and organized retail sectors in the country. Several initiatives undertaken by the Indian government, such as the “Make in India” campaign and the focus on improving infrastructure, have also been supportive of the growth of various industries, including the paper industry. These initiatives aim to attract investment, promote manufacturing, and generate employment opportunities, which can have a positive impact on the paper industry as well. Furthermore, there is a growing awareness of sustainability and environmental concerns in India. This has led to an increased emphasis on eco-friendly practices, including the use of recycled paper and responsible sourcing of raw materials.
The Indian paper industry has the potential to capitalize on this trend by adopting sustainable practices and offering eco-friendly paper products. While I cannot provide a definitive forecast, the Indian paper industry is likely to continue growing in the near future, supported by factors such as economic development, increasing literacy rates, increasing demand for packaging materials, and a growing focus on sustainability.
